Six romantic picnic options for Valentine's Day

Cape Point Vineyards

Location: Noordhoek, Cape Town

Price: R395 per basket, serving two

Picnic blanket and pillows provided? Yes.

Setting and romance factor: A Cape Point Vineyards luxury picnic serves as a special end to a coastline trip where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Relax next to the tranquil vineyard dam, and soak up the hauntingly beautiful Cape sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

What’s on the menu? The picnic includes chicken liver and bacon paté with freshly baked ciabatta, fish cakes with a feisty dressing, and a double dose of chocolate in the form of éclairs and white mousse. For vegetarians, the vineyard presents a legume salad with pecans, roasted pepper paté with homemade crackers, and a seasonal fruit salad.

Wine included? No, but the vineyard offers its own wine, or you may bring your own (R65 corkage fee).

The nitty gritty: Bookings to be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Opening times for picnics: Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday 11am - 5pm

To book: Tel 021 789 0900, Email moc.tniop-epac@sgnikoob | cpv.co.za

La Couronne Winery

Location: Franschhoek

Price: R390 per basket, serving two

Picnic blanket and pillows provided? No, you may bring your own.

Setting and romance factor: Start your day on a romantic high by travelling in old-fashioned style on the Franschhoek Wine Tram which transports you to this picturesque vineyard. Before your picnic, we recommend popping into the Tasting Room for a quick preview of La Couronne’s wines. Then nab yourself an idyllic spot under one of the vast trees on the lawn, and unwind with the never-ending mountain views.

What’s on the menu? Fresh, local produce including homemade pesto, chicken kebabs, and a variety of cheeses. ‘Something Sweet’ ends up the perfect after-dinner surprise. Vegetarian options are available.

Wine included? A complimentary glass of Chenin Blanc or Upper Deck Red is served upon arrival. Additional wine may be ordered directly from the Tasting Room. Only La Couronne wines are allowed on the picnic grounds.

The nitty gritty: Bookings to be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Opening times for picnics: Monday to Sunday 9am - 5pm

To book: Tel 021 876 3939, Email az.oc.seniwennoruocal@ofni | www.lacouronnewines.co.za

Lanzerac Winery

Location: Stellenbosch

Price: R385 per basket, serving two

Picnic blanket and pillows provided? Yes.

Setting and romance factor: Nestled in the scenic Jonkershoek Valley, Lanzerac provides postcard perfect scenery coupled with colonial and classic accents. Settle under one of the many majestic oak trees which overlook the vast vineyards.

What’s on the menu? For the foodie-oriented Lanzerac team, variety is key. Old classics are updated with modern twists with a goat’s cheese and Mediterranean salad, two of their famed homemade preserves, and a silky smooth vanilla cheesecake. Alternatively guests can opt for the ‘Create Your Own’ basket which proposes a selection of fresh produce from the Lanzerac deli.

Wine included? Yes, a bottle of Lanzerac wine forms part of the package.

The nitty gritty: Bookings to be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance.

Opening times for picnics: Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 9am to 5pm

To book: Tel 021 887 1132, Email az.oc.careznal@bdnaf | /www.lanzerac.co.za

Mont Rochelle Wine Estate

Location: Franschhoek

Price: Little Rock Basket for R360, Chardonnay Basket for R420 and Miko Basket for R480. Each basket serving two people
Picnic blanket and pillows provided? Yes.

Setting and romance factor: Take a pre-arranged detour through the wine estate’s 150 year old cellar to view a showcase of the wines and explore the art of winemaking. The picnic setting offers a tranquil sanctuary within the Franschhoek surrounds.

What’s on the menu? The Little Rock Basket offers an aromatic Harissa spiced chicken and vegetable wrap for those seeking a lighter lunch, while smoked salmon with herbed cream cheese and a melon/parma ham duo form the centrepiece of the Chardonnay Basket. For those with more time or a larger appetite, the Miko Basket is a showman’s lineup of honey-glazed vegetables, tangy BBQ chicken wings, and chocolate brownies coupled with strawberry meringues and nougat. Liaise with the booking agents for custom-made vegetarian packages.

Wine included? No. Additional wine may be ordered directly from the Tasting Room.

The nitty gritty: Bookings to be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance.

Opening times for picnics: Monday to Thursday 12pm - 6pm, Friday to Sunday 12pm - 3pm and 7pm - 9pm

To book: Tel 021 876 2770, Email moc.nigriv.ellehcortnom@nehctikyrtnuoc | www.virginlimitededition.com/en/mont-rochelle

The Picnic Company

Location: Collections at Diep River, or arrange delivery (extra cost)

Price: R350 / R460 / R570 per basket, serving two

Picnic blanket and pillows provided? No, but available as an optional extra.

Setting and romance factor: Take your pick! Light some candles in your own garden, or head to the ever-beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens, romantic Signal Hill, or the intimate Llandudno beach for an unforgettable sunset, and leave the rest in the capable hands of Tammy Clucas. The Picnic Company is an ideal alternative for those seeking a more tailor-made experience.

What’s on the menu? The lighter menu focuses on biltong, root vegetable crisps and smoked trout, while the ‘medium’ package offers a pulled lamb wrap. The R570 menu is a gastronomical feast, with a beetroot and onion tart, an antipasti platter, and rare roast beef slivers with a salsa verde and truffle aioli, followed with a cheese selection, chocolate truffles and a seasonal berry and mascarpone salad. Vegetarian options are also on offer.

Wine included? No, but there is a good selection available to order as an optional extra.

The nitty gritty: Orders for Valentine’s Day should be placed by 11 February. Picnic setups are generally available, but regrettably not on Valentine’s Day.

Opening times for picnics: Monday to Sunday 6am - 6pm

To book: Tel 021 706 8470, Email az.oc.scincip@ofni | picnics.co.za

Solms-Delta Wine Estate

Location: Franschhoek Valley

Price: R365 per basket, serving two

Picnic blanket and pillows provided? No, but available as an optional extra.

Setting and romance factor: Solms-Delta offers a secluded and picturesque forest spot overlooking a placid farm dam. The ornamental river banks offer many shaded areas. And don’t forget to take swimming costumes along for an impromptu dip into the waters.

What’s on the menu? Famous South African classics fused with a touch of haute-cuisine. Think roosterkoek with wild rosemary butter, citrus and buchu-glazed pork ribs, rounded off with koeksisters and a fragrant lemon pelargonium creamed cheese mousse. Vegetarian options are also on offer.

Wine included? No, but wine from the estate is available for purchase.

The nitty gritty: Bookings to be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance.

Opening Times for picnics: Monday to Sunday 9am - 5pm

To book: Tel 021 874 3937, tastingroom@solms-delta.co.za | www.solms-delta.co.za

Article originally published on What’s on in Cape Town