Quoin Rock Picnics: Stylish Alfresco Feasts with Seating + Waiters

Easy does it at these elegant picnics.

On the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains stands the impressive Quoin Rock Wine Estate, perhaps best known for Gåte, its acclaimed fine-dining restaurant. But the beautiful gardens hold a delightful discovery: eight stylish picnic pods, providing the perfect setting to enjoy a gourmet picnic with friends and family.

Pleased in a pod

These custom-built picnic pergolas have a solid roof providing weather protection, a wooden floor that keeps alfresco diners above the grass and ground, and a table and chairs (with cushions) for comfortable seating and eating. It’s like having your own private, outdoor restaurant.

The pods look out over the manicured gardens, and are spaced more than 10 metres apart from one another, offering privacy and social distancing. A comfortable FatSac (beanbag) is included for those who like to recline after lunch…

Your personal waiter will deliver your baskets of food, along with cutlery and glassware, to the picnic table. To make the experience even more private and effortless, you’re given a walkie-talkie to communicate with your waiter throughout your visit. Simply press a button and they’ll be on hand to service your every whim.

Not surprisingly, Quoin Rock’s picnic pergolas have become a popular choice for romantic marriage proposals and anniversary celebrations, as well as surprise parties. Your waiter and the kitchen staff are happy to oblige with helping to pull these off with aplomb.

Bountiful baskets

In each hamper is a freshly baked baguette and glass jars filled with Namysto sweet wine butter and cashew pesto; a variety of salads; a selection of Dalewood cheeses and Neil Jewell’s charcuterie; as well as something sweet to end it off perfectly. The kitchen will gladly make a vegetarian hamper on request.

Children are catered for with their own custom basket of chicken strips, chips and mayo; a chocolate milkshake; sun-dried fruit and seasonal berries; Lindt chocolate and cookies.

As with the restaurant, the best local artisanal ingredients have been sourced for the picnic menu, and the farm’s own garden produce is also used. For the kitchen team, it’s all about providing a beautiful picnic in an incredible setting.

Estate wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle. The Quoin Rock and Namysto wine ranges offer reds, whites, rosé and Cap Classique.

After lunch, guests might like to relax in the gardens on picnic blankets or FatSacs, or take a leisurely stroll around the estate to soak up the scenery. For the more active, various lawn games are available, and there’s a jumping castle for children,

Good to know The hampers are entirely plastic-free, and all ingredients have been sustainably sourced. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your booking.

Picnic times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm (last seating at 2pm)
Cost R400 (adults); R180 (children)
Contact 021 888 4750, winelounge@quoinrock.co.za
Where to find it Knorhoek Road, Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

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