The 15 Best Picnics in Cape Town

Nothing says “summertime and the living is easy” quite like an alfresco meal. Fortunately for us, Cape Town’s (mostly) dreamy climate and spectacular natural beauty make throwing down a blanket and unpacking a hamper as easy as pie.

Talking of pies, how does a wicker hamper of gourmet eats sound? All packed and ready to go, with a wine cooler propped up on the lawn close by, perhaps some bean bags, picnic blankets and cushions? Family-friendly spots beside a farm dam or under an ancient oak tree, with kids’ menus and loads of space to play. Or romantic and secluded picnic pods, with stunning views and birdsong providing the perfect backdrop. … It’s even easier when it’s all done for you!

Cape Town’s wine farms have picnics to suit every occasion, so all you have to do is call (a day or two ahead), book your spot, and pitch up. One of summer’s most iconic spoils, a Winelands picnic is a Cape Town must-do.

Spier

Founded in 1692, this family-friendly farm is a delight to explore, with wide lawns in the historic werf, old oaks, boulders, a dam and river making for ideal spots to throw down your blanket. Find a spot near the Elemental Play Garden for kids to explore at will. Or settle on the banks of the beautifully landscaped dam near the river and listen to birdsong and the music of running water. Seasonal and organic produce from the farm (and surrounds) inspires salads and delicious eats (including Farmer Angus charcuterie, rotisserie chicken, and Vadas pasteis de nata) packed in eco-friendly metal containers stacked in beautiful woven baskets. There are vegetarian and vegan options, too.
See the picnic menus
Good to know Picnic collection is between 12pm and 2pm and picnic baskets need to be returned by 4.30pm. Blankets, cutlery and glassware are included. You can add on a bottle of wine and an ice bucket. Book at least 24 hours in advance.
Beverages can be ordered from the Picnickery, where you can also build your own picnic if you haven’t booked a basket.
Times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 4.30pm (including public holidays)
Cost R395
R180 (kid’s basket)
Contact 021 809 1159, [email protected]
Where to find it Spier Wine Estate, R310, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Cape Point Vineyards

With beautiful views of Noordhoek beach, hectares of fynbos and vineyards, the setting of this award-winning winery is hard to beat. There are three picnic spots to choose from: the secluded area next to the dam (ideal for romantic picnics, with no kids allowed); the family area (plenty of shade, and easy access to the jungle gym); or the mid-level picnic lawns (ideal for larger groups, with unhindered ocean views). The spread ranges from ciabatta, melba toast and dips, through local cheeses and sliced meats and salads, to fruit wedges and a rooibos and honey milk tart.
See the picnic menu
Good to know The setup includes picnic tables, blankets, cushions and parasols. Vegetarian and vegan baskets are available and children can order off the kids’ menu.
Opening times Friday – Wednesday, 12pm – 6pm
Thursday, 12pm – 2pm
Cost R650 for two; R345 for one
Vegan Basket: R695 for two; R375 for one
Contact 027 789 0900, [email protected]
Where to find it Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Rhebokskloof

Rhebokskloof exudes an away-from-it-all allure, especially when it comes to summer picnics with the family. Blankets are set out in the shade of spreading trees on a wide lawn that slopes gently down to the farm dam. There’s a jungle gym, and a backdrop of the heritage buildings where you’ll find the wine-tasting room and El Picoteo, a Spanish-inspired tapas and pintxos restaurant. The picnic menu gets a flash of Spanish flair in  treats such as albondigas (meatballs) and aceitunas (marinated olives) alongside charcuterie, couscous salads and flame-grilled steak sandwiches. Pain d’epi, dips and sweet treats too.
See the picnic menu
Good to know Book at least 24 hours in advance. There’s an alternative vegetarian menu. The estate also hosts various picnic-related events, including moonlight picnics and concerts.
If the weather is poor, guests may reschedule or choose to eat indoors with 24 hours’ notice.
Times Monday – Sunday, 10.30am – 3pm (September – May)
Cost R795 for two; R399 for one
R175 (children 2 –12 years)
Contact 021 869 8386, [email protected]
Where to find it Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Noord-Agter-Paarl Road, Windmeul, Paarl
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Hasher Family Estate

For a summer picnic in a perfect setting, this family-run wine estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde offers experiences that extend beyond the tasting room. Pick your bottle and enjoy it picnic-style with a generous cheese and charcuterie platter (all locally sourced), savouring the flavours, fresh air and bucolic views over the 180-hectare farm to the distant ocean. Blankets and cushions are provided, and there’s a play area for children (plus interesting beverages for young foodies).
Good to know To level-up the experience, the Curated Tours (for 4 to 12 people) take you through the vineyards and cellars, and can include seasonal small plates or even arrival by helicopter.
Times Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Cost R350 (platter for two)
Contact 078 349 5402, [email protected]
Where to find it Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus
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Buitenverwachting

This historic wine estate makes an easy escape for summer picnic relaxation. It’s close to the city yet feels like a hidden farm in the country, with the road taking you through sprawling vineyards, and around a paddock where horses and cows graze peacefully. The wide lawns are shaded by 250-year-old trees, chickens run free, and there is a wide choice of picnic platters to choose from at the wine-tasting room. Enjoy a full-on feast of a harvest platter or a simple snack with homemade patés and tapenades. There’s even a dedicated dessert board. And with the deli and coffee shop close by, it’s easy to add on extra baked treats as the afternoon meanders by.
See the menu
Good to know Bring your own picnic blankets and camping chairs. Platters on the lawn are first come, first served, so arrive early. Advance booking is required for tables on the stoep or in the secluded kids-free area overlooking the vineyards. Vegetarian options are available, and a vegan option can be requested in advance.
Times Monday – Saturday, 10.30am – 3.30pm (platters); 10am – 5pm (wine-tasting, last service for wine at 4pm)
Cost Harvest Platter: R490
Cheese Board: R260
Contact 021 794 5190, [email protected]
Where to find it 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Book Through Novel

Klein Roosboom

This boutique winery in the Durbanville wine valley is one of the Cape’s true hidden gems. Jean Restaurant’s windows open straight onto the vines, and the lawns and outdoor benches are perfect for picnics, looking out onto rolling hills and vineyards all the way. Chef Loríanne Heyns’  uncomplicated approach, balancing seasonal flavours and SA food heritage, comes across in the picnic menu, where homemade bread and farm butter, olives, hummus, charcuterie, pickles and cheeses are designed for alfresco feasting. There are two options (one with a few delicious extra spoils), but both culminate in a decadent chocolate brownies with strawberry and cream.
See the Signature Picnic menu
See the My Way Picnic menu
Good to know There are also small children’s fun packs available at the play area. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Book 48 hours in advance.
Times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm (collection)
Cost Signature Picnic: R500 for two
My Way Picnic: R650 for two
Contact 086 057 2572, [email protected]
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville, Cape Town
Book Through DinePlan

Klein Joostenberg

Wide lawns shaded by trees spread away from the verandah of Klein Joostenberg Bistro with plenty of space for kids to run and play, a jungle gym, picnic tables and an informal family-friendly vibe. It’s a relaxed and affordable place to settle in with family and friends for an afternoon of farm tranquillity. Choose from the picnic menu at the counter in the garden. There are no set baskets, rather everyone picks their own plate. Explore the Klein Joostenberg charcuterie range with the Boland platter which includes a selection of five local cheeses too. Go for a boerie roll, a baked sourdough flatbread pizza, chicken wings, or the kid-friendly Jungle Gym box with roast chicken, crudités, cottage cheese and a hotdog roll. There are also enticing sweet treats, beers on tap and wines from Joostenberg Estate.
See the picnic menu
Good to know It’s best to book your spot over weekends and holidays, but drop-ins are also welcome. Dogs are permitted on a leash by prior arrangement only. Payment is cashless.
Times Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm (all-year-round).
Open daily during school holidays.
Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Cost According to items ordered
Contact 021 884 4014, [email protected]
Where to find it Klein Joostenberg, R304, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Boschendal

Under the trees of the pavilion lawn, with chairs, blankets and loads of space to enjoy a delicious alfresco feast, picnics at Boschendal are a quintessential Winelands experience. The estate – which lies in whitewashed splendour between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch – offers picnic goodies either made fresh on the farm by Boschendal’s team of bakers, butchers and chefs, or sourced from neighbouring producers: think focaccia and smoked trout pâté, farm charcuterie, roast chicken and salads and the bakery’s pasteis de nata for dessert. Kids can easily head off to explore the Tree House playground and the pump track from the wide picnic lawns. On weekends local bands perform live at the pavilion so picnics get even more festive.
See the picnic menu
Good to know Book 24 hours in advance. Choose between a picnic table and chair setup, or blankets and lawn chairs when booking. Baskets can be collected between 12pm and 2pm. Vegetarian, gluten-free and kid’s baskets are available, too.
Times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Cost R850 for two; R430 for one
R250 (children 3 – 12 years)
Contact 021 870 4273, [email protected]
Where to find it Boschendal, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Cavalli Estate

Set among tranquil fynbos gardens, with glorious vineyard and mountain views, the lawns at Cavalli are the perfect setting for an elegant picnic, complete with a small table, comfortable chairs, a blanket, an umbrella for shade and a wicker hamper. There are only eight baskets (for two) to be booked each day, so it’s guaranteed to be peaceful and relaxed as you dip into the deliciously gourmet hamper for a succession of treats: think sesame and ginger chicken sosaties, trout pâté with lavash, spiced nuts and much more, with Basque cheesecake and lemon madeleines to finish.
See the picnic menu
Times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Good to know There is a vegetarian alternative. Baskets must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Cost R795 for two
R715.50 for two (Wine Club members)
Contact 021 855 3218, [email protected]
Where to find it R44 (Strand Road) between Stellenbosch and Somerset West
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Vergelegen

A white-clothed table is set with cutlery and crockery in a tranquil camphor forest and decorated with a vase of flowers… Vergelegen’s picnics channel an old-world ambience of elegant al fresco dining. The historic estate’s towering camphor trees are descended from the original ones planted in the 1700s and have a magic all of their own, and you’ll want to leave enough time to explore the magnificent gardens and the historic homestead too. The picnic is a real spread, from terrines and charcuterie to a plethora of salads, quiche and cheeses, and comes packed in hampers that are delivered to your table by your waiter, who will also take your wine and drinks orders. The in-house creamery makes beautifully fresh ice creams for the final dessert indulgence.
See the picnic menu
See the picnic beverage menu
Good to know Booking a day in advance is essential. There is a R20 per adult admission fee at the gate. Vegetarian, vegan, and children’s picnic menus are available too.
Times Monday – Sunday, 12.15pm – 4.30pm (1 November – 30 April)
Cost R540
R230 (children aged 3 –10)
Contact 021 847 2111, [email protected]
Where to find it Vergelegen Estate, Somerset West
Book through DinePlan

Mont Rochelle

Overlooking the Franschhoek Valley, this illustrious 39-hectare estate offers views of rolling meadows and vineyards stretching out towards the distant mountains. It’s a beautifully tranquil spot, and the wine is superb. Pick up your laden basket from The Country Kitchen, Mont Rochelle’s casual lunch restaurant, and take a stroll down to the sparkling dam, where a scattering of garden cushions and concrete tables allow for comfortable feasting on cheese and charcuterie, grazing platters, a generous poke bowl, and a dark chocolate tart among other delights.
See the picnic menu
Times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Good to know There are vegan and vegetarian options available. Baskets must be booked 12 hours in advance, and prices exclude beverages.
Cost R475
R295 (kid’s basket)
Contact 021 876 2770, [email protected]
Where to find it Mont Rochelle, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Jordan

The Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch hosts a truly gourmet picnic amid majestic scenery. Eight individually named private picnic pods (seating two to eight people each) are set in secluded shaded spots around the dam with gorgeous valley views. All set up with blankets, cushions and an ice bucket, the pod is yours for the day to stretch out, relax, soak up the scenery, listen to birdsong, and enjoy a basket overflowing with fresh goods from The Cellar Door at Jordan: from home-baked breads, charcuterie and local cheeses, savoury tarts and salads, to the chef’s patisserie of the day.
See the picnic menu
Good to know Booking is required at least 48 hours ahead. Vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options are available by prior arrangement. Menu is subject to change.
Times Monday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 4pm (all-year-round, weather permitting)
Cost R734 for two (regular and vegetarian)
R235 for a kid’s basket
Contact 021 881 3441, [email protected]
Where to find it Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Jonkershuis

The oldest wine estate in South Africa, Groot Constantia is spilling over with atmosphere, ancient oaks and historic buildings. The Jonkerhuis picnics set you up with blankets, cushions and low picnic tables on the lawns between the stately Cape Dutch homestead and the vineyards, where children (and squirrels) can roam free and feed the ducks. Choose between a breakfast picnic hamper (8am – 11.45am) and a choice of two different lunch baskets (from 12pm) and add a bottle (or two) of Groot Constantia wines to accompany your feast.
See the picnic menu
Times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm
Good to know There are vegan and vegetarian options available. Baskets must be booked 24 hours in advance, and a service charge will be added to the total.
Cost Classic Basket: R480
Estate Basket: R600
Breakfast Basket: R600
Kid’s Basket: R200
Contact 021 794 6255, [email protected]
Where to find it Groot Constantia, Constantia, Cape Town
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Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

The glorious fynbos gardens of the Twelve Apostles are networked with trails leading onto the mountainside and to stunning viewpoints such as a private picnic spot at Stanley’s Rock between mountain and ocean, where you might even spot whales and dolphins frolicking in the distance. There are plenty more secluded spots hidden away in the gardens too, and a variety of picnic options, from pure luxury ever upwards to the push-the-boat-out proposal picnic (you can even add on a helicopter flight). The gourmet picnics are beautifully presented in handmade baskets, packed with treats that range from smoked salmon trout to homemade petits fours.
See the picnic menu
See the picnic proposal menu
Good to know Picnics must be booked 48 hours in advance. Vegetarian picnic hampers are also available. Bring walking shoes and sun hats as you’re likely to be lured to explore the mountain trails.
Times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 3pm (last picnic collection time)
Cost Luxury Picnic: R2 040 for two
Signature 12A Picnic: R3 250 for two (includes a bottle of Boschendal Brut sparkling wine)
Picnic Proposal: R8 250 for two (includes the Signature Menu and a bottle of Moët & Chandon, a large bunch of red roses, rose petals, romantic draping and exclusive use of the Fynbos Gazebo)
Contact 021 437 9029, [email protected]
Where to find it Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
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