JAN: "Where Vines Meet Views"
A DAY AT DE GRENDEL
Sometimes you just need a little me-time, a spot close enough to the city that it doesn’t feel like a trip, but far enough that it feels like you’ve slipped into another world. That’s exactly how I felt when I spent a day at De Grendel Wine Estate on my last visit to the Mother City. Just 20 minutes from Cape Town, it’s a place where the vineyards offer amazing views of Table Mountain, the air feels fresher and the pace slows just enough to catch your breath. Between the views, wines and the food, it felt like a true escape to a little pocket of serenity right on our doorstep.
What really sets De Grendel apart from other farms is the effortless way it balances sophistication with a sense of ease. There’s a warmth that makes you feel instantly at home, whether you’re wandering through the vineyards, sipping a glass of wine on the stoep, or enjoying a meal at the restaurant. The views are undeniably spectacular but it’s the little touches like the friendly staff who remember your name, the thoughtfully curated experiences and the sense that every detail is designed to let you truly relax that make it a special place.
SIP ON AWARD-WINNING WINES
Without a doubt, one of my favourite things about spending the day at De Grendel has to be visiting the tasting room. There’s something about holding a glass of their beautifully balanced wine while looking at Table Mountain that just feels right. It’s not just about the wine itself, though that’s exceptional too, it’s the whole experience: the sun on your face, the gentle breeze and the calm of the estate. Each sip feels like a little celebration of the Cape’s incredible terroir.
CONTEMPORARY CAPE CUISINE
The De Grendel restaurant is a little gem, serving up fresh, seasonal dishes that feel both comforting and inventive. I love how every plate seems to reflect the surrounding vineyards and the Cape’s incredible produce, from vibrant salads to perfectly cooked mains that pair beautifully with a glass of De Grendel’s finest wines. It isn’t just about eating, it’s about savouring the moment, enjoying great flavours and letting the world slow down while you take it all in.
A TAPESTRY OF LAND, SEA AND SKY
One of the most enchanting aspects of De Grendel is its landscape, from fynbos-covered slopes and indigenous game to sweeping vistas that stretch from Table Bay to Table Mountain. The on-site farm tours offer a fun journey through the grounds, introducing you to eland, bontebok and red hartebeest, all while learning about the farm’s rich history. It’s a place where nature’s grandeur and the farm’s heritage come together in perfect harmony.
Spending a day at De Grendel always feels like a gentle pause on one of my trips to the Mother City. It’s a chance to soak up the very best of Cape Town before heading back to France, especially when it’s winter in the northern hemisphere. There’s just something about the sun on your face, the warmth of the vineyards and the expansive views that imprints itself on your memory. These are moments I carry with me long after I’ve left.