Nestled between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch along the spectacular Helshoogte Road lies the Banhoek Valley. This picturesque valley is located just 20 minutes from Maison Chablis Guest House and offers a number of excellent wine tasting experiences and great restaurants, conveniently situated within such close proximity to each other that they can easily be explored on foot.
6 Stunning Banhoek Wine Experiences
Zorgvliet
Zorgvliet Winery’s tastings are hosted in the original Zorgvliet manor house, which dates back to 1692, and which has been fastidiously restored to its former glory. The farm boasts a lovely restaurant and is well known for the indulgent picnic baskets that guests can purchase and enjoy on the farm’s beautiful grounds.
Thelema Mountain Vineyards
This family owned and managed wine estate, situated in the spectacular Simonsberg Mountain Range, boasts some of the highest elevations in Stellenbosch. This makes it an ideal area for premium quality wine grape production.
Tokara Wine Farm
Situated 400m above sea level on top of the Helshoogte Road, Tokara offers award-winning wines, an excellent restaurant, a fabulous delicatessen and the added bonus of dramatic views over Stellenbosch and False Bay, which can be enjoyed while you sample their excellent food and wine. The farm focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc and the in-house sommelier will be happy to assist in pairing a bottle of wine with your lunch.
Camberley Wines
Just across the road from Zorgvliet Winery is one of Stellenbosch’s lesser known gems, Camberley Wines. This winery hand crafts a range of excellent wines which can only be tasted by appointment. Walk through the white rose garden, explore the cool cellar and then settle down in the tasting room to learn the histories of each of the farm’s wines from their popular and well-priced Philosopher’s Stone blend to the delicious but unusual Sparkling Shiraz MCC.
Le Pommier Wine Estate
Le Pommier Wine Estate offers a very affordable wine tasting from only R30 per person. This includes a tasting of three different vintages. The farm’s rustic restaurant also offers a number of food and wine parings such as a pizza and wine pairings and a South African food and wine pairing.
The Tasting Shed at Bartinney
The charming Tasting Shed at Bartinney offers well priced tastings with panoramic views from their terrace. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset as the Tasting Shed stays open until late on Friday nights. They also offer an innovate and multi-sensory Wine and Fynbos experience. Tasting charges are waivered for purchases of R1500 or more.
5 Fantastic Banhoek Food Experiences
Tokara Restaurant
Situated on top of the Helshoogte Road, Tokara’s Restaurant offers terroir focused contemporary cuisine inspired by the South African countryside. These are paired with award-winning wines and dramatic views over Stellenbosch and False Bay.
Tokara Delicatessen
Tokara also boasts a fantastic delicatessen which can be located by following the driveway further down the mountain. This beautiful venue boasts a gourmet food shop, olive oil tastings and a child-friendly restaurant serving a seasonal menu. The imaginative jungle gym next to the patio boasts some of the best views in Stellenbosch.
The Delaire Graff Restaurant
Serving impeccably plated, creative bistro favourites with a South African touch and paired with peerless wines in a breathtakingly beautiful setting, the Delaire Graff Restaurant, at the top of the Helshoogte Road, is the perfect restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. Signature dishes include the Iberico Pork Belly, the Venison and their Textures of Butternut dish.
Indochine Restaurant at Delaire Graff
Also located on the Delaire Graff Estate, Indochine Restaurant’s adventurous menu draws its inspiration from a combination of old Cape Malay recipes and contemporary Asian cuisine. Here the food is both light and satisfying.
The Werf Restaurant at Boschendal
Situated in the beautifully revamped original cellar of Boschendal Estate, The Werf Restaurant presents contemporary soil-to-fork dining using the best available local, seasonal and ethically-sourced ingredients.
