Easter is one of the high points on our culinary calendar; a time when we can gather around a table of traditional roast and fish dishes, seasonal vegetable platters and colourful, chocolatey desserts.

Preparing the feast yourself can be quite a slog (not to mention fretting about an overcooked roast or a dessert gone wrong). So, why not take a break and pick one of these egg-cellent (and fuss-free) ways to spend Easter 2020 – from a decadent Sunday lunch to a scrummy Easter picnic, and some good old chocolatey fun with the kids. Hop on!

Fun for the whole family at Spice Route

An epicurean adventure awaits at Spice Route Destination, the sprawling Winelands Estate near Paarl. Conveniently situated just off the N1, this expansive property with glorious valley views, has something for each and every food mood and for visitors young and old – it’s a unique pastoral smörgasbord of food, drink and leisure experiences.
Start your journey with the Spice Route Passport, a pocket-sized booklet that offers the convenience of enjoying a selection of tastings, from artisanal chocolates to craft beers and spirits, homemade ice creams and, of course, estate wines. It’s the perfect way to explore the Destination on foot. The newly installed soccer field, equipped with soccer nets and soccer balls, will provide plenty of entertainment for the little ones, giving you the chance to enjoy a relaxed glass of wine at Spice Route Wines tasting area under the pergola. For lunch, wander through to Jewells Restaurant for their Easter Lamb Lunch – a flavourful feast of lamb and delicious farm-to-table treats. Booking is advised!
Good to know Factor in at least half a day when visiting – the estate is vast as are the numerous shopping, sipping and tasting offerings.
Time Monday to Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Other Easter offerings Get active by joining Hero Adventure on any of their trails for a cycle, run or walk.
Contact 021 204 4875, jewellspiceroute@gmail.com (Lunch); 083 384 2976, herotrails@gmail.com (Hero Adventure)
Where to find it Suid Agter Paarl Road, Suider Paarl

The Manor Kitchen at Lanzerac

Celebrate Easter in style, and with your loved ones, at one of South Africa’s most loved heritage wine estates. This year, Lanzerac’s themed Afternoon Tea on Easter Saturday is a highlight. Expect a selection of classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked sweet spoils and, of course, perfectly fluffy, fresh scones served in The Manor Kitchen.
For lunch on Easter Sunday, executive chef Stephen Fraser and his team are pulling out all the stops for a family-style feast featuring platters and shared plates aplenty. Starters served from the Sharing Table are a celebration of rustic flavours, with a local twist (there’s Cape pickled fish on the table of course!), while Main Course offerings include lemon and rosemary crusted lamb cutlets and apricot, coriander and lime-grilled snoek and a generous selection of sides, too. The pièce de résistance has to be the dessert buffet where guests will be spoilt with an endless array of Easter-themed sweet spoils – from hot-cross Cinnabons to jars of candies and chocolates, towers of bonbons, cupcakes and the sweetest bunny macarons.
Cost Afternoon Tea: R295 (adults); R150 (children 8 – 12 years); free (children 0 – 7 years)
Easter Sunday Lunch: R595 (adults); R300 (children 8 – 12 years); free (children 0 – 7 years)
Time Saturday 2pm – 5pm; Sunday 12pm – 3pm
Other Easter offerings For casual diners, The Taphuis serves gastro-pub fare while the deli will be selling freshly baked hot-cross buns.
Contact 021 887 1132, restaurants@lanzerac.co.za
Where to find it 1 Lanzerac Road, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch
Book Through DinePlan

Spier Wine Farm

Spier Wine Farm is a mere 44km from Cape Town, making it one of the most accessible and family-friendly Winelands’ experiences around. This Easter weekend, visitors can expect to be entertained in true Spier style – including Segway tours through the vines, Eagle Encounters, as well as Craft and Art experiences galore.
Aside from the gourmet spoils in each of its eateries, Spier is also ramping things up with a special Easter Sunday Picnic under the oaks. Each basket will be bulging with farm-made delicacies including homemade lamb-and-mint pie, spiced chicken drumsticks, local cheeses and crackers, and an array of seasonal salads made with farm-grown ingredients. Easter eggs and hot-cross buns are also included in the picnic.
The Easter Egg Treasure Hunt on Easter Sunday invites all kids to hop on over to uncover hidden chocolate-egg treasures to take home, while their parents relax under the trees.
Cost Easter Sunday Picnic: R295 (adults); R150 (children)
Easter Egg Treasure Hunt: R150 per child
Good to know To avoid disappointment, book your picnic baskets and places in the Easter Egg Hunt before the day.
Time From 8am daily, depending on venue and activity
Other Easter offerings All weekend hotel guests will receive a complimentary bottle of wine on check in. Book online using the code STAYCATION.
Contact 021 809 1100, info@spier.co.za, www.spier.co.za/events
Where to find it Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
Book Through DinePlan

Create memorable moments at Haute Cabrière

A visit to Haute Cabrière is a guaranteed culinary delight. Make your Easter weekend extra-special and head to this beautiful wine farm in Franschhoek. Make a day of it and start off with coffee and pastries at the new bakery and deli (there are some delicious pantry items to take home too), enjoy a walk around the manicured grounds then settle down at the restaurant for tapas or a French-inspired dish from the à la carte menu. End it off in true Haute Cabrière fashion with a delectable oysters and wine pairing. Don’t forget to stock up on some quality wines while you’re there.
Good to know The breakfast offering is currently closed, and the farm will be operating from 10am daily.
Time Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm, closed on public holidays
Contact 021 876 8500, reservations@cabriere.co.za
Where to find it Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek
Book Through DinePlan

Local is lekker at Franschhoek Country House & Villas

Get away from the city and take some time out in the peaceful Winelands. From 17 March until 31 August 2020, local SA residents can take advantage of the “Local is Lekker” special rates at the charming and luxurious Franschhoek Country House & Villas. This tranquil haven set in a gorgeous garden offers luxury accommodation, a heated pool, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and restaurant.
Cost Standard room, R1 950 (normal rate is R4 690); Luxury room, R2 450 (normal rate is R5 060); Garden cottage, R2 450 (normal rate is R5 060); Villa suite, R3 450 (normal rate is R7 190)
Good to know All the Local is Lekker rates are per room with two people sharing (children can be accommodated in certain rooms), and include a full breakfast
Contact 021 876 3386, info@fch.co.za
Where to find it Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
Book Now

Compiled by Liza West and Vicki Sleet

For all the latest happenings in and around Cape Town, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.