If you are a chocolate lover, then this event is for you! The second Winelands Chocolate Festival, is happening this weekend, at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. [Read more…]
Search Results for: stellenbosch
Wine Tasting at Lanzerac Wine Estate
A recent invitation found Grant and I staying overnight at Lanzerac Wine Estate, in Stellenbosch. I was excited about the prospect, as I have not been to the estate in quite some time. I also relished the idea of spending a night in one the newly renovated, 5 Star Lanzerac Hotel Suites, which I will gush about in a separate article. [Read more…]
Top Wines for Summer
Summer days in Cape Town, are perfect for sipping chilled wine and enjoying time with friends! After spending time overseas recently, I have a renewed appreciation for South African wine! Not only from a cost perspective but quality as well! It made me think, why not put together a list of my Top Wines for Summer. [Read more…]
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
As you must know by now, Grant and I love Franschhoek and do not miss an opportunity to visit the area! We recently attended the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival and decided to make the most of it and stay over! Our home for the night was the beautiful Le Franschhoek Hotel!
After a busy day wine tasting and eating at the Uncorked Festival, we made our way to the hotel, to relax and shower before heading out again. It was a welcome retreat after all the crowds and festivities, at the festival.
Le Franschhoek Hotel
I particularly love the position of the hotel, which is nestled at the foot of the Franschhoek Mountains. It overlooks the valley and the view still manages to take my breath away, even though we have been there many times!
The old world charm, is the first thing that captures your attention when you arrive at the hotel. Pristine white walls and thatch roofing transports you to a bygone era. However once you enter the hotel, the stylish modern interiors bring you straight back to the 21st Century!
Accommodation
Guests can choose from Standard Rooms, Family Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Suites, as well as Villas. All of the 63 rooms reflect the contemporary styling and luxury, which one would expect from a four-star hotel. Rooms are elegant, with clean lines, elegant furnishings and gorgeous views from every room.
The rooms are well appointed and all feature: air conditioning, under floor heating, direct dial telephones, remote controlled TV with selected DSTV channels, hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities, electronic safes, as well as internet connections (at a surcharge).
The Garden-view Apartments overlook the perfectly manicured gardens, with lush green grass, pretty seasonal blooms and stately trees.
In the distance, the slate-grey Franschhoek mountains loom in all their glorious splendour and leave one in awe of the sheer natural beauty of the valley!
The hotel grounds are so lovely and I enjoy nothing better than a quiet stroll after breakfast. Taking time out, to simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
In warmer months the sparkling pool is a firm favourite of ours! Lazing on a lounger reading a good book, while sipping a G&T poolside – could not think of a better place to be!
Dining
The Le Franschhoek Hotel offers three on-site restaurants, as well as a full-service bar. Dish at Le Franschhoek Hotel, is elegant 80 seater, fine dining a la-carte restaurant. The menu is seasonal and under direction of Executive Head Chef, Scott Shepherd.
Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa also offers guests the accompanying Terrace Bar and Lounge, with a selection of fine coffee and teas in the elegant lounge, and a fantastic selection of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails at the stylish bar.
Lastly is Le Verger, The Orchard Restaurant. The conservatory-styled design, was inspired by the spectacular geography of the restaurant’s location. It offers diners unequalled views of all that is Franschhoek – mountains, streams, vineyards and orchards enfold the restaurant.
The Spa
As well as luxury accommodation, breathtaking views and superb dining, the onsite spa will cater to your every whim. It has always been one of my favourite Spa experiences – the ultimate in relaxation and pampering!
The Spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments – both traditional and contemporary. The Grecian liquid-sound flotation room, Moulin rouge colour therapy adventure, fragrant herbal sauna and steamy Swiss shower are just some of the cutting edge therapies offered at this spa.
A serene outdoor massage area sets the scene for ultimate relaxation, where you can partake of a traditional Bali full-body Massage and invigorating scrub, or indulge in the signature Camelot range of massages. Hot Stone, Kahuna, Balinese and Indian Head massage techniques are used for this treatment, along with the unique massage candle.
Thalgo Spa Skin Treatments and body wraps harness the healing power of the ocean to enhance, revive and soothe your skin and are available for both ladies and gentlemen. Couples treatments, teen’s treatments and a gentleman’s executive package are also on the menu at Camelot Spa!
We had a lovely stay at the Le Franschhoek Hotel, the staff were helpful and friendly – I just wish we could have stayed longer! I would definitely recommend you try the hotel if you are visiting the area, you will not be disappointed.
Location: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa, 16 Minor road, Franschhoek, 7690, Situated in the world famous Winelands of the Western Cape, 50 km’s from Cape Town International Airport, 75 km’s from Cape Town city centre (central business district) & the V&A Waterfront, 20 km’s from the spectacular winelands of Stellenbosch and Paarl and 3 km’s from the village of Franschhoek.
Contact:Phone: 021-876 8900 or Email: [email protected] or visit the Le Franschhoek Website to make a reservation.
To discover more amazing places to eat out in the area, read my post on Eating Out in Franschhoek.
Images: Room, Dining & Spa – source: Le Franschhoek Hotel, All other images: ©Inspired Living
Disclaimer: Certain information in the article, has been obtained from the Le Franschhoek website and to my knowledge, was correct at the time of publishing.
What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm
One of my favourite outings of late, was to Avondale Wine Farm in Paarl. Not only was it my first time visting the farm but it was my first time experiencing a Eco Wine Safari.
I thought we would take look at What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm, as well as what made this experience so special.
What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm
Situated in Paarl in the Cape, Avondale Organic Wine Farm, is as picture-perfect as landscapes get. The 300-year-old farm is set at the foot of the Klein Drakenstein mountains and is an easy drive from Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
Visitors to Avondale can enjoy a guided tasting of the farm’s seven hand-crafted, classic wines, known as ‘Avondale’s Magnificent Collection’. Their hand-crafted slow wines are created holistically, through a combination of time-honoured wisdom, natural farming practices and modern science.
Eco Wine Safaris
One of the highlights of my visit to Avondale, was the Eco Wine Safari. The farm’s Eco Wine Safari provides visitors, with the perfect way of getting acquainted with Avondale’s ethos of Terra Est Vita, which means ‘Soil is Life’. This ethos is the basis upon which proprietor and viticulturist Johnathan Grieve, has built the farm. In essence he believes that healthy soil, produces healthy plants.
The idea behind the Eco Safari, is to take guests on a fun, interactive and informative tour of the farm. One of the main aims of the safari, is to give visitors a better understanding of the biodynamic agriculture practices, which the organically certified farm incorporates, into the production of its wines. In true “farm-style”, all this happens on the back of a typical farm-style vehicle.
After a welcoming glass of the Armilla Blanc de Blanc, Avondale’s deliciously fresh and lively Méthode Cap Classique, we set off on our adventure aboard our “farm chariot”.
The Eco Safari, which winds around the farm, explores over 300 hectares of cultivated land and indigenous terrain, including the natural wastewater system, which is made up of three interlinking dams.
Guests are also able to witness a few of the biodynamic methods and preparations used by Grieve, such as the field broadcaster energy device, which works with natural cosmic energies to improve soil quality and stimulate healthy growth in the vines.
Although our ride was a tad bumpy, the picturesque view, as well as the wine stops along the way, made up for any discomfort! During our tour we tasted a further five wines from the Avondale collection – Camissa, a rosé; Cyclus, a refreshing white blend; Anima, a lively Chenin Blanc; La Luna, a classic red blend; and Samsara, a Syrah. This was particularly special, as we tasted the wines among the vines, in the particular vineyard blocks where the grapes were grown.
Among other interesting practices, Avondale is also making efforts to restore and re-establish indigenous fynbos species on the farm, clear alien vegetation, as well as plant hundreds of indigenous trees. This all forms part of their endeavours, as a member of the WWF Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI). As well as the beautiful plant life, the farm is home to various species of birds and mammals.
Grieve’s dynamic BioLOGIC® system is more easily understood, when seeing in action in the vineyards and surrounding land. The farm’s herd of Angus cattle and delightful team of snail-guzzling ducks, are employed as part of the natural solution to managing soil health and dealing with pests, without the use of chemicals. These are just a few of the remarkable ways, that Avondale produces extraordinary wines – approved by Mother Nature!
Avondale Lunch Platters
Following our inspiring safari, we were whisked off to the tasting room, to sample the Avondale Lunch Platters. Avondale’s mouth-watering new lunch platters, have been created by renowned chef Matt Manning. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced and seasonally available produce.
The lunch platters provide an assortment of tantalising flavours, which are harmoniously paired with Avondale’s food-friendly wines. The full range of wines can be purchased by the glass or bottle. My favourite wine of the day was the Samsara, a beautifully intense, ruby red Syrah. Samsara means ‘to flow on’ and pass through the states of life and death.
Admittedly by the time we were seated for lunch I was ravenous – it must have been all the fresh air! The menu for lunch was simple, yet absolutely delicious and perfect for sharing. Each platter is sufficient for two hungry guests.
When the platter arrived, laden with all sorts of wonderful goodies, it was difficult to know where to start. The first thing that caught my eye, was the selection of beautifully wrapped sandwiches. They were filled with a choice of tender Springbok Carpaccio with Huguenot Cheese and creamy Truffle Mayo, Smoked Rainbow Trout with Cream Cheese and Spring Onion, or Smoked Free-range Chicken Breast with Herb Mayo and Rocket. My favourite was definitely the Springbok Carpaccio with Huguenot Cheese and Creamy Truffle Mayo!
The platter also included warm Truffle and Parmesan, infused Risotto Balls, which melt in the mouth, Lightly Spiced Kingklip and Salmon Fishcakes with a Chilli-spiked Aioli for dipping, and juicy Lamb Kofta served with herb mayonnaise. The Lamb Kofta was sublime, I lost count of how many I consumed! There was also a fresh Salad of crisp garden greens, a spread of ripe Dalewood Cheeses, as well as an assortment of home-bottled Pickles and Compotes. Vegans and vegetarians can be accommodated on request.
This experience was truly magical and I would highly recommend a visit to the farm, as well as the Eco Safari and naturally, one would not want to miss the chance of enjoying a delectable lunch platter! Thank you Avondale for a wonderful day!
Details and location:
- Wine tastings at Avondale are available by appointment Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Priced at R50 per person.
- The Eco Wine Safaris are held by appointment Wednesday to Friday 10am to 3pm. The duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours, and includes a tasting of 6 wines. Priced at R200 per person. To book, call 021 863 1976 or email [email protected].
- Lunch platters are served Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Priced at R320 per platter (suitable for sharing). Booking is recommended – call 021 863 1976 or email [email protected].
Location: Avondale is situated on Lustigan Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl – on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains. Contact: For more information, visit the Avondale Website or call 021 863 1976.
Images: Fiona Rossiter © Inspired Living
Disclosure Ranking:4
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