Spier Wine Estate, Cape Town

...experience awaits you at historic Spier in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands. Spier is undoubtedly the most unique Winelands development in the world.."

This is the quote on the Spier website, and believe you me they are right on the money!! With fabulous wines, a great picturesque
setting and friendly knowledgeable staff, Spier is the best wine estate that I have visited to date.

Spier wine estate ...
...marked road signs. Alternatively the Spier train runs on set dates monthly from Spier Monument Station in Cape Town to the Spier Estate; with return tickets costing just R100/R50 (£9/£4.50) per adult/child.

Wine:

Spiers wines have been recognised worldwide as being consistently of the highest quality. Wine tastings are conducted in English, Afrikaans and German. There area number of wine tasting options available, which ... more

"An enchanting Cape African experience awaits you at historic Spier in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands. Spier is undoubtedly the most unique Winelands development in the world.."

This is the quote on the Spier website, and believe you me they are right on the money!! With fabulous wines, a great picturesque
setting and friendly knowledgeable staff, Spier is the best wine estate that I have visited to date.

Spier wine estate is situated about 45 minutes drive out of Cape Town nestled between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Either the N1 or N2 can be used to get their, after which you just follow the clearly marked road signs. Alternatively the Spier train runs on set dates monthly from Spier Monument Station in Cape Town to the Spier Estate; with return tickets costing just R100/R50 (£9/£4.50) per adult/child.

Wine:

Spiers wines have been recognised worldwide as being consistently of the highest quality. Wine tastings are conducted in English, Afrikaans and German. There area number of wine tasting options available, which are geared to educate people about the ins and outs of wine. The average prices range from R10 to R30 (£0.90 to £2.70) per tasting. The wine tasting centre is open from 10am to 4.30pm and they offer a great delivery service for both local an international visitors.

With wines ranging from Pinotage to the Chenin Blanc, their wines are top class and suitable for an occasion.

Dining:

With 4 eating establishments, as well as a Deli serving the needs of the picnickers, the culinary services available are more than adequate to meet the needs of all but the most extreme of gourmands.

Figaros: Is small by some restaurant standards as it can only accomodate up to 100 guests at a time, but more than makes up for this in the quality of their food.

A particular dish that I enjoyed at the time was the Beef fillet, which was served with either a berry and cabernet reduction or a green peppercorn sauce. Priced at R80.00 each (£7.30) this is not a bad dish for those who appreciate a good fillet. The food is well complimented by a Spier Pinotage.

Opening hours are:

Breakfast - 06h30 to 10h30
Lunch - 12h30 to 16h30
Dinner - 18h30 to 22h30

The biggest problem I had, was with how little variety there was on the menu. This does seem to be a trend now a days, as I notice that more and more restaurants offer less variety and smaller portions while increasing the price.

Jonkershuis: is a restaurant offering traditional Cape food in the form of a delightful buffet including Bredies, Curries and farmstyle breads. Unfortunately I did not get an opportunity to try their food.

Opening hours are:

Lunch - 12.30 to 3.30pm daily.
Winter season - Dinner from 18h00 - 22h00, Friday & Saturday nights only
Summer season - Dinner from 18h00 - 23h00, Monday to Saturday only,
Sunday nights closed for dinner
The buffet is open for dinner from 18h00 until 22h00.

There is also Toto's bar, which is adjacent to Figaros and serves light meals as well as cocktails and drinks.

Recreation:

With Cheetahs, Eagles, Horses and a Golf course, Spier is so much more than just a wine farm. The Cheetahs are available for private functions, and people are encouraged to get up close and personal so as to better understand these amazing cats. The horse rides are largely targeted at the youngesters, although anyone can partake. Horse riding prices start from R180.00 per person (£16.40) for the basic package and top out at R300.00 per person (£27.30) for the sundowner trail.

Beautiful scenery provides the ideal setting for lovely summer picnics with the family, including long rolling green lawns, a river as well as numerous different types of trees. There is definitely enough entertainment to keep the kids busy with a dedicated play area and an enclosed play garden. All this allows the adults time to while away the day appreciating the peaceful setting. And all in all I would have to say that Spier wine estate is a must for any traveller to Cape Town, as well as a compulsory stop for any and all wine connoisseur.

Footnote:

Please note that all prices quoted are worked out at the current exchange rate of R11.00 to the £. 

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