Winter dining deals at award-winning
Eating and drinking through the ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY
Euro Summer beauty essentials
WHEN FOOD BECOMES fine art
Culinary destinations loved by gourmands in the know
THE EVOLUTION OF EXCELLENCE
AT NH JOHANNESBURG SANDTON HOTEL
Sandton has long served as the financial pulse of Johannesburg, a district with a striking skyline where high-stakes deals are brokered within “Africa’s richest square mile.” At its centre, NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel is currently undergoing a property-wide reimagining. The most anticipated chapter of this transformation is the debut of the newly decorated ballroom and meeting spaces, scheduled for unveiling in June 2026.
This project introduces a sleek, contemporary aesthetic characterised by layered textures, natural colour palettes, and dynamic lighting systems. The result is a grand space that feels both modern and sophisticated, which will enhance the experience for large-scale exhibitions, gala banquets, and high-profile product launches. To complement these event upgrades, a refresh of the hotel’s 329 guest rooms and suites is also scheduled to begin soon.
The property’s reputation as a premier destination for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector is bolstered by its sheer versatility and logistical ease. With 13 adaptable venues, the property can accommodate everything from intimate C-level strategy sessions in the Boardroom to massive assemblies of up to 1,000 delegates in the flagship ballroom. Each meeting room is equipped with integrated audio-visual technology and supported by a dedicated events team that prioritises seamless execution.
Adding a touch of Monte Carlo-inspired glamour, Flush Royale provides an immersive, exciting environment for year-end functions or team celebrations, featuring simulated gaming tables and a private red-carpet entrance. Patrons will feel like they’ve had a big win after a night out in the room.
The culinary experience at NH Johannesburg Sandton remains a core draw for both global travellers and local visitors. Tradewinds Restaurant continues to anchor dining, providing an international selection of fine fare with views of the lush gardens, while Faces Lounge and Bar serves as an urban hub for networking and casual light bites. Outdoors, the Gazebo Pool Bar offers a relaxed setting for sunset drinks, watching sports or lounging by the water with a refreshing cocktail. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Donaldson Madubela, the kitchen is currently preparing for the transition of the seasons; a new, warming winter menu will be launched shortly to showcase hearty flavours that keep you coming back for more.
Located just around the corner from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the Sandton Gautrain Station, NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel is easily accessible and convenient. Whether visiting for a multiday convention or a weekend of high-end shopping at nearby Nelson Mandela Square, travellers find a professional yet welcoming environment that reflects the innovative philosophy of the global NH portfolio. With its updated facilities and strategic position, the address remains a definitive choice for those who value efficiency and comfort in the heart of the city.
RESERVATIONS & ENQUIRIES:
+27(0)11 322 1888 events.nsjb@nhhotels.com nh-hotels.com
Sandton
ON THE COVER
Hailing from Cádiz – the bleached-white Andalucian city – “Chef of the Sea” Ángel León is among Spain’s top five Michelin-starred chefs. Beyond conventional seafood cuisine, León is constantly pushing the conversation forward – from cooking with plankton to developing marine grains and using underutilised fish species. A meal at Amura by Chef Ángel León is like a glimpse into his world, where he shows you just how stunning seafood can be while reimagining the possibilities of the ocean. Flip to page 30 to read more.
See you in the Med
15 new beauty products for an effortless Euro Summer
As the winter chill sets in each year, we experience what can only be described as a mass exodus to chase the summer sun with a European holiday. Our Instagram feeds are suddenly flooded with crystal-clear waters in every shade of blue, idyllic seaside sunsets, Aperol spritzes (or rosé) in hand and historic cobblestone streets. Jetting off for your Euro Summer? From island-hopping in the Cyclades to boat days along the Amalfi Coast, the key to breezing through the heat lies in a well-curated beauty bag.
BOUNCE BACK BY MORNING
When an evening’s festivities have well and truly taken their toll on your skin, consider the Gatineau Collagene Expert Hydra Essence Night Recovery before bed. The decadent bio-retinol-infused formula does double-duty by giving thirsty skin a simultaneous dose of hydration and suppleness, while also working to address the appearance of ‘sleep wrinkles’ – those creases you wake up with. In short, a secret shortcut to a fresh face the next day. Plus, delicate notes of bergamot, lychee, rose and musk provide a chicly fragranced sense of calm. We definitely believe it’s worth the investment.
R995 from Orleans Cosmetics and Woolworths
FAKE A DAY IN THE SUN
Keeping up with self-tanning can be tedious, which is where bronzing drops come in. The viral Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops are the makeup-meets-skincare product that put bronzing drops on the map, and they’re finally available in South Africa. The options are endless with this liquid luminiser in hand. It can be used as a lit-from-within base beneath foundation, mixed into your favorite Drunk Elephant moisturiser or on the décolletage and shoulders to mimic a kiss from the sun. At the same time, peptides and antioxidants work hard to nourish and strengthen the skin underneath.
R950 from ARC Store
SWEAT LESS, STAY SOOTHED
Strappy sundresses, halterneck tops and sleeveless linen pieces leave little room to hide post-shave razor irritation, putting your underarms on full display. The Shower to Shower Sensitive Shave Anti-Perspirant Roll-On is a gentle yet effective everyday essential that keeps you fresh while caring for delicate underarm skin. It relies on aluminium chlorohydrate for dependable sweat protection, but stands out for its focus on sensitive skin care – providing soothing comfort for freshly shaved underarms, supporting the skin’s natural ceramide production, and delivering immediate and long-lasting moisture.
R22.99 from Clicks, Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay and Amazon
STREAMLINE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Whether you’re carry-on only for life or have zero shame about checking a bag, travelling means making some tough beauty cuts. Be it for airport security requirements, limited space or the pursuit of a more simplified routine, everyday staples aren’t always suited for on-the-go use. In lieu of packing multiple moisturisers, opt for the efficacious and luxurious NUXE Merveillance LIFT The Exceptional Day & Night Cream – a twoin-one formula designed for both day and night. While it may not lean on aggressive actives, it does an impressive job of boosting elasticity and helping skin look noticeably more lifted.
R1,545 from Orleans Cosmetics, Woolworths, Foschini and Truworths
ACHIEVE THE ELUSIVE NO-MAKEUP MAKEUP LOOK
Nothing says Euro Summer like naturally glowing skin that’s been kissed by the sun and lived-in hair that’s been graced by the sea. The name of the game this summer is all about no-fuss, low-maintenance beauty. The RVB LAB Blushy Look Liquid Blush - Warm Mauve features a lightweight, serum-like texture with buildable pigmentation and effortless blendability. A few dots are all you need to awaken your complexion with a healthy-looking wash of colour. It’s just as great for minimal makeup days as it is for more glam looks. If you have oily skin, we recommend locking it in place with a long-wearing setting spray.
R525 from Orleans Cosmetics
SCENT YOUR SUMMER
Few things capture the spirit of sunny adventures like the perfect summer fragrance. Japanese label Issey Miyake is best known for L’Eau d’Issey, its range of fragrances that became iconic for their airy, aquatic scents. Now, Issey Miyake Lumière d’Issey represents a brand-new era for the house. One spritz opens with a burst of green mandarin – bright and zesty. Then comes the note that feels like summer: Orange blossom, powdery and solar. The base deepens into something addictive – a pistachio wood accord layered with creamy sandalwood. The subtly asymmetrical crystalline bottle adds to the allure.
R1,750 for 30ml, R2,500 for 50ml or R3,380 for 100ml from
QUENCH EVERY PORE
In case you haven’t heard, ‘collagen banking’ is the next big thing in skincare, and Dermalogica is among the brands leading the long-term collagen-preservation approach. While it may sound like yet another fleeting trend, this strategy is your ticket to plumper, more youthful skin in the long term. Think of it as a savings account for your complexion. With a bouncy gel-like texture that wears nicely under makeup, the Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Water Cream uses peptides and antioxidants to help preserve collagen while flooding your face with hydration for that coveted glass-skin glow. Watch out, Hailey Bieber.
R1,699 from Dermalogica, Woolworths and ARC Store
GET A POST-FACIAL GLOW IN MINUTES
If you’ve ever spotted someone wearing a sheet mask mid-flight and raised an eyebrow, we promise you – you’re missing out. Skin Republic is an editor favourite when it comes to sheet masks, and the brand’s Skin Republic Bio-Collagen Wrapping Mask is no exception. Saturated with a collagen-boosting serum, it’s the sheet mask of choice for firming the face and lessening both fine lines and wrinkles. Just as affordable as it is effective, your skin will thank you – and so will your purse. Place the mask on clean skin for 15 minutes or for the duration of your flight, then remove and rinse off any remaining residue.
R75.99 from Skin Republic, Clicks, Dis-Chem, Medirite Plus, Bash, Superbalist and Takealot
CURB UV-INDUCED WRINKLES AND AGE SPOTS
Our skincare non-negotiable will always be SPF, regardless of your age, skin type or season. The Environ RAD ACTIVÉ, however, offers more than just sun protection – it’s also chock-full of antioxidant-rich ingredients (including physical and low-chemical UV filters, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene) that can help soften signs of skin ageing, like fine lines, sun spots and laxity. Instant protection + futureproofing = the winning combo. It’s a lightweight, breathable formula that doesn’t feel heavy on skin and gives your complexion a subtle boost of radiance (and honestly, most days, that’s all we need).
R480 from select salons
beauty
MAKE IT A TROPIC OF CONVERSATION
You can technically use your everyday perfume in your hair, but hear us out – most fragrances are alcohol-heavy, which can strip moisture from your strands and leave them feeling dry. That’s especially true if you’re generous with your spritz or have bleached, more fragile hair. If you want a multitasking mist that can be used on your hair and everywhere else, reach for the Playgirl Tropical Blast Body & Hair Mist. A cocktail of mango, pomegranate, raspberry and musk will leave you sneaking a whiff of your locks every few minutes. Bonus: The bottle’s large enough for guilt-free spritzing all day.
R69.99 from Dis-Chem and Pick n Pay
TURN TO HYALURONIC ACID FOR HEALTHIER HAIR
You’re already familiar with using hyaluronic acid on your skin, but did you know it has amazing benefits for your hair too? Just as you’ve seen hyaluronic acid in basically every moisturiser over the last few years, you’re now going to see it in tons of hair products, from shampoos to leave-in conditioners, thanks to its ability to deeply hydrate your hair and scalp without feeling greasy or causing build-up. The INOAR Hyaluronic Force Shampoo & Conditioner attracts hydration to help dry hair cope with Europe’s hard water (it can dull shine and affect texture) and make curls pop in humid coastal climates.
R505 each from INOAR and Sorbet Hairbar
DIAL DOWN THE LOOK OF BODY ACNE
Leave it to long days under the Mediterranean sun and sticky bus rides in our lightest layers to remind us that summer only exacerbates body acne. When a bout of breakouts start to sprout on your back and shoulders, restore your pores to a clearer state with the Bioderma Sébium Kerato+ Body. This spray offers a quick fix (or shall we say, quick spritz) to tackling body acne, especially when it’s in hard-to-reach places. Purifying salicylic acid addresses breakouts, blackheads and blemishes. Meanwhile, brightening niacinamide targets hyperpigmentation and post-acne dark spots.
R550 from Dermastore, Cosmetology, SkinMiles, Clicks and Dis-Chem
AMP UP VOLUME FOR THAT JUST-LEFT-THE-SALON LOOK
Lived-in hair belongs on a Euro Summer itinerary – think beach club days in Mykonos, coastal drives through Mallorca and late-night dinners perched on the cliffs of Positano. The Moroccanoil Texture & Volume Powder adds dimension and texture to hair that needs a boost, using ingredients like silica silylate, glycerin and argan oil to restore your zhuzh. The formula is a 10/10 and the brand’s signature scent smells like summer. One thing to know – it has some serious grit, so while it’s fine to go straight in if you have thicker hair, we like to pump some into our hands first before massaging it into the roots.
R775 from Retail Box and Salon500
SWIPE ON SOMETHING DELICIOUS
Solid perfumes elicit the same degree of excitement for us as beauty minis. Pocket-size versions of our favourite scents, they’re significantly less bulky than a 50ml bottle in your luggage and handy if you want to avoid everyone around you catching too strong a whiff in a public space. The Sol De Janeiro Jelly Perfume Balm - Cheirosa 68 –a fruity-floral with notes of Brazilian jasmine, pink dragonfruit and ocean air – is our new obsession. The jelly is housed in a plastic, twist-up tube with a snap cap that’s perfect for the beach. Sliding this along your collarbones also makes for the prettiest highlighter effect.
R445 from ARC Store, Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Truworths, Bash, and Superbalist and Takealot
KEEP YOUR SMILE IN CHECK
Taking a break from the everyday doesn’t mean taking a break from dental care. When we travel, we still like to have access to all our home comforts – and that includes our electric toothbrush. If you’re the same, we recommend the stylish Ordo Sonic Edge Rechargeable Toothbrush. It comes with a USB charging cable and boasts a battery life of over six weeks, making it ideal for long-haul trips. On top of that, it has four brushing modes so you can customise your clean, and its two-minute timer is broken up into 30-second intervals to guide you through brushing. Oh, and it’s compact enough for your toiletry bag.
R399 from Ordo, Smile Shop, Clicks and Yuppiechef
The best new RESTAURANTS in Cape Town
From sensory wine-first menus to a Michelin-starred chef’s approach to sustainable seafood
It doesn’t take much to find extraordinary food in Cape Town and the Winelands beyond. In a city where glittering high-rises cradle rooftop restaurants and fine dining spots hide among historic wine estates, the culinary landscape is as striking as its surroundings. Long celebrated for its dynamic and diverse food, Cape Town is a symphony of contrasts where local ingredients meets global influence. In 2026, it reinvents itself while staying loyal to its sense of place, with a slew of new openings – and next eras for existing spots. Here are the most exciting restaurants right now.
AMURA by
Chef Ángel León
A cinematic experience that puts sustainable seafood front and centre
Hailing from Cádiz – the bleached-white Andalucian city – “Chef of the Sea” Ángel León is among Spain’s top five Michelin-starred chefs. This muchanticipated restaurant is his first outside his home country, exploring the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Beyond conventional seafood cuisine, León is constantly pushing the conversation forward – from cooking with plankton to developing marine grains and using underutilised fish species. A meal at Amura by Chef Ángel León is like a glimpse into his world, where he shows you just how stunning seafood can be while reimagining the possibilities of the ocean. On top of that, it’s in Cape Town’s Wes Andersonstyle pink palace: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. With its magnificent kelp forest-inspired interiors and double-height wine library, Amura evokes the feel of a vintage luxury ocean liner. When you move through the space, designed by Tristan du Plessis of Studio A, it’s like you’re aboard a palatial vessel –down to the domed ceilings, curved banquettes, timber panelling, bronze accents and sub-aqueous lighting. It’s luxury to the max, but in that effortlessly chic, Belmond sort of way. There’s magic here in spades – in the oysters and kelp mignonette; butter-soft scallop, beautifully served in a half-shell with samphire; and yellowfin tuna “steak tartare” prepared tableside. Special mention must also be made of the golden squid ink croquettes jolted with pickled chilli; springy prawn toast brightened with green curry; and delicate langoustines swimming in a clam “marinera” sauce. For mains, we suggest opting for León’s iconic plankton risotto – an emerald emulsion that features squid and garlic aioli – although the tuna schnitzel made for sharing is equally as tempting. Desserts are strategically light, with the standout being a flan – it tastes like a dense crème caramel, served with spirulina crème Chantilly sprinkled with sea salt. Signature cocktails are as creative as the food, like the seaweed martini laced with seaweed-infused olive brine. For anyone who enjoys eating from the sea, Amura by Chef Ángel León has all the ingredients for a truly transportive experience. Tables are in high demand and best reserved well in advance. Don’t wait for an occasion. Just say I do.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town 021 483 1000 restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com www.belmond.com
FOXCROFT
Theatrical dining in an iconic heritage-listed building
A Constantia institution’s next era is off to a strong start. Foxcroft has found a new home at the historic Constantia Nek, a landmark dating back to 1929 and perched at the top of Constantia Nek Pass – with a grander culinary offer to do justice to its mountainside location. The dining room has been updated with a contemporary-luxury palette of creams and beiges, as well as increased lighting throughout the space.
A statement linen ceiling installation, natural stone and wood finishes, bouclé upholstered chairs and herringbone-parquet floors create an overall tonally muted aesthetic. The views across the valley towards distant mountains and the ocean, set against dramatic skies, are as mesmerising as the food. The menu is heavily inspired by chef-owner Glen Foxcroft Williams’ extensive travels around the world and the century-old site’s natural surroundings – from the nearby Cecilia Forest, where dense mosses carpet the trunks beneath a canopy of indigenous trees, to the fynbos-covered slopes of Constantia Nek. Over nine courses, the Chef’s Menu balances precision cooking and artful plating with compelling storytelling. Soft, buttery herbed salt bread smeared with Jersey butter or truffled cauliflower dusted with roasted yeast is a wintry joy. Asian-style snacks of market fish ssam, beef noodle soup
and a garden tartlet pop with vibrancy and colour. If the caviar supplement is offered, say yes. A sip of Beluga vodka before indulging in Cru Caviar Imperial – served with crispy potatoes and smoked snoek pâté topped with bokkom furikake – helps prime your palate and activate your tastebuds. Next, Namibian crab shines with Thai basil in a refreshing tomato kimchi broth. A spicy dish of crayfish with mushroom, jollof rice and berbere is worth the price tag alone. Similarly swoon-worthy is tuna ceviche punched up with coconut and pineapple. Williams’ deft twists and turns – and gorgeously composed flavours – are the work of an artist. A cannon of lamb appears rosypink inside with well-rendered fat, complementing turnip and a Cape-Malay denningvleis stew, while a dessert of chestnut, mascarpone and burnt vanilla makes a lasting impression. The relief of a landmark being in the capable hands of the La Colombe Group is palpable. Even better is the well-deserved feeling of excitement about where Foxcroft might go.
Constantia Nek, Constantia 021 202 3304 reservations@foxcroft.co.za www.lacolombe.restaurant
The Restaurant on PRECIOUS HIDDEN VALLEY
Essential wine country dégustation with contemporary African flavours
Buffalo isn’t something you see every day – at least not paired with a luxurious buchu jus and bee pollen. Then again, Precious Hidden Valley’s fine-diner isn’t your everyday restaurant, especially following the appointment of executive chef Bjorn Guido – a creative powerhouse for modern African cooking. Pioneering what he calls “new African gastronomy”, he has a knack for showcasing native flavours in ways that feel both novel yet natural. His imagination is anchored by technical finesse and a sustainable backbone, as seen in the monkfish elevated by shio koji and Cape Malay onion relish, or elegant crayfish served atop a velvety emulsion with brined mussels. The 360-degree views surrounding The Restaurant on Precious Hidden Valley are reason enough to book. They’ll make you want to stop and gaze awhile. The panoramic vista out front encompasses the undulating vineyards, deep valleys and majestic Helderberg Mountain. The décor, by Dr Precious Motsepe, includes earthy tones – olive green and mustardy yellow to terracotta and cream – natural materials, vases of dried flowers and jars of fermented ingredients. It’s a pleasure to relax in the intimate setting. Guests are greeted with a ceramic vessel of kombucha on arrival, setting the tone before a six-course menu of uncommon textures, shapes and tastes.
For snacks, there are dainty canapés followed by mosbolletjie bread made from grape must and aniseed, its impressive depth of flavour matched by robust butters, spreads and marinated olives. Crisp-skinned duck delivers on both texture and umami with caramelised parsnips, braised red cabbage, pumpkin seed miso and a quail Scotch egg – yolk perfectly gooey, wrapped in guinea fowl mince and crumbed fried for full flavour-bomb action. The “Forest Foraging” dessert is elaborate with its dollops of pistachio ice cream, shards of honeycomb and scattering of edible elderflowers. Dishes and palate cleansers are presented in handmade earthenware, nest-like bowls and pine cone hideaways, drawing gasps across the room. The assured team on the floor will likely steer you towards choosing the Hidden Valley wine pairing – a very wise move, as the estate wines range from the exquisite to the extraordinary.
Precious Hidden Valley, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch 021 007 3477
reservations@hiddenvalleywines.co.za www.hiddenvalleywines.co.za
EAST CITY GRILL
Cooking with embers and open flames in downtown Cape Town
There’s no ignoring this new, seductive Asian steakhouse on the first floor of 84 Harrington Street, the world’s tallest building made from hemp in Cape Town’s East City precinct. Describing itself as Afro-Asian, it’s the Asian influences that are immediately obvious at East City Grill. East City Grill forms one half of a dual concept, alongside its sister restaurant, Yakiniku – a Japanese-style dining experience centred around tableside grilling that merits a visit in its own right. The cracking à la carte menu, inspired by open-fire South African cooking and wagyu from the owner’s family farm in the Swartland, has smoke, flame and ash at its heart. Inside the dark and moody restaurant, the atmosphere is similarly up-tempo, supported by enthusiastic and engaged service. There’s plenty of dark timber, offset by blonde wood and copper panels. The most Zen spots are the softly backlit leather banquettes. Start with a craft cocktail and the wagyu biltong to whet the appetite and cast your eyes over the menu. Under the considered hand of executive chef Jaycee Ferreira, Asian standards arrive crisp and polished. Among the starters, the wagyu tartare is a clear highlight – featuring
cured egg yolk, shaved parmesan and sweet-savoury yakiniku sauce. It’s simple but ridiculously moreish. A surprise must-try is the nigiri – hand-pressed rice topped with toasted nori, finely sliced avocado, chopped fresh fish, Kewpie mayonnaise, sesame seeds and caviar in a pool of ponzu dressing. Despite the good selection of mains on offer, there’s really only one right order here: The confidently charred steaks. The real beauty of fire lies in its simplicity, allowing quality ingredients to reveal their inherent flavours. East City Grill’s fillet steak, with the exotic mushroom sauce and Gruyère mashed potatoes, is in a class of its own. Meanwhile, the sweet grilled prawns in a glossy, aromatic miso butter smell so good they turn heads. For dessert, the jiggly Hokkaido cheesecake with matcha, toasted rice ice cream, puffed rice and ginger milk curd – washed down with an espresso martini – is the perfect finisher. Whether you’re after a new haunt to frequent with your special someone or in need of a stylish atmosphere for a momentous occasion, East City Grill is poised to give you an excellent date-night experience.
84 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town 021 518 3366
info@eastcitygrill.co.za www.eastcitygrill.co.za
Editors’ secrets
Where to eat, drink and revel in Franschhoek’s low season
The delights of Franschhoek are universal: Clinking glasses of Cap Classique beneath centuries-old oak trees, dining inside restored Cape Dutch farmhouses and winding through mountain passes between wineries, all interlaced with hefty doses of world-class vino, scenery and art. It’s this limitless allure that has travellers descend with near-insatiable fervency, and often all at the same time – at least that’s how it can feel when trying to secure a table in peak summer.
As such, we’re declaring the off season the new secret season, when the most local version of the gourmet capital comes alive.
LA MOTTE WINE ESTATE
Sample a selection of sought-after bottles from the source
From the moment you see the Wine Bearer sculpture, you know you’re somewhere extraordinary. Newly reopened after its extensive renovation, La Motte Wine Estate is one of the most impressive wineries in the valley. Inside the new tasting room, you’ll find leather couches, a blazing fire and views into the maturation cellar. Book a varietal-specific tasting that compares La Motte wines in standard glassware and Riedel stems designed for each grape variety, or simply turn up and casually enjoy a tasting of their most popular wines, including MCC, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, Syrah and the limited-volume Pierneef Collection. Offering a dazzling assortment of tastings, there’s ample opportunity to explore back vintages and to understand the processes and philosophy behind it all.
You can continue the experience at home by grabbing goods such as freshly baked sourdough, local cheeses and artisanal charcuterie from Spens – La Motte’s farm shop. Beyond affable tasting staff, there are elegant, art-filled spaces that encourage serenity and propose contemplation. Or, for the curious-minded, take part in elaborate tastings of older vintages and currentvintage counterparts. A place highly awarded and greatly recognised – for all the right reasons.
R45 Main Road, Franschhoek 021 876 8820 tasting@la-motte.co.za www.la-motte.com
LA PETITE FERME RESTAURANT
Catch the most atmospheric landscapes of the season
From the moment you see the Wine Bearer sculpture, you know The refurbished La Petite Ferme Restaurant is always a good idea for sophisticated cuisine and superb wines, but never more so than in winter. 180-degree views of the towering trees, dormant vineyards, mist-covered hills and occasionally snow-dusted mountain peaks are breathtaking by day. Lunch here feels like you’re immersed in nature somewhere far, far away. Recently appointed head chef Richard Carstens’ love of molecular gastronomy is present in the technique of his rich, comforting dishes, and there’s similar fascination with local produce. There are two- and three-course à la carte menus, but choose the latter, which might include butter-poached mussels with vibrant tomatoes and thinly sliced zucchini in a creamy ginger sauce; beef fillet flavoured with red wine and accompanied by pommes Anna, winter greens and a black pepper velouté; and sweet-yet-savoury Gorgonzola ice cream mingling yoghurt, walnuts and honeycomb. There’s much of interest to drink, too. The wine list places the best of local makers (Colmant, Le Lude, Pierre Jourdan) alongside La Petite Ferme labels and local beers. Case in point: A glass of La Petite Ferme Verdict. The noticeable tannins make this Bordeaux-style blend an excellent choice to match with steak and other red meat dishes.
La Petite Ferme, Lambrechts Road (Franschhoek Pass), Franschhoek 021 876 3016
reception@lapetiteferme.co.za www.lapetiteferme.co.za
EPICE
Adventure through an inventive menu inspired by the magic of spices
What happens when you blend ancient spices with modern-day techniques? Head chef Charné Sampson considers the question, and her tasting menu at fine-dining restaurant Epice, tucked away inside Le Quartier Français, is the answer. The minimalist space feels sleek yet warm and intimate thanks to spice-themed interior colours and a roaring fireplace – making it ideal for a special date-night dinner or, better yet, a cosy lunch. This winter, guests can take advantage of a special lunch offering from Friday to Sunday until 31 August 2026 at R695 per person. Mainstays – such as the cumin and sweet potato bread with beef drippings and Ethiopian chilli (also known as berbere) or glistening, lightly-seared Cape Point tuna accented by asada, jalapeño and avocado – remain sublime. They’re followed by locally sourced lamb so marbled it’s like eating butter. Beside it, carrots team with broccoli, asparagus and Sauce Vierge. Everything is in balance. “Ouma’s milk tart” sprinkled with lime zest serves as petits fours – best washed down with a cinnamon espresso martini. From an unexpected address to the direction of its kitchen, Epice is full of surprises. And in the best possible ways. Add well-versed staff and you can see why this fine-diner is still red hot nearly seven years on.
Le Quartier Français, corner of Berg & Wilhelmina Streets, Franschhoek 021 492 4044
reservations@epice.co.za www.epice.restaurant
ARUM
Plan the perfect cocktail-forward dinner date
It’s unmistakably modern. And yet it’s still very Boschendal. Foodie couples will love Arum’s winter special, now on for both lunch and dinner until 24 September 2026 at R595 per person. The menu kicks off with a bread course, followed by a choice of Arum’s signature octopus dish or seared springbok tataki served with a marinated egg, daikon, XO sauce and tempura mushrooms. On the more substantial side, both the 21-day dry-aged beef fillet and the pan-roasted kingklip are standouts. Coupled with estate-grown mushrooms, charred and pickled onion, onion rings and potato cakes, the beef is a formidable offering. The fish is simply perfect: Crisp sourdough crust, firm, Arctic-white flaky flesh and the right contrast from the prawn farce, date chutney and Cape Malay velouté to make it all balance. The hits keep coming, too, with dessert. The pain perdu had plums standing in for blueberries on this occasion, while the Madagascan chocolate crémeux is a feather-light mouthful of chocolate, candied orange, olive oil and a honey tuile. Push the boat out further still with a nightcap at the bar – you’ll go bananas over the potent espresso martini, which features transparent coffee liqueur, cacao-washed rum and banana oleo-saccharum and espresso foam. At night it’s dark and a little sexy.
Boschendal, R310 Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
079 640 5284
info@arum.co.za
www.arum.co.za
HEY JOE BREWING CO
Taste award-winning craft beer – then prolong the pleasure with a stayover
Franschhoek is having a craft beer moment. Check out the freshly renovated Hey Joe Brewing Co, the local gem brewing Belgian-inspired craft beers. Combining the atmosphere of a restaurant with the smarts of a microbrewery, this unique beer experience perfectly embodies the region’s inclusive beer scene. Swing by for house-brewed suds and globally inspired pub grub. Friendly staff will take you through flights and share intel on brews such as the Belgian Pale Ale – with notes of apricot, plum, caramel and honeyed malts – plus the Belgian Lager, a 5% ABV lager made the Belgian way. Other drops to look out for include the Blonde, a smooth golden pour, and the Witbier, a crisp, easy-drinking classic. Want to go to bed tipsy and happy without so much as a thought for how to get home? Book a sleepover at the spanking-new @Franschhoek Hotel on the same property. Stepping into the chic and minimalist guest rooms is a bit like exhaling –the deep soaking tubs help with that too. Free from clutter or fussiness, the thoughtful simplicity feels like pure luxury. Each room offers views of the surrounding countryside, with hi-tech features spanning flatscreen TVs, coffee makers, heating and air conditioning. Cosy up and let the seasonal blues disappear.
R45 Main Road, Franschhoek 066 150 9681 fandbmanager@heyjoebrewery.com www.heyjoebrewery.com
TIMELESS BEAUTY IN THE GREAT KAROO
Set within a private reserve in South Africa’s Great Karoo, Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve o ers an intimate safari experience defined by history, heart, and wide-open beauty where wildlife roam freely.
Guests can choose from elegant manor houses, romantic pods beneath the stars, or a historic cottage. All designed to immerse you in the stillness and spirit of the Karoo. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, with heritage, and with yourself.
A VINE romance
Beginner’s guide to the Robertson Wine Valley
While it can be difficult to find a reason to leave Cape Town even for just a few hours, the Robertson Wine Valley is one of the best short breaks you can take from the city. Dating from 1853, Robertson remains an old-fashioned agricultural centre, set along the Breede River about two hours from Cape Town. Surrounded by lime-rich soils and mountain ranges that have made it one of South Africa’s most prolific wine-growing regions, the valley has earned its romantic nickname – the Valley of Wine and Roses.
HOME BASE
THE ROBERTSON SMALL HOTEL
To truly slow down, stay at The Robertson Small Hotel – a spoiling spot in the centre of the sleepy little town cradled by the peaks of the Langeberg Mountains. The five-star luxury hotel is homely and welcoming, whilst enthusiastically embracing Robertson’s heritage. There are 11 individually decorated rooms (including Manor House Rooms, Stable Suites and Pool Suites), though it’s hard to tell as the space feels more intimate. Inside, it’s a riot of antiquarian exuberance – wooden floors, original sash windows and a playful clash of patterns and colours – but with an overriding sense of freshness to offset the Victorian character. You’ll want to stop for drinks on the wraparound terrace for the décor alone (don’t miss out on cocktail concoctions like the lavender martini during happy hour every Friday from 15h00 to 18h00). There’s a cosy all-day restaurant, a bar with azulejo tiles and a garden pavilion to boot. The Small Restaurant is a feast for the eyes – and a literal one. Breakfast, with its eggs benedict, smoked salmon crostini and decadent flapjacks, could take up a whole happy morning, while dinner might involve seafood dumplings followed by beef fillet and blueberry cheesecake. In the warmer months, guests drift from pool to pool (there are two) and down to the spa. “Pinotage” massages may seem redundant after a day spent wine tasting, but trust us – they aren’t. Shaded daybeds march out across the manicured grounds, providing ample space to switch off, read a book and soak up the ethereal, rose-scented atmosphere. It’s close to all that Robertson has to offer and yet feels far-removed all at once. Our seafoam-hued Pool Suite was well-appointed and modern, with low-slung woven rattan pendant lights, a TV with DStv Premium, a well-stocked minibar, a coffee machine and air-conditioning. The bathroom came equipped with a soaking tub, separate shower and amenities by Healing Earth. There was a lovely openness to the room as well as a luxuriously inviting feel. Notably, the king-size beds are very comfortable, with extra-soft sheets we uncurled from begrudgingly each morning.
58 Van Reenen Street, Robertson 023 880 0611
reservations@thelivingjourneycollection.co.za www.thelivingjourneycollection.co.za
WHERE TO TASTE
The Robertson Wine Valley is home to more than 50 wineries, so it helps to visit with a game plan. Whether you’re a seasoned wine drinker or love top-notch bubbly, here’s how to weave some vineyard-hopping into your next winter weekend away.
VAN LOVEREN FAMILY VINEYARDS
An airy and sleek structure, Van Loveren Family Vineyards – part of Cape Country Routes – is idyllic for a convivial gathering and a great space for a vinous journey. Feel like sipping your way at a leisure pace?
Settle in with the cheese and wine pairing – three whites and two reds matched with selections from Dalewood Fromage. If winter means red wine to you, they’ve got plenty of top drops, including the awardwinning Van Loveren Cabernet Sauvignon, Christina Cabernet Sauvignon and Retief Reserve Cape Blend.
R317, Robertson
023 615 1505
info@vanloveren.co.za
SPRINGFIELD ESTATE
Springfield Estate, Robertson’s most ubiquitous producer, is best known for its Life from Stone Sauvignon Blanc – but visit the cellars, and you’ll be rewarded with complex single-vineyard wines and a hefty dose of history. Springfield stands out for its ivy-covered stone walls and charming tasting room overlooking the dam. You can also drink in the family history through expert tours. Taste as widely as you can because the wines –from the Miss Lucy white blend to the Méthode Ancienne Cabernet Sauvignon – are spectacular.
R317, Robertson 023 626 3661
info@springfieldestate.com www.springfieldestate.com
WELTEVREDE WINE ESTATE
Off the tourist track but equally worthwhile is the family-owned Weltevrede Wine Estate, also a Cape Country Routes stop. You’ll have the chance to explore the underground cellar and pretty little rose garden while tasting the estate’s chardonnay and MCC. If you’re looking for a remarkable Calcrete – Robertson’s signature style of chardonnay – this is the place to go. Grown in the valley’s limestone-based calcrete soils, the wine is unwooded, resulting in bright acidity and a crisp, mineral profile reminiscent of classic Chablis.
R317, Bonnievale 023 616 2141 reception@weltevrede.com www.weltevrede.com
GRAHAM BECK ESTATE
No Robertson Wine Valley trip is complete without a stop at Graham Beck Estate, one of South Africa’s leading Cap Classique producers. When you arrive, you’re swept off your feet with glee and serenity as you look out onto the verdant landscape. The modernist architecture beckons guests to celebrate and actively engage in the experience. Opt for The Cellarmaster’s Selection Tasting, featuring five MCCs including the estate’s flagship Cuvée Clive. Generous cheese and charcuterie platters are also available.
R60, Robertson 023 626 1214 info@grahambeck.com www.grahambeck.com
Word of advice?
Avoid the temptation to cram as many tastings as possible into each day, and hold yourself to one visit in the morning and one in the afternoon.
WHERE TO DINE
KAPOKBOS RESTAURANT
Given the amazing local produce, being well fed between tastings is a virtual guarantee in the Robertson Wine Valley. If you want to experience the flavour of the region in one day, then Kapokbos Restaurant is the perfect sampling board. The small but beautifully executed menu is the epitome of hyper-local generosity and authenticity. Some of the ingredients are grown just metres from the tables. Think springbok tataki, duck liver parfait, Greek-style lamb, glazed quail and a savoury goats cheesecake topped with fresh figs. It’s the ideal place to pause and reflect – glass of Weltevrede Philip Jonker Entheos Brut MCC in hand, naturally – on the fact that, while a day’s eating and drinking in Robertson is great, a full weekend is even better. Sit back and feel the real world fade away.
Weltevrede Wine Estate, R317, Bonnievale 023 100 4182
bookings@kapokbos.co.za www.kapokbos.co.za
