OnTap Magazine

ON THE HOP without hitting a couple of wineries, but with hundreds to choose from, where do you start? Close to Wild Clover, Villiera is great for bubbly tasting and also o ers daily game drives to see gira es, zebras and a variety of buck. If you fancy a gourmet picnic while lounging in the sun, head to Warwick , but be sure to book ahead – the picnics are rightfully popular and spaces are frequently sold out. Middelvlei is less about the wine and more about family fun: kids can feed the farm animals and play lawn games, then enjoy a juice and candy pairing while grown- ups try their hand at wine blending – a ne afternoon activity for anyone who enjoys deconstructing the avours of booze. GRAB A BITE In the past it seemed that you had to drive around the wineries for the best food in the area, but these days you can take a food crawl around the town centre. If you’re looking for breakfast on the run try Schoon Croissant & Coffee Bar , a hatch café just o Dorp St with tables in the courtyard. At lunchtime head to one of celeb chef Bertus Basson’s newest restaurants - De Vrije Burger, serving nothing but burgers and ice cream, or Spek & Bone , a tapas and wine bar o ering pricey but delicious dishes. If it’s fancy food you seek, check out Restaurant Jardine , where chef George Jardine prepares dishes like stu ed quail with gorgonzola mousse as part of a two- or three-course set menu. STAY THE NIGHT Following a re that gutted the main building, Lanzerac (lanzerac.co.za) has risen from the ashes and reopened with a sleek new look. e historic estate is wonderful for a summer splurge, its glorious grounds harbouring a deli, a large restaurant, elegant rooms and a spa with magni cent mountain views. Even if you’re not staying over, pop in for a wine tasting or a beer in the adorable Taphuis pub – and yes, they do serve craft beer! If you’re looking for cheap digs in the town centre you could join the backpackers and overlanders at the Stumble Inn . It’s a rowdy spot so you won’t get much sleep, but it’s cheap as chips and they also o er well-priced wine tours. 1 ZEBONKEY Brewer Jan Schmidtborn specialises in Weissbier, whether it’s traditional, smoked, brewed with ocean water or dosed with chillies. 2 WAGON TRAIL There’s a cool taproom here or you can sample the beers out by the lily pond with a platter of meat and cheese. 3 STELLENBRAU Now owned by Heineken, Stellenbrau offers tours and tastings, plus there’s a pub and beer garden where you can enjoy a pint. THREE MORE TO VISIT 38 | Summer 2018 | ontapmag.co.za