5 Best Child-Friendly Wine Farms in the Cape
Visiting the Cape winelands can be the best thing ever, but it can also be tricky for parents who have little ones tagging along. Not all wine estates are family or kid-friendly, so we went in search of some of the very best winelands spots for families to visit. These wine farms and estate are fun for the whole family and some of them even have a space where the kids are taken care of in a safe environment, leaving you to relax and unwind with a glass of wine. Here are our picks for the best child-friendly wine farms in the Cape.
Dunstone — Wellington
For a great family day out with stunning mountain scenery, look no further than Dunstone’s relaxed bistro restaurant. Visit the boutique winery in summer to make the new vintage and stomp the wines or kick back and relax on the large lawns while the kids enjoy the jungle gym, sandpits, trampoline and toys available. If your kids love animals and the outdoors, then they will love the opportunity to stroke the pot belly pigs, feed the ducks and horses, and explore the orchards. While the kids have a fantastic time, mum and dad can relax with a great bottle of Dunstone wine while enjoying good honest country food from the blackboard menu. Dunstone is also dog-friendly, and well behaved socialised dogs are welcome on the farm.
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Laborie — Paarl
Laborie offers a relaxed family-friendly environment with jungle gyms at the Harvest and Taste restaurants which all offer great kiddies menus. If your little ones want to join in on the wine tasting fun then the kiddies grape juice and sweetie pairings are a popular choice. Child-minders can also be arranged whether you are staying for the weekend or organising a special lunch with family and friends.
Laborie offers a luxurious self-catering cottage (3 rooms with a sleeper couch) great for a family weekend away. Two boullé courts provide great family entertainment. A visit to the wine estate, one of the oldest in South Africa is a must. With a tranquil guesthouse, two restaurants and a craft beer bar there is something for the whole family to indulge in.
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Excelsior Wine Estate — Roberston
Graze at Excelsior is situated at the edge of the farm’s dam with a large expanse of lawn in front of the deli — perfect for the kids to enjoy themselves in view of, but not necessarily within earshot of parents. Children are kept occupied on the jungle gym, in the sandpit or feeding the horses. In summer, there’s even a child-minder to take them fishing off the dam’s jetty. Enjoy views of the birdlife while enjoying your meal and then wander down to their tasting room with its waterside deck to taste our full range of wines. Rural family bliss!
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The Franschhoek Cellar — Franschhoek
Situated at the entrance to the romantic village of Franschhoek, world-famous for its fine wines and exceptional cuisine, is The Franschhoek Cellar Wine Emporium. Added to the quartet of famous wine ranges, complete with connoisseur and cheese and chocolate pairing options, is a 300-seater state-of-the-art venue, ideal for conferences, weddings and gala dinners. A welcoming garden environment completes the picture and, right there under the trees, there’s a safe specialist children’s playground with child-minders and activities like face-painting to keep the little ones entertained, making family outings very popular here.
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Allée Bleue — Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
Allée Bleue Wine Estate is named after the magnificent avenue of blue eucalyptus trees that line its entrance. Today it is best known for its food, wines and herbs. A freshly-prepared herb-inspired picnic basket with a bottle of wine is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed family day in the winelands under the shade of old oaks on rolling lawns. Special kiddies baskets and vegetarian options are also available. Or sample the classic Bistro menu influenced by the estate’s fresh produce. There’s also live music on Sundays and a large jungle gym and jumping castle to entertain the children seven days a week!
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