The 15 Best Picnics in Cape Town + Surrounds

Nothing says “summertime and the living is easy” quite like an alfresco meal. Fortunately, the Mother City is blessed with a dreamy climate (mostly) and spectacular natural beauty, so throwing down a blanket and unpacking a hamper is as easy as pie.

It’s even easier when it’s all done for you! Wicker hampers of gourmet eats, wine coolers propped up next to you, plump bean bags, picnic blankets and cushions set up on the lawn beside a farm dam or under an ancient oak… Family-friendly spots with kids’ menus and loads of space to play. Or romantic and secluded picnic pods, complete with tables and cushioned chairs, plates and cutlery – with stunning views and birdsong providing the perfect backdrop.

Our 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 wine farm picnic is a Cape Town must-do.

Cape Point Vineyards

The setting 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 (no kids allowed), ideal for romantic picnics; 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).
What’s in the basket

• Mastro Dario coppa, roast beef pastrami, Hickory Farm smoked ham, and truffle salami
• Wineland Brie, chevin, Mooivallei mature cheddar, Indezi River Kwaito smoked cheese
• seasonal fruits, gooseberry and ginger marmalade
• ciabatta, melba toast, honey and mustard dip, herbed butter
• Mediterranean roast veg couscous salad with harissa dressing
• smoked-chicken mayo with rocket on farm-style bread
• sauvignon blanc-poached apple and raspberries, fudge oat crumble
• 330ml bottle of still water

Good to know The set up includes picnic tables, blankets, cushions and parasols. Vegetarian and vegan baskets are available and children can order off the kids’ menu.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Cost R598 for two
R320 for one
R648 (vegan basket for two)
R339 (vegan basket for one)
Contact 027 789 0900, info@cape-point.com
Where to find it Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek
Book through DinePlan

Buitenverwachting

The setting 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, so you can enjoy a full-on feast or a simple snack. And with the deli and coffee shop close by, it’s easy to add on extra baked treats as the afternoon meanders by.
What’s on the Harvest platter

• artisanal baguette and butter
• havarti cheese, boerenkaas, chevin, camembert
• salami, gypsy ham and coppa
• marinated olives, peppadew pâté and peppadew chutney
• sundried tomato, feta and olive tapenade
• seasonal fruit
• chocolate brownie

Good to know Bring your own picnic blankets and camp 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.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 10am – 3.30pm (platters); 10am – 4pm (last service for wine)
Cost R480 (Harvest platter for two)
R250 (cheese board for two)
Contact 021 794 5190, info@buitenverwachting.com
Where to find it 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
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Quoin Rock

The setting Wander down a sweeping lawn from the contemporary grandeur of Quoin Rock’s main venue, to discover a secluded palm-thatched PicniQ pod shaded by oak trees, on the banks above a rushing mountain stream. It’s all set up with a table, cushioned chairs and wine cooler, with an additional picnic blanket, umbrella and chunky cushions to lounge on. The eight custom-built pods are well spaced, with an al fresco bar offering wine-tastings and attentive waiters topping up your glass as needed. Wicker hampers contain a feast of gourmet picnic dishes in glass containers and the table is set with plates, cutlery and glassware. This is elegant, al fresco picnicking.
What’s in the basket

• freshly baked baguette
• Namysto sweet wine butter, coconut carrot purée
• tzatziki, fermented bell-pepper chakalaka
• Neil Jewell’s cold meat cuts
• Dalewood cheese selection
• bocconcini and melon salad with pickled onion and mixed leaves
• maple-smoked roast vegetables
• pulled pork shoulder with miso paste with a soft roti
• orange curd, jelly, vanilla crumb, custard
• unlimited still and sparkling water

Good to know The vegan, vegetarian and kid’s baskets are just as well-stocked. Sunset PicniQs on Fridays and Saturdays are available from mid-November until mid-January. There are three gazebos on the lawns for larger picnic gatherings and functions.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm (collection until 2pm)
Cost R500 per person
R250 for a kid’s basket (children 3 – 12 years)
Contact 021 888 4740, winelounge@quoinrock.co.za
Where to find it Quoin Rock Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Rhebokskloof

The setting 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 farm restaurant and wine-tasting room. Look out over the water to the vineyards and the rugged fynbos-clad mountain above.
What’s in the basket

• pain d’epi with herb butter
• grilled chicken salad with corn, heirloom tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella
• salmon and cream cheese on sourdough
• cured meats, cheese, biltong pâté, olive tapenade
• homemade preserves
• Ouma’s classic cheesecake
• bottle of Flatrock wine
• bottle of still or sparkling water

Good to know There’s an alternative vegetarian menu. The estate also hosts various picnic-related events, including moonlight picnics and concerts.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Cost R900 for two
R160 for kid’s basket (children 2 –12 years)
Contact 021 869 8386, info@rhebokskloof.co.za
Where to find it Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Noord-Agter-Paarl Road, Windmeul, Paarl
Book Through DinePlan

Grub & Vine Norval

The setting Framed by the mountains and vineyards of the Constantia Valley, the Norval Foundation’s sculpture gardens are an idyllic setting for a picnic. Spread out the striped blanket on the lawns beside one of the giant sculptures, under the trees at the top of the slope, beside the wetlands…and soak up the tranquillity of nature and the enchanting and thought-provoking art installations. Grub & Vine, the restaurant at Norval, has curated the perfect alfresco meal. Chef Matt Manning’s down-to-earth and delicious hampers (actually a gorgeous leather-and-canvas picnic tote bag) celebrate the best of local and seasonal ingredients, and there are superb wines to purchase.
What’s in the basket

• bacon and mushroom quiche
• artisanal beef sausage roll
• Chef Matt’s Scotch egg
• freshly baked bread, butter and piccalilli
• South African cheeses and charcuterie
• biltong and droewors
• apple and walnut salad
• carrot cake
• scones and jam
• bottle of water

Good to know Wine can be purchased from Grub & Vine to enjoy with your picnic. Only 20 picnic hampers a day are available (spur-of-the-moment same-day booking and collection is possible, while stocks last). The cost of the picnics includes access to the sculpture garden but not the art museum.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm (November to April)
Cost R590 for two
R295 for one
Contact 021 216 0021, hello@grubandvine.co.za
Where to find it 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Spier

The setting 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 stream making for ideal spots to throw down your blanket. Find a spot near the Elemental Play Garden for kids to explore at will, or near the craft market where hands-on making activities will keep them busy. 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 packed in eco-friendly metal containers, stacked in beautiful woven baskets, and there’s a plant-based option, too.
What’s in the basket

• kale and boerenkaas frittata
• Farmer Angus charcuterie
• brie, boerenkaas, marinated olives
• Vadas baguette, lavash, seed crackers
• grilled chicken breast with Cape Malay flavours, poached apricots, labneh
• vegetable salad from the Food Garden with labneh and dukkah
• Vadas pasteis de nata

Good to know Picnic collection is between 12pm and 2pm and picnic baskets need to be returned by 4.30pm. Blankets, cutlery and glassware is 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 Spier Farm Café, where you can also build your own picnic if you haven’t booked a basket.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 4.30pm (including public holidays)
Cost R395 per person
R180 for a kid’s basket
Contact 021 809 1159, werf@spier.co.za
Where to find it Spier Wine Estate, R310, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Klein Joostenberg

The setting Wide lawns shaded by trees spread away from the verandah of 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.
What’s in the basket
Choose from the picnic menu at the counter in the garden. There are no set baskets, rather everyone picks their own plate. Explore the Joostenberg charcuterie range with the Boland platter which includes a selection of five local cheeses too. Go for a boerie roll, a baked sourdough pizza, chicken wings, or the kid-friendly Jungle Gym box with roast chicken, crudités, cottage cheese and a hotdog roll. Finish off with a brownie, carrot cake cupcake, tiramisu cup or peppermint tart.
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.
Opening 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, picnic@joostenberg.co.za
Where to find it Klein Joostenberg, R304 Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
Enquire Now

Jordan

The setting 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, an ice bucket and picnic baskets for two, 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. And you don’t have to move a muscle – your waiter brings drinks and coffee orders to your pod.
What’s in the basket

•  wood-fired focaccia, gratinated brioche and Cape seedloaf baked in-house·
• locally produced cheeses such as Dalewood camembert and brie, Klein River Stanford and De Pekelaar Boerenkaas
• local charcuterie and Ryan Boon biltong
• Jordan estate pickled olives
• homemade preserves, spiced apple chutney compote, whipped butter
• carrot and miso hummus, smoked Moroccan chickpea pâté
• Cuban marinated pulled chicken tartlet with orange, lemon and coriander on beetroot and flaky pastry
• Mediterranean lentil salad
• Chef’s patisserie of the day

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.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 4pm (all-year-round)
Cost R662 for two (regular and vegetarian)
R172 for a kid’s basket
Contact 021 881 3441, reservations@jordanwines.com
Where to find it Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch
Enquire Now

Boschendal

The setting 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. 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.

What’s in the basket 

• farm-baked ciabatta and wholewheat roll
• tomato jam, onion marmalade, butter
• hummus, harissa cream cheese dip
• chicken liver pâté with clarified butter
• camembert, charcuterie selection and marinated olives
• free-range chicken drumstick, honey and mustard sauce
• green salad, parmesan shavings, herb dressing
• traditional potato salad
• Coronation cauliflower, homemade chutney
• flourless dark chocolate tart, caramel sauce
• red and green grapes

Good to know Book 24 hours in advance. Choose between a picnic table and chair set up, 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.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Cost R850 for two
R430 for one
R250 for kid’s basket (children 3 – 12 years)
Contact 021 870 4273, reservations@boschendal.co.za
Where to find it Boschendal, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Vergelegen

The setting  A white-clothed table is set 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 comes packed in hampers, with plates, cutlery, glasses and a wine cooler.
What’s in the basket

• freshly baked artisanal bread with farm herb butter
• Franschhoek smoked salmon trout and apple mousse
• country terrine with Dijonnaise and farm chutney
• mini quiche lorraine with red-wine onion marmalade
• selection of Wineland cheeses
• home-cured charcuterie with preserves and fruits
• Coronation chicken with toasted flaked almonds
• ancient grain salad with cucumber, tomatoes, blueberries, red onion, feta, coriander and honey-chili dressing
• potato salad with capers, dill, sweet pickles and homemade mayonnaise
• selection of gourmet ice cream

Good to know Booking a day in advance is essential. There is a R20 (per adult) admission fee at the gate. Vegetarian and vegan options, and a children’s picnic menu is available too.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm (from mid-November)
Cost R495 per person
R200 (children aged 3 –10)
Contact 021 847 2111, picnic@vergelegen.co.za
Where to find it Vergelegen Estate, Somerset West
Book through DinePlan

Mont Rochelle

The setting Overlooking the Franschhoek Valley, this illustrious 40-hectare estate offers views of rolling meadows and vineyards stretching out towards the distant mountains. It’s very beautiful 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 and tippling.
What’s in the basket 

• selection of home-baked breads and rolls with butter and spreads
• South African cheese and charcuterie
• free-range chicken skewers with cabbage slaw
• spiced lamb kofta with tzatziki, pickled cucumber and fennel slaw
• garden salad, tomato and pancetta salad, tabbouleh salad
• Cape Malay koeksisters with coconut and citrus syrup
• 70% dark chocolate mousse with strawberry and chantilly cream

Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Good to know There are vegan, vegetarian and kids baskets available. Baskets must be booked 12 hours in advance, and prices exclude beverages.
Cost R780 for two
R390 for one
Contact 021 876 2770, countrykitchen@montrochelle.virgin.com
Where to find it Mont Rochelle, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Laborie

The setting Dating back to 1691 in the heart of Paarl, this historic wine estate sets a relaxed mood for a traditional summer picnic. Find a shaded spot on the lawns in front of the manor house with long mountain views, or head to the lawn among the vineyards (with a nearby jungle gym) and browse the wooden picnic crate full of locally sourced treats from the estate’s Farm Grocer. As well as lazy picnic lunches, you can opt for sunset picnics, watching the golden glow on the mountains with a chilled glass of the estate’s wine to hand.
What’s in the basket

• mini baguette with compound butter
• selection of charcuterie
• selection of local cheeses
• preserves, pickles and marinated citrus olives
• smoked smoor snoek with roosterkoek (fire-grilled rolls)
• chicken satay and summer couscous salad
• selection of homemade fudge, Turkish delight, chocolate brownie, crispy treat

Good to know Booking at least 24 hours in advance is required. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 5pm
Sunday, 12pm – 2pm
Cost R395 per person
R180 for kid’s basket
Contact 021 807 3095, picnics@laborieestate.co.za
Where to find it Laborie Heritage Wine Estate, Taillefer Street, Paarl
Book through DinePlan

The Manor at Nederburg

The setting Just outside Paarl, Nederburg Wine Estate is home to a slew of wonderful experiences set against a backdrop of the Drakenstein Mountains and the farm’s vineyards and gardens beyond. The Manor restaurant, which celebrates the estate’s rich heritage through innovative food-and-wine events, offers lovely garden picnics served under the shade of towering oaks and beautifully set up with blankets, pillows, crockery, cutlery, glasses and napkins.
What’s in the basket

• a selection of locally sourced cheeses, olives and dried fruit
• sourdough flatbread, tzatziki dip and Sicilian aubergine caponata
• yoghurt-marinated sun-dried tomato and chicken skewers
• Greek orzo pasta salad
• a crisp house salad
• decadent chocolate brownie
• bottle of Nederburg Cuvée Brut sparkling wine or any of the Winemasters series wines

Good to know There’s an alternative vegetarian menu
Opening times Monday, Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Cost R795 for two
R195 for kid’s basket (children under 12 years)
Contact 021 862 3104, info@nederburg.com
Where to find it Nederburg Wine Estate, Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl
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Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

The setting 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.
What’s in the Luxury Picnic basket

• pastrami and aged cheddar cocktail baguettes
• roast vegetable couscous salad with hummus jar
• Cape Malay chicken mayo roti wrap
• 12A garden vegetable salad with herb dressing
• smoked salmon grissini stick and chive crème fraiche
• homemade petits fours (fudge clusters or truffles)
• fruit salad jar with fynbos honey and Bulgarian yoghurt
• goat’s cheese, onion marmalade and seed crackers
• two 300ml bottles of still and sparkling water

Good to know Picnics must be booked 72 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.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 3pm (last picnic collection time)
Cost R1 850 (Luxury Picnic for 2)
R2 900 (Signature 12A Picnic for 2, includes a bottle of Boschendal Brut sparkling wine)
R7 495 (Picnic Proposal for 2, includes the Signature Menu and a bottle of Moët & Chandon, a large bunch of red roses and exclusive use of the romantic Fynbos Gazebo)
Contact 021 437 9029, restaurants@12apostles.co.za
Where to find it Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
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