Esmé Groenewald

Living in Stellenbosch, I love being surrounded by vineyards, mountain-biking trails and good restaurants. And I can walk to work. What more could I want?

When out-of-towners come to the Cape, I would most probably take them on the Constantia Wine Route, as it’s home to some of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. I’d also take them to Vergelegen for its good museums and very rich history. If they are brandy drinkers, I’d take them to the Distell distillery. And then there’s Stellenbosch… we are spoiled for choice with all the magnificent wine farms.

The best restaurant meal I’ve eaten recently was at Makaron restaurant. Yes, I know I work there, but chef Tanja Kruger has really upped her game.

Another favourite restaurant is Rust en Vrede – the service is out of this world and you must order the six-course pairing menu. I also love going to The Bakery at Jordan – for the salmon breakfast and lovely view.

My favourite weekend is getting out into the Elgin mountains. Because I work with people all day, when I go away I really like to get into nature: camping, braaiing, mountain-biking, drinking local craft beer and good wine.

On my bucket list to still do in the Cape is Table Mountain. As a South African, I have to admit ashamedly, that I have been to the top, so I would like to hike up there one day soon.

The best coffee in Stellenbosch is from Schoon de Companje (formerly De Oude Bank Bakkerij)

For relaxation I go for dinner at a good restaurant at least once a month. With my exciting new role at Majeka House, as well as my studies, I don’t have much down time. But the occasional glass of wine after work and walking my dog in the surrounding vineyards definitely takes the edge off stress.

A good red wine for a special occasion is David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner pinot noir.

A great white wine for a sunny Sunday lunch is Stellenrust’s 48 – a decent wooded chenin blanc that’s rather versatile.

On the rare occasion that I get a Sunday off (I’m in the hospitality industry after all), I go for a bike ride, have lunch with the family, take an afternoon nap, watch Carte Blanche, eat leftovers and then head to bed.

The best hotels are the ones that make everything appear effortless.

One day “baby, we’ll be old. Oh baby, we’ll be old. And think of all the stories that we could have told.” And I am happy to report that I have many stories to be told.

Majeka House in Stellenbosch is home to the award-winning Makaron restaurant.
Check out our review.