A mid week break at Boschendal farm estate

In November, and just before the chaos of December slammed into my life, I was invited to Boschendal to check out a few of the exciting new things happening on the estate. It’s one of my favourite Winelands destinations and there is always so much going on. We stayed in one of the Orchard Cottages situated within this working farm which is also one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. They are fully equipped, self-catering and totally charming. My only wish is that I could have stayed a little longer. With jaw-dropping mountain views and abundant birdlife, this is a perfect destination for a luxury farm stay and a break from the city.

Every Wednesday Boschendal hosts Wine Wednesdays in The Werf Bar – the newest addition to their recently refurbished Werf Restaurant. Each week one of the Boschendal winemakers or sommeliers focuses on one of the Boschendal wines and we were lucky that our night showcased The Jean Le Longe Prestige Cuvee. This is a 100% Chardonnay MCC which spends 60 months on the lees. This is a premium-label wine and goes on an extraordinary journey to be made, and It’s hands down one of the best South African MCC’s I’ve ever tasted. It has a beautifully complex flavour profile and the tiniest bubbles.

After the tasting, we had dinner in The Werf Restaurant, which is always such a treat. This is farm-to-table dining at its best with Chef Christiaan Campbell at the helm in the kitchen. Our table overlooked the beautiful Werf Garden, which I have luckily spent a little time in, and knowing that the fresh produce on your plate travelled only a few meters to get there is very gratifying.

The food at Boschendal is cooked slowly and with love using the finest local, seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients. Their famous roast potatoes start their cooking process in the morning over a giant fire-fueled skillet and are one of the most delectable things you can eat on the menu.

All the meat and poultry served are naturally raised, free of hormones and antibiotics and sourced from pasture-reared, free-roaming animals exposed to natural sunlight. We were also lucky to get a tour of the farm to see their famous herd of Angus and free-range pigs and piglets.

A mid week break at Boschendal Farm Estate

Aside from all the amazing food, you can eat at the two Boschendal restaurants and the picnic area, there is so much to do on the estate. From wine tasting to Mountain biking, trail running hiking and horse riding, you definitely will want to plan a couple of days to visit.

We had a delicious breakfast at the deli (with a particularly good egg Benedict on a toasted croissant) the next morning before I sadly had to rush back into town to resume my busy life. Here are a few pictures from my stay.