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Capetonians take their picnics very seriously – think beautiful wicker baskets filled to the brim with freshly prepared artisanal fare, accompanied by a bottle of chilled wine or bubbly and served against a glorious backdrop, be that vineyards, mountains or the Atlantic. We’ve tasted our way through Cape Town’s and the Winelands’ top picnic offerings, one delicious basket at a time, to bring you our personal top 10.
Please note that most picnics are available during the warmer months only, usually from September to May, and that our favourites below all offer great vegetarian, vegan and kids‘ baskets – so there’s something for everyone.
The firm favourite spots
Boschendal, Franschhoek
Bring a blanket and cushions and recline under the trees of the pavilion lawn at this popular wine estate – a favourite with both locals and visitors. Your picnic basket comes laden with goodies made fresh on the farm by Boschendal’s team of bakers, butchers and chefs, and there’s lots of space to stretch out and let the sunstroke your face. Little ones meanwhile are sure to have a blast at The Tree House Playground and on the bike pump track. Tip: Book a weekend picnic to enjoy live music while you feast.
Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek
Virgin Limited Edition’s 40-hectare Franschhoek estate boasts an idyllic setting – think rolling meadows and lush vineyards stretching out towards mountains in the distance. Pick up a picnic basket from The Country Kitchen, filled with freshly prepared produce (the arancini with honey harissa sauce and sweet malva truffles are insanely good), and stroll down to the sparkling dam, where a scattering of garden cushions will have you linger all afternoon.
Warwick, Stellenbosch
Take your pick from picnic spots by the dam, complete with umbrella and cosy bean bags to recline on, or a more private picnic pod at this scenic Stellenbosch winery. The meticulously curated baskets, containing the likes of chicken and roasted vegetables on truffle-infused cous-cous, are sure to satisfy all your picnic cravings. Tip: little ones are welcome to splash in the fountain and water feature – make sure to bring swimming costumes.
Spier, Stellenbosch
A brilliant option for families – simply pick up your pre-ordered basket, complete with blankets, cutlery and glassware, and choose your picnic spot of choice, be that by the duck-filled dam or under ancient oaks. Little ones are sure to gravitate towards the Elemental Garden to splash around in the water features (bring swimming clothes and a towel!) Tip: Don’t leave without picking up a delicious pasteis de nata from Vadas Bakery – the golden cups of creamy custard, enrobed by perfectly crunchy and flaky pastry, are the best in the Cape.
Vergelegen, Somerset West
Vergelegen’s mystical forest is an incredibly romantic setting for a tucked-away ‘white tablecloth’ picnic under ancient camphor trees. The divine food selection includes ever-evolving culinary delights such as freshly baked artisanal bread with biltong-flavoured farm butter and various pâtés, and chicken marinated in plum, ginger, spring onion & coriander. Pair with a bottle of wine for an intimate tête-à-tête.
Grub & Vine Norval
The Norval Foundation offers one of Cape Town’s most sophisticated outdoor dining experiences. The picnic baskets feature the finest regional ingredients prepared with culinary expertise. Complementing the gourmet food is a curated selection of superb wines available from the comprehensive offer.
Picnicking in the expansive sculpture gardens allows guests to seamlessly blend the enjoyment of nature’s tranquillity with the stimulation of thought-provoking art. The setting encourages a leisurely pace, inviting visitors to soak up the serene atmosphere while being surrounded by impressive, rotating contemporary art installations.
Jonkerhuis Eatery
Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia, one of Cape Town’s most historic wine estates, offers a wonderfully relaxed picnic experience beneath its ancient oak trees. They cater to all with breakfast or lunch picnic baskets, including options for vegetarians and children. Guests can unwind by enjoying a chilled bottle of their renowned Governeurs Reserve, while younger visitors have the freedom to explore the expansive lawns and feed the ducks on the pond. Remember to pre-order your picnic baskets a minimum of 24 hours ahead of your visit.
Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek
Drive along scenic Chapman’s Peak to this looker of a wine estate, which offers sensational views of Noordhoek beach from any of its three picnic areas – all of which come with picnic blankets and cushions, and the chance to soak up the sea, mountain and vineyard views. A nice touch – picnic baskets come with a range of basics, to which you can add additional items according to your preferences.
For the less organised ones
The following two picnic suggestions are excellent options for guests who prefer spontaneity, as they do not require advance booking.
Buitenverwachting
This historic wine estate offers an idyllic summer picnic escape that is close to the city while maintaining a hidden, rural feel.The picnic area features wide lawns, sheltered by magnificent 250-year-old trees, with free-roaming chickens adding to the farm atmosphere. A variety of picnic platters can be ordered from the wine-tasting room, catering to all appetites—from a substantial harvest platter to lighter snacks featuring homemade patés and tapenades. A dedicated dessert board is also available. For those wanting extra treats, the nearby deli and coffee shop make it easy to add on fresh baked goods as the afternoon unfolds. Please note that the picnics are prepared on a first come, first serve basis, so the earlier you arrive the better. Own blankets and camping chairs are required.
Fynkos at The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
The visit to the botanical gardens in Cape Town is one of the most recommended and loved tourist attractions. What a better way to enjoy this activity than combining it with a lovely picnic in the vast laws under the majestic trees? The picnic baskets can be ordered and grabbed from the Fynkos restaurants. There is no need to pre-order. The fresh picnic goods are prepared swiftly. The delicious treats are prepared under the supervision of the homecooking queen, Pamela Shippel-Granoth and feature only the best and the pristine ingredients. You can pre-order your picnic from either the dedicated picnic menu or the main restaurant menu. Please note that picnic blankets are not provided by the botanical garden.
