Leopard’s Leap: A Silent Reading Lunch in Franschhoek

Curling up with a glass of wine and a GB (good book) by a crackling fire is one of the secret pleasures of winter… But it’s not often you get to do it in polite company. While the Franschhoek Valley views at Leopard’s Leap might distract you from your time, everything else is set up to give yourself permission to lose yourself  in another world. Comfortable chair, glass of wine at hand, easy winter comfort food… and a silent reading event that is all about unapologetically diving into a gripping read, without having to make polite conversation or pretend to be listening!

“It’s the Silent Season” is part fundraiser, part book launch and part perfect opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted reading time in the undemanding company of fellow book lovers.

The book launch

Before you cosy up with your own book, the event starts at 10.30am with the chance to meet international author Tony Park, who will be chatting about his brand-new novel Die by the Sword with Helen Turnbull of the Cape Leopard Trust. Kick off with a coffee, tea or glass of bubbly and a mid-morning snack before the conversation starts.

Silent reading

From 12.30 onwards the slow silence of late winter in Franschhoek comes into focus, as guests find their own comfortable corners and settle in with their books and a glass of wine from the Leopard’s Leap Classic Collection, and are served (quietly) with a delicious soup and bread buffet lunch to fuel the pages turning.

On the menu

The renowned Leopard’s Leap buffet stations will be gently steaming with an appetising array of soups, breads and sides. Choose between minestrone with parmesan and garlic; pumpkin soup with fried sage; hodgepodge soup with smoked gypsy ham; and mulligatawny soup with fresh herbs and sour cream. Add in crisp sourdough croutons or crispy sweet potato. And grab a slice or two of Leopard’s Leap sourdough bread, roosterkoek, focaccia with rosemary, olives and sundried tomatoes or mozzarella toasties, to dunk or nibble alongside your soup.

After a few chapters, when the sweet craving hits, put in your bookmark and head to the dessert table for white chocolate-chip cookies; dark chocolate truffles with almonds and cranberries; and plum-glazed red wine and chocolate cake.

Books and more books

Just in case you’re in between books, or finish your current read all too soon, Wordsworth Books have a stall stacked with a selection of latest releases and bestsellers – including the Tony Park release.

Peace and quiet, a good read and delightful comfort food for a gentle Saturday out in Franschhoek.

Good to know Royalties from sales of Tony’s book sold on the day will be donated to the plight of the vulnerable leopards of the Cape Winelands. R100 from each ticket sold also goes to the Cape Leopard Trust.
Cost R500 (includes welcome drink and snack, lunch, Leopard’s Leap Classic Collection wine + donation)
When 9 August 2025
Time 10.30am – 3pm
Where Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, R45 Main Road, Franschhoek
Book Now

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.