The Grandest High Teas in the Winelands

Clear skies, a sylvan country garden filled with rose bushes, birdsong, and tiers of dainty treats… Or a beautifully set table beside a fire in winter. Does this sound like a scene straight out of White Mischief? Perhaps… It’s also the stuff that high tea in the Cape Winelands is made of.

Afternoon tea – or high tea as it is commonly misnamed – is a Victorian-era tradition made popular by Anna, Duchess of Bedford in the 1800s. The ritual has been elevated to new heights, thanks to a batch of modern pastry chefs whose divine versions of choux pastry, technicoloured macarons and refined tartlets have given us an excuse to squeeze in another meal between breakfast, lunch and dinner! Add a Winelands setting, and you have a spread fit for the gods.

Orangerie at Le Lude

Where better to go for a sparkling morning or afternoon tea than an estate that focuses solely on producing award-winning cap classique? The restaurant’s interior hints at a greenhouse of yore, with cane chairs, ceiling fans and leafy palms and ferns. Double-volume arched windows all around put the marvellous view centre stage. Tea begins with a glass of Le Lude Cap Classique (either Brut or Brut Rosé), then select two from among six TWG teas. It’s served in the most beautiful tea service, while the eats arrive on a three-tiered platter. The delightful spread starts with finger sandwiches (including Franschhoek smoked trout and caper cream cheese) and savouries such as spinach and gruyere frittata. Then scones with chantilly cream and homemade strawberry jam, followed by exquisite confectionery, from salted caramel profiterole and blueberry macarons to triple chocolate lamington and lemonade madeleines.
Good to know Book 24 hours in advance.
Cost R590 per person (minimum two, maximum eight guests)
Times Monday – Saturday, 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 3pm (seatings)
Sunday, 10am, 10.30am, 11am
Contact 021 876 2961, restaurant@lelude.co.za
Where to find it Bowling Green Avenue, off Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Manor Kitchen at Lanzerac

Adorned with a dazzling chandelier and large skylights, Lanzerac’s elegant Manor Kitchen restaurant is the splendid setting for the Timeless Afternoon Tea. It’s a decidedly decadent and sophisticated affair every Saturday, running from canapés to hot bites to sweet treats and a macaron to finish. After being welcomed with a glass of cap classique, choose from a selection of loose-leaf TWG teas: one tea to pair with your savoury, and a second with the sweet courses. Think reimagined bites prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients, tasty croquettes, a selection of finger sandwiches, as well as Lanzerac’s famous scones served with clotted cream, strawberry jam, lavender cream, cheddar and rich butter. Did we mention the sweets? Cupcakes, petit fours, tartlets, éclairs… You’ll want for nothing except perhaps a loose-fitting frock!
Good to know There’s also a Gentleman’s Tea fireside in the cosy Craven Lounge on Saturdays that includes a whisky-tasting paired with savoury and sweet bites.
Cost Timeless Afternoon Tea: R420 per person; R520 with unlimited cap classique
Gentleman’s Tea: R490 per person
Times Saturday, 2pm – 5pm
Contact 021 887 1132, restaurants@lanzerac.co.za
Where to find it Lanzerac, Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch
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La Residence

“Versailles in Franschhoek”, La Residence is an elegant hideaway dramatically staged among sweeping vineyards, orchards and olive groves on a secluded 12-hectare estate. Afternoon Tea is served in beautiful tea sets on The Loggia overlooking a tranquil pond and mountain views, or fireside in The Great Hall on cooler days​. Tiered stands display a variety of savouries, such as mini three-cheese quiches, finger sandwiches and cheese straws, complemented by sweet delights ranging from classic buttermilk scones (with clotted cream, jam and citrus curd), to macarons, profiteroles, fruit tartlets, baked cheesecake and rich chocolate cake, and served with Nigiro loose-leaf tea or artisan coffee.
Good to know Afternoon Tea is for a minimum of two guests.
Cost R495 per person
R650 (with glass of cap classique)
Times Monday – Sunday, 2pm – 5pm
Contact 021 876 4100, info@laresidence.co.za
Where to find it Elandskloof Private Road, Elandskloof Farm, Franschhoek
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The Conservatory at Cavalli Estate

Tea is served in The Conservatory at Cavalli – a beautifully bright, glass-enclosed private dining area, overlooking the sparkling dam and mountains beyond – for 15 guests or more on an exclusive basis. Chef Lucas Carstens and team create a tantalising spread that runs through
an array of finger sandwiches (egg mayonnaise, watercress and gherkin; cucumber and whipped dill butter; gypsy ham, tomato and aged cheddar; rare roast beef, pickled onion and English mustard), a selection of bite-sized friandes, including passion fruit opera cake, strawberry shortcake, macarons and vanilla and lavender cupcakes, with the featured cheesecake of the day, and a bowl of freshly baked buttermilk scones with a side of strawberry jam and chantilly cream. Drinks are charged separately with a choice of teas and coffees… or move straight on to the bubbly.
Good to know Book at least 7 days in advance.
Cost R395 per person (minimum of 15 guests. Drinks charged separately)
Times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Contact 021 855 3281, info@cavalliestate.com
Where to find it Cavalli Estate, Strand Road, R44, Somerset West
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Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa

Tucked into a leafy garden enclave in a tranquil corner of the Helderberg (adjoining Vergelegen and Lourensford wine estates), Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa lay on a sumptuously refined afternoon tea to enjoy in either the chic Magnolia Social Dining Lounge or under the trees on the Oak Terrace. Indulge in a beautifully curated menu inspired by local flavours – from savoury favourites like smoked trout roulades, BLT oopsies, and chicken liver parfait, to freshly baked mini scones served with cream, cheese and preserves. Sweet endings include rooibos and berry cheesecake, and peppermint crisp macarons – nostalgic classics, lovingly reimagined for a celebratory sense of occasion. Elevate your experience with a glass (or two) of bubbly from their curated selection.
Good to know Book 48 hours in advance
Cost R385 per person
Times Monday – Sunday, from 12.30pm
Contact 021 847 1160, hotel@erinvale.co.za
Where to find it Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, 1 Erinvale Avenue, Somerset West
Book through DinePlan

Grande Roche

The beautiful thatched Cape Dutch manor at Grande Roche, with its wide verandah giving views over the Paarl mountains, or its log fires burning in the voorkamer in winter, is the perfect setting for an old-world morning or afternoon tea. Arrive to a sparkling glass of cap classique, then settle down to an abundant feast of savouries (from beef croquettes to smoked salmon blini) and generous sweet treats (think lemon meringue, Basque cheesecake, mascarpone cannoli, and millionaire’s shortbread) accompanied by an enticing menu of whole-leaf and single-estate teas (or coffee if that’s your preferred cuppa).
Good to know Book 48 hours in advance.
Cost R445 per person
R345 (under 12s)
Times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Contact 021 863 5100, restaurant@granderoche.co.za
Where to find it 1 Plantasie Street, Paarl
Book through DinePlan

Sweetwell

For a rustic chic high tea with oodles of charm, head to Sweetwell’s farmhouse eatery between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. With a flourish of French country prettiness inside (and a fireplace for winter), and a wide stoep looking over gardens to mountain views, it’s got a hidden gem appeal, yet is easily accessible on the R44. The high tea is beautifully presented on vintage china with scatterings of flowers, and includes savoury bites and sandwiches as well as scones and sweet treats such as pavlova, mini layered cakes, tarts and a divine rose panna cotta. Plus you get a glass of bubbly on arrival.
Good to know Book 24 hours in advance.
They also offer a full vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian high tea.
Cost R380 per person
Times Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 078 794 9910, info@sweetwell.co.za
Where to find it Plot 215, Raithby (R44 between Cavalli Wine Estate and Cape Garden Centre), Somerset West
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