Discover the Best of the Stellenbosch Winelands: An Unforgettable Experience

Lucky me! Instead of driving through the scenic Stellenbosch Winelands, I had the pleasure of being chauffeured around. Surrendering the wheel to a dedicated driver, I embarked on a delectable adventure, eagerly exploring one delightful spot after another. Stretching across Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and the Dwars River Valley, this enchanting region boasts an array of exceptional eateries, vineyards, historic gems, galleries, and shops. Allow me to share with you the top 10 must-do activities in the Stellenbosch Winelands.

1. Dive into a Sea of Salmons

I’ll never forget the amazing feast I had at The Salmon Bar in Franschhoek. It’s the kind of place that you can visit again and again and still be blown away every time. Trust me, I speak from experience. They have made a name for themselves by serving the most delicious salmon and trout you can imagine. And let me tell you, I had the pleasure of trying out their menu and it was an adventure for my taste buds.

When it comes to finding delicious fish, The Salmon Bar has got you covered. They offer a variety of high-quality fish that will satisfy your taste buds.

First, let’s talk about their Royale Highlands Trout. This fish is a customer favorite because of its amazing flavor and texture. It’s farmed in the Lesotho Highlands where the water quality is exceptional. You can taste the difference in every bite.

Next up is their local Rainbow Trout. These trout are sourced from selected farms in the Cape and are sustainably farmed. The Salmon Bar takes pride in offering fish that is both delicious and environmentally friendly.

And let’s not forget about their salmon. The Salmon Bar imports salmon twice a week from Norway, Scotland, and Alaska. This means you’re getting the freshest, highest-quality salmon available. It’s a real treat for your palate.

I started my own fish journey by trying the fish in its purest form: sashimi. It was a revelation. Then I moved on to trying both species of fish in different preparations – cold-smoked, cured, and hot-smoked. Each bite was more delicious than the last.

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable fish experience, The Salmon Bar is the place to go. Visit their website at www.salmonbar.com to learn more and start your own fish journey.

2. Sabrage ‘uncorked’

Let me tell you about sabrage, a pretty risky way to open a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine. If you don’t do it right, things could get dangerous. And let’s be real, drinking Champagne isn’t exactly for the weak-hearted either. So, here’s a little history lesson for you: after Napoleon’s cavalry won yet another battle, they decided to celebrate in style by opening Champagne bottles with their trusty weapon – the saber.

Today, the art of sabrage continues to thrive. And let me tell you, at Haute Cabrière, they really know how to make a show of it. Our host was kind enough to give us a demonstration by skillfully sabering a bottle of Pierre Jourdan Bella Rose. As I watched, I couldn’t help but feel tempted to try it myself. But alas, my timid heart couldn’t handle the thought of a bottle exploding right in front of me.

Nestled between the majestic Franschhoek mountains, the Haute Cabrière Restaurant offered us a taste of their exquisite unwooded Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Pinot Noir. And to accompany these delicious wines, they served a selection of mouthwatering canapés. The menu at Haute Cabrière is constantly changing, with the option to enjoy half-portion meals. This allows guests to try a variety of flavors and combinations.

If you’re interested in learning more about the winemaking process, Haute Cabrière offers daily cellar tours and tastings. And if you happen to visit on a Saturday, you can even join a special tasting hosted by the winemakers themselves. So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just love a good glass of bubbly, Haute Cabrière is the perfect place to indulge your taste buds.

Make sure to visit their website at www.cabriere.co.za for more information.

3. Hitting the Sweet Note

Wow! The presenter at Huguenot Fine Chocolates in Franschhoek was incredible. He was so energetic and entertaining that he made a topic as interesting as the history of chocolate come to life in just half an hour. He took us on a journey through the chocolaterie’s past, taught us where chocolate comes from, gave us a demonstration of how they make their delicious chocolates, and then let us taste them. It was like being a little kid in a candy store, peeking through the glass and seeing a beautiful display of mouthwatering Belgian chocolates like pistachio marzipan, cherry kirsch, coffee crème, and praline. They were all perfectly wrapped, too! And guess what? You can have the whole chocolate experience for just R35. Amazing, right? Check out their website at www.huguenotchocolates.com.

4. Tasteful Views

When you drive into the beautiful Franschhoek valley, it’s already a feast for the eyes. But let me tell you, experiencing the breathtaking view from the best seat at Roca Restaurant in the Dieu Donne Vineyards is a whole other level of indulgence. The restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes that go perfectly with their own wines. It’s a match made in heaven. I had such a hard time deciding on a starter because everything sounded tempting, from the ostrich carpaccio to the panzanella salad and crispy phyllo prawns. Trust me, this place is a must-visit.