Seek and find
Last updated: August 5, 2025
When I think of South Africa, I think of a country where nature, culture, delicious wines, and a fantastic culinary scene converge. It's one of my favorite destinations with kids, especially if you leave the city for the wine regions. Yet, our tour often begins in Cape Town, where we dine endlessly at trendy restaurants and can never get enough of the melting pot of food at The Neighbourgoods Market. South Africa's culinary scene is characterized by the diversity of influences and flavors from all over the world, such as Indian, Malaysian, and Cape Malay. Be sure to sample dishes like bobotie, boerewors, and biltong at the food markets. Or, in the wine region, enjoy a barbecue at one of the wine estates. I still fondly remember the time I rented a cottage on the Boschendal wine estate and had our own barbecue. We'd pick up the tastiest meat from the estate shop and grill it on our private veranda overlooking the sunset. I have now visited quite a few wine estates in South Africa and in this new guide I list my favorites.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
HAPPY ALMOST WEEKEND IN AMSTERDAM
Comment 'weekend' and I'll send you all 32 tips in the new Amsterdam Weekend Guide for December 4, 5, 6 & 7 ✖️✖️✖️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱!
I've rounded up a complete list with the coziest and most festive Christmas markets in Amsterdam you don't want to miss this year. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, food stalls, live music, unique gifts and lots of Christmas vibes all December long.
Whether you're planning a festive day with the fam or friends, or just want to soak up that holiday spirit. These are the markets in Amsterdam to put on your calendar now. 🎄✨
𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥 “𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙏” 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝙔𝙇𝘽𝘽-𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨.
Send this list to your festive partner-in-crime, grab a hot chocolate (or mulled wine 😉), and have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasinamsterdam #amsterdammarkets #christmasmarkets #amsterdamguide thingstodoinamsterdam winterinthenetherlands festiveseason christmasvibes marketlovers amsterdamtips
HOME ALONE 4 INCOMING 😅 My trip to NYC ends in a bad (Christmas) movie when the hotel gives my carry-on luggage with passport to an old lady who doesn't realize this and checks the luggage on a flight to the UK!
Now I'm stuck here in NY without a passport, and I missed my flight.
I've experienced a lot in all the years I've been traveling for Your Little Black Book, but this is a first 😅.
This chat video is purely therapeutic in nature 🤣🤣🤣. Because really: HOW?! 🫢
Note to self: it's better to carry your passport all day, instead of leaving it "safely" in the hotel, apparently... and from now on, attach suitcases with cables in the storage room. Even if you're staying in a luxurious and expensive hotel, everything is still done by humans.
Now I'm stuck in one of the world's coolest cities, but of course I just want to be home with Manuel, as planned. 😔
To be continued 🧳✈️
And thanks for all the sweet DMs ❤️❤️❤️❤️
✖️✖️✖️
Anne
𝟳𝘅 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗷𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 ...�� 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄
How cool is this? There are places in the Netherlands where you can cut down your own Christmas tree! You don't hear about it very often, even though it's quite common in America (where I'm currently!).
Good to know: some of these places in the Netherlands are only open for a few days a year and you have to reserve a time slot.
💬 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 “𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗠” and I will send you the article with all the details and dates in your DM.
Have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#christmasintheNetherlands #christmasouting #christmastree #christmasfarm #christmas2025 winterintheNetherlands Christmastips Christmasinspiration Netherlandsdiscover Decembertips winterweekend
And do you also have a nice garden?
I want to thank you for your patience and help. 𝟳-𝗷𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲!
This time we went to @williams.farmhouse, one of my favorite lunch spots in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. But is it also fun during the day with kids?
We ordered a 'plain' version of the Farmhouse burger 🍔: yes, really just meat + cheese 🤣… and together with the fries it was a mega success.
Happy child, happy us... and it was such a cozy, rainy afternoon. I mean, this interior makes me dream of the Cotswolds again!
Do you have a favorite 𝗸𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 in Amsterdam or the Netherlands?
Let me know in the comments, I'll collect everything for the next 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗙!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamfood #amsterdamrestaurants #amsterdamfoodie #amsterdamguide amsterdamwithkids kidsproef familyfriendly amsterdamlunch amsterdamoudzuid yourlittleblackbook kidsproofamsterdam
So happy to finally share this! @lefoodwalk is back this winter with four themed walks during the Amsterdam Light Festival, from November 27th to January 18th.
Perfect for a day out with friends, a date, colleagues, or family. From a Street Food Walk to an Oyster Walk, and from cocktails to an old-school Amsterdam drinks walk.
The Le Foodwalk team has listened to you and there is a different experience to book almost every day.
Tickets (which are even cheaper than last year 🔥) are now live! I've put a link in my bio.
I have a nice garden and a beautiful garden 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 4 bites + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @weareedn_amsterdam ⦁ @caferestaurantdebazel ⦁ @soulkitchen_amsterdam ⦁ @blackandblue_reguliers
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €43,50
𝗢𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat
Package: 4 x 2 oysters + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ Soulkitchen ⦁ De Bazel ⦁ @bellyofthebeastbar ⦁ @vermeerswijnkamer
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €43,50
𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Wed-Sat
Included: 3 cocktails (also 0.0%) + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @feijoaamsterdam⦁ @lottisamsterdam ⦁ Belly of the Beast
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €35,50
𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Sun-Wed
Included: 3 Dutch drinks & 3 Dutch bar snacks + @amsterdamlightfestival app (worth €6,99)
𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @hetkarbeel ⦁ @proeflokaalvanwees ⦁ @beertemple_amsterdam
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €33,50
Who do you want to do a Foodwalk with this winter?
𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙞𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙒𝙒𝙒.𝙇𝙀𝙁𝙊𝙊𝘿𝙒𝘼𝙇𝙆.𝘾𝙊𝙈.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
#lightfestival #lefoodwalk #amsterdamlightfestival #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdambynight #canalview
I have a nice garden in my garden and 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 🎅🏼
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and I can tell you: this list will instantly get you in the holiday spirit. 🎄
📍In this new video, I've listed the most beautiful Christmas markets and winter fairs in the Netherlands, from Maastricht to The Hague.
Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine, raclette, Christmas carols, ice skating with your besties, or planning a cozy weekend getaway in December, now's the time to block your calendar.
Send the tips to your Christmas date ❤️ and comment "CHRISTMAS MARKET" to receive a link to ALL the Christmas market shortlists on Your Little Black Book.
Let the Christmas fun begin!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #kerstmarktnederland #kerstuitje #winterfair #kerst2025 #weekendtips #thingstodointhenetherlands #magischmaastricht #royalchristmasfair #kerstmarktamsterdam #winterinthenetherlands #kerstvibes #yourlbb #kerstmarkt #christmasmarket
I have a nice garden – I have a nice garden in my garden
Did you know Bangkok holds a special place in my heart? 💛 If I were ever to live anywhere other than Amsterdam, it would be there. Right now, I'm seriously homesick, and I even have a ticket option open on another screen ☺️. Fun fact: I even got married in Thailand!
Bangkok is one of those cities where you can return so many times and still discover something new every time.
In this mini-guide, I share some of my favorite neighborhood hotspots—from fun neighborhoods and coffee spots to ultimate hotels, street food, and night markets.
The list could easily have 200 tips, but this is a good start!
📍 Prepare your next trip to Thailand with our travel guide & luxury travel planner for your next trip to Thailand.
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ Talad Noi – creative, raw & surprising
⦁ Songwat & Chinatown – street food heaven
⦁ Ekkamai – laid-back & trendy
⦁ Ari – boutiques & brunch
⦁ Bang Rak – culture meets cool
𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 & 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ Charmkrung – trendy restaurant in an old shophouse
⦁ Hong Sieng Kong – riverside coffee spot
⦁ Potong – fine dining in Chinatown
⦁ Baan Rim Naam – cocktails during sundown
⦁ Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai – comfort noodles, Bangkok style
**Illegible**
⦁ Four Seasons – ultimate luxury
⦁ Mustang Blue – unique & arty
⦁ ASAI – affordable boutique
⦁ The Standard – design & rooftop pool
⦁ Anantara Riverside – riverside resort vibes
I & I
⦁ Sundown on the Chao Phraya River = magical
⦁ Cycle through the city with Co van Kessel
⦁ Big Buddha – new must-see
⦁ Eat street on Banthat Thong Road – local favorite
⦁ What Saket at golden hour – view!
(𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧) 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ Yaowarat – food, food, food
⦁ Sampheng Market – for your best finds
⦁ ChangChui – creative chaos
⦁ Asiatique – family fun night market on the river
⦁ Train Night Market – vintage & food
📌 Save this guide so you have it with you when you go to Bangkok
💌 Send it to that friend you're making Thailand plans with
Have you ever been to Bangkok?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Amsterdam, get your skates ready — ice skating season has officially begun! ⛸️
The first rinks, like @skabaanmuseumplein, are opening this weekend and we are so ready for it.
I already planned a mom & son date — that's how excited we are to hit the ice. 💙
This year, there are some new links to discover across the city too. And who knows... maybe we'll even get lucky with natural ice again. Until then, these are the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam you don't want to miss.
Whether you're planning a festive date, a day with friends, or skating with the kids — this guide has you covered.
📍All details are in the Amsterdam Ice Skating Listicle on Your Little Black Book (link in bio).
Send this to your skating buddy and start planning your first winter weekend on ice! ❄️
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #yourlbb #amsterdamwinter #iceskatinginamsterdam #amsterdamchristmas #thingstodoinamsterdam #amsterdamguide #winterinthenetherlands #amsterdamlife #cityguide #amsterdamcheck #wintervibes #travelamsterdam #weekendinams #holidayseason #skating
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟯, 𝟭𝟰, 𝟭𝟱 & 𝟭𝟲)
Another cozy November weekend in Amsterdam is here — and the city's buzzing with festive fun, winter vibes, and new openings.
Think: the return of ice skating at Museumplein, vintage treasure hunting in Noord, Sinterklaas magic at Muiderslot, and cocktail week collabs between top chefs and bartenders.
From fondue nights, film festivals, and Sunday markets — I've listed 31+ tips on Your Little Black Book.
Here's your WEEKEND shortlist:
MARKETS & CULTURE
– Nov 15 & 16: IJ-hallen – Europe's biggest flea market in Amsterdam-Noord @ijhallen
– Nov 16: Sunday Museum Market on Museumplein (grab a bite from Mr Brasa!)
– Nov 13–23: IDFA 2025 – hundreds of documentaries across the city's best cinemas @idfafestival
DRINKS & EVENTS
– Every Thursday this winter: Cheese fondue night at Badhuis Javaplein (€26 pp with unlimited crudités & bread). @badhuis.ams
– Save the date! Nov 17–23: Woodford Old Fashioned Week — 10+ cocktail bars, 3 top chef x bartender collabs @woodfordreserve @sidney_schutte @florisvstraalen @dirkmooren
NEW SPOTS
– Café Bica on Weesperzijde – coffee hotspot from the Bam Boa team @cafebica.ams
– Petit Charcuterie on Singel – perfect for bites, drinks & brioche sandwiches @petit.charcuterie.singel
FAMILY & FESTIVE FUN
– Nov 15: Ice skating season officially opens at Museumplein ⛸️ @iceamsterdam
– Nov 16: Sinterklaas parade sails into Amsterdam via the Amstel 🎁
– Nov 16 – Dec 5: Sinterklaas at Muiderslot (meet the Sint in person on Nov 22–23 & 29–30) @muiderslot
Want all 31 tips?
Comment 'WEEKEND' and I'll DM you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide — or check the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #AmsterdamTips #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamEvents #AmsterdamMarkets #AmsterdamRestaurants #WinterInAmsterdam #SinterklaasAmsterdam #IDFA2025 #WoodfordOldFashionedWeek
𝟱 𝘅𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗻.
From new hotspots to low spots and from hand-pulled noodles to an intimate Mediterranean bistro, I've listed 5 new favorite restaurants for you that you definitely want to try.
Save this guide for your next dinner date 🍽️
📍 Orchid House (East)
Vibe: all-day dining at Oosterpark, family-friendly and good vibes.
Must orders: ceviche, angel hair pasta with sea urchin and picanha.
@orchidhouse.ams
📍 Omri (The Pipe)
Vibe: Small and cozy corner space with a warm interior and dimmed lighting. Perfect for a date night.
Must orders: the dolmas and lamb shawarma tostada with watermelon.
@omri_amsterdam
📍 Chingu (The Pipe)
Vibe: Mainly focused on takeaway, but trust me: you'll want to go out of your way for these Taiwanese rice balls.
Must orders: Jumeok Bap with king crab or mayak egg, so delicious.
@chinguamsterdam
📍 Leonardo's Ravioli Bar (De Pijp)
Vibe: Italian bistro full of cozy nooks in the always lively Pijp neighborhood. Now also open for lunch on weekends.
Must-have orders: as many as possible. And share everything. I can be brief about that.
@leonardosraviolibar
📍 Yellow River Handpulled Noodles (Center)
Vibe: like stepping into a Chinese canteen. You order at the kiosk and wait for your number to be called.
Must-try orders: choose your favorite thickness of noodles + the minced meat noodles. The dumplings are also definitely worth trying.
@yellowrivernoodles
Please let us know where you're going first.
Or where you recently had the best meal, I'm curious!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdamfood #amsterdam #amsterdamrestaurant #amsterdamlife #amsterdamtravel #amsterdamrestaurants #hotspots
The most beautiful Christmas displays at garden centers throughout the Netherlands are now open! 🎄
Only seven more weekends until Christmas... and this cozy and free Christmas outing is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Trust me, I've been there myself ;-).
Do you have a favorite that's not in this video? Let me know in the comments! You can also find the complete list of 30 tips via the link in my bio ✨.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#Christmasshows #Christmasshow2025 #Christmasdecoration #Christmasinspiration #gardencenter #weekendtip #thingstodo #discovertheNetherlands #winterouting #cozyoutings #Christmasholiday #Christmasfeeling #Christmasmarkets #Decembertips
Colorful Cape Malay in Cape Town
You'll want to know these 4 wine regions just outside Cape Town
Let me start by briefly listing the various wine regions I've visited. We all know Stellenbosch, but did you know there's also a wine region right next to Cape Town? Plenty to explore and taste!
Constantia
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Cape Town? Then a visit to the Constantia wine region is highly recommended. It's one of the oldest wine regions in South Africa and is literally on the other side of the mountain. You can drive a scenic wine route past wineries like Groot Constantia, Beau Constantia, and Constantia Glen, which primarily produce white wine. Looking for a bite to eat afterward? Head to Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia or La Colombe.
View hotels in Constantia here
Stellenbosch
Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town lies South Africa's most famous wine region. Stellenbosch is beautiful, and you can easily spend a few nights there. Stay in the historic town or at one of the wine estates. Because this wine region is so popular, it's wise to make reservations in advance at the restaurants you absolutely want to dine at. I always enjoy having lunch at the wine estates, so you can also enjoy the beautiful views.
View hotels in Stellenbosch here
Franschhoek
Also known as the "Food and Wine Capital" of South Africa, Franschhoek is a charming town surrounded by lush vineyards. What I love about Franschhoek is the stunning mountain views, especially at sunset, magical! Almost every wine estate has a restaurant serving top-notch cuisine. Fine dining and Chardonnay—you couldn't make me happier. A fun fact: Franschhoek also has a wine tram that takes you to more than 25 wineries via various routes. From Stellenbosch, for example, you can also take a taxi to the starting point; the ride only takes fifteen minutes, so you can leave the car behind.
View hotels in Franschhoek here
Paarl
The Paarl wine region may be less well-known than Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, but it's definitely worth a visit. If only for the fact that it's home to one of my favorite wine estates: Babylonstoren. This region produces more red wines, so Cabernet Sauvignon lovers will find it here.
© Your Little Black Book – Kids-friendly South Africa – Vergenoegd Wine Estate
8 Vineyards and Wineries to Visit in South Africa
Babylonstoren
At the foot of the majestic Simonsberg Mountains, between the charming towns of Paarl and Franschhoek, lies the unique Babylonstoren wine estate. I've been here several times now, including once staying in one of the cottages, and I can confirm: it's an enchanting destination! Everything comes together here: a farm, a lovely hotel with cottages, a gourmet restaurant, an organic garden and nursery, a traditional bakery, a fantastic lifestyle shop, and a beautiful tasting room. The estate is open daily, and there are several restaurants. For a more extensive meal, reservations are recommended. Are you staying at the hotel? Then, like me, you'll truly enjoy the peace and quiet, the sound of the animals, and wandering around the estate once the day guests have left. I'll definitely be back!
View this post on InstagramDelaire Graff Estate
One of the first wine estates in South Africa where I ever went for lunch is Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch. Stroll through the art garden before sitting down for a leisurely meal, or settle into the salon for a wine tasting. The wine tastings are generally open without reservations, but if it's full, you might have to wait a bit. I can tell you from experience that Delaire Graff's wines are delicious. The restaurants feature seasonal cuisine, and the terrace offers such a beautiful view. I still think back to this often.
View this post on InstagramBlue Cliffs
A tip you shouldn't miss, especially with kids, is Blue CliffsOne of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch, with a rich history, delicious wines, and that authentic rural feel. The popular Blaauwklippen Family Market is a hotspot for all ages on weekends, and if you have the chance, I highly recommend it. Have a picnic or enjoy a wine tasting. Prefer a more leisurely meal? The restaurant offers that. Although the deli dishes are just as delicious.
View this post on InstagramBoschendal
One of the nicest addresses in South Africa where we stayed during our tour through the wine regions is Boschendal In Franschhoek. From the moment you check in, everything feels perfect, and you'll never want to leave the wine estate. The Boschendal picnic is one of the most famous in the wine region, and for good reason. With a well-prepared picnic basket full of treats, you settle down on the grass or at one of the tables. While the kids play, you enjoy the peace and quiet. And of course, the delicious food! The estate has several restaurants, each with its own unique charm. During our stay, we dined outside every evening at the long picnic tables or bought delicious items from the estate shop to barbecue on our private veranda. I can't wait to go back!
View this post on InstagramMuscle
A classic to add to your list of 'South Africa wine estates to visit' is MuscleThey practice ethical farming here. It's good for the people who work there, good for the soil, and the wine is made with love. What I personally love about Spier is that the guests truly reflect the diversity of beautiful South Africa. Whether you snuggle up by the fireplace in colder weather or settle down on the terrace for a tasting on a sunny day, you won't want to leave Spier. There's also a lovely hotel there that's on my list for my next stay. Spier is also incredibly child-friendly! You'll find this lovely wine estate just outside Stellenbosch.
View this post on InstagramTokara Wines
A must-visit classic in the Stellenbosch wine region is Tokara. From the terrace, you have a beautiful view of Simonsberg, and after your last course, you'll want to linger long afterward, lingering over a second bottle of their delicious wines. There's not much for kids at Tokara, so in my opinion, it's primarily a place for couples and fine dining!
View this post on InstagramVergenoegd Wine Estate
At first glance it seems Vergenoegd Wine Estate Perhaps it's just a winery with a lovely terrace and tasting room. Just wait until you see the duck parade that takes place three times a day. Trust me: you've never seen anything like it! And especially with kids, it's an absolute must-see to witness this spectacle. Just plan your visit around the parade, as there's not much else for kids to do. If you're traveling with just the two of you, pick up a picnic basket at the winery shop and settle down on the terrace or in the grass to enjoy the delicious food and cold wine.
View this post on InstagramConstantia Glen
Are you going to Cape Town but have no plans to go to Stellenbosch? Then you want (no, you must!) go to Constantia Glen Just outside the city. Believe me, here too, you'll experience the ultimate countryside feel, with expansive vistas and rolling hills. Whether you're looking for a wine tasting or just want to enjoy a bottle with drinks, the terrace is a wonderful place to sit. The menu is incredibly accessible, making this wine estate the perfect place to enjoy wines during golden hour.
View this post on InstagramCape Town Tips
To do
Read more?
