Have you noticed the subtle change in seasons? The days are becoming shorter while the nights are longer. Cool, crisp air nips at your nose in the early morning and evening. A scenic drive through the Cape winelands reveal the most magnificent shades of red, yellow and gold on the vines that create such a magical landscape. Autumn has arrived and soon, Old Man Winter will follow.
Winter may not be my favourite season, but life tends to slow down a bit, giving us a chance to enjoy some much needed down time. Perhaps we feel less guilty spending more time on the couch in front of the telly, sipping steaming hot chocolate (or red wine!) while watching our favourite series. Taking time out to play some board games with the family or snuggling in bed reading that book you’ve had on your nightstand for ages.
It is tempting to go into complete hibernation for the entire winter season, but why do this when there is a whole world out there just waiting for you to explore? We are fortunate to enjoy many sunny, mild days during the winter months, so there is no excuse to stay indoors all the time. It is the perfect time to treat yourself to a wonderful winter getaway, one where you can relax and recharge with your loved one. Sound good? I happen to know of a very special place to do just that. I’ve tried and tested it myself just for you 😉
Clos Malverne Wine Estate is situated in the scenic Devon Valley in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands. This family-owned and operated Estate is picture-perfect and offers a fabulous tailor-made two night Lifestyle Package that is guaranteed to leave you feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
Hubby and I experienced the mini-version of this package with a one night stay and loved every moment. We visited this Estate on a previous occasion to sample their phenomenal Ice-cream & Wine Pairing (this is a must do!), but it was the first time that we were staying over to experience all they have to offer. So what is it about Clos Malverne that makes it a special weekend getaway?
The incredible views as seen from the family home at Clos Malverne.
Breathtaking Scenery
From the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by spectacular vineyard and mountain views that are simply breathtaking. The views from their highly acclaimed restaurant are particularly magnificent, and you’ll be forgiven for taking your time to enjoy them while tucking into a delicious meal. The dreamy landscapes must be seen with your own eyes as photographs don’t quite do them justice.
Prepare to be mesmerized by these amazing vineyard and mountain views.
Luxurious Accommodation
We were warmly greeted by Michelle Nolte, the Accommodation Manager, and shown to our luxurious and elegant suite. Six luxury accommodation units were added in 2017, so there are now a total of nine suites, each named after a different wine varietal. Ours was called Merlot which is quite funny, since it is the only red wine that I do not enjoy. But the suite was very much to our liking!
Pool with a view 🙂
Each of the six suites located at the lower end of the property has a lovely outdoor balcony with two chairs, a table and umbrella that faces the inviting swimming pool, vineyards and passing cows. You are literally amongst the vines. Stepping inside, you are welcomed into the light and calming interior with soft shades of aqua green.
The large suite is beautifully appointed and offers one everything you could possibly need to ensure a memorable and relaxing stay. Features include a flat screen TV with satellite channels, air-conditioning; free Wi-Fi (which actually works!) and a spacious bathroom (shower only).
The plush gowns and slippers were a winner for me, as well as the complimentary bottle of chilled Clos Malverne Sauvignon Blanc Brut Reserve that went down a treat in the unusually warm April weather.
Bubbles are always a good idea!
I found the gift pack featuring three bottles of their award-winning wine (included in the Lifestyle Package) to be a lovely touch. I always ask what water-saving measures are in place due to the ongoing water crisis in the Western Cape. I was pleased to see Save Our Planet signs in the bathroom and that the Estate practices earth-friendly measures. Read more about these here, along with their community initiatives.
As the restaurant is closed for breakfast, a light in-room breakfast is included in your stay. Choose from a variety of fresh fruit, pastries, yoghurt, coffee, juice and a super yummy fruit parfait! A healthy way to start your day that will definitely keep you going until lunch time.
Fresh, healthy and tasty start to the day!
The Spa @ Clos Malverne
After a leisurely glass or two of divine bubbles, I made my way to The Spa to enjoy a heavenly treatment. It’s an uphill climb and a fair distance, so I would suggest taking a slow drive to The Spa. The Pure Bliss Couples Spa Treatment includes a sixty minute Full Body Swedish Massage and thirty minute Steam Room session.
This way to pure bliss and serenity.
Since hubby doesn’t like massages (Yeah, I don’t get it either but each to their own), I enjoyed this relaxing treatment thanks to my lovely therapist. Tammy really knows how to loosen those tight knots in your back and shoulders.
The Spa itself is a calm oasis and the perfect place to melt away all your tension and stress. Ending the treatment with a yummy Ferrero Rocher chocolate and glass of wine, I was in a state of pure bliss when I walked (or rather floated!) out of there.
TIP – The Spa is also open to the public, so make sure you book your treatment well in advance, as Saturdays are especially busy.
The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne
Image courtesy of Clos Malverne Wine Estate.
My intense love affair with fine wine and food is no secret, and I was particularly excited about our lunch that day. The Restaurant not only offers ‘Food with a view’, but they have garnered a loyal following since 2009 for their classic and contemporary cuisine using fresh and seasonal produce, with most of the fresh greens harvested from the organic vegetable and herb garden on the Estate.
Executive Chef Nadia Louw Smith and her team of expert chefs certainly know how to please one’s palate, while the restaurant’s elegant and stylish interior creates a relaxed setting. Wine tastings can be enjoyed at your table prior to lunch.
Prepare to be wowed by their four-course Food & Wine Pairing that will send your tastebuds into orbit! The menu is diverse and I love that the delectable dishes are sumptuous without being pretentious. They are packed with oodles of flavour, different textures and colours that are pleasing to both the eye and palate. Expect sophisticated dishes, cooked from the heart and presented beautifully.
Each dish is paired with a different Clos Malverne wine to enhance the flavours. As hubby doesn’t drink wine, I was in the fortunate position to have more than my fair share of their award-winning wines! The Clos Malverne Ellie MCC was the perfect way to start our dining extravaganza. There are some incredible dishes to choose from and believe me, there are some tough decisions to be made because each option sounds so appetizing!
Celebrating the finer things in life.
The Smoked Salmon and Orange first course was a winner for me, as were the Half Shell Mussels for hubby. But be warned – the Thai Curry Sauce is on the HOT side, so unless you can handle some serious heat, it may be wise to go with another option.
The second course was even more delicious. We opted for the Star Aniseed Pork Belly that was simply superb. The baby apple served on the side was just too cute for words and so tasty.
That baby apple! That pork belly! That crackling! Pure perfection.
The Line Fish served with a prawn bisque cream and salt and pepper calamari, among other things, was another dish that had that wow factor.
Hubby chose the Springbok Loin and couldn’t stop raving about it. The black garlic puree was an interesting addition to this dish and enhanced this dish with it’s incredible flavour.
When the time arrived for our sweet ending, we simply had to take a little break. Bongiwe was very accommodating and allowed us sufficient time between each course. I think that is the only way to thoroughly enjoy the entire dining experience. Here, the dishes, wines and awe-inspiring views constantly vie for your attention. I chose the Savoury Sweet dessert, a heavenly butternut and pistachio-chilli cheesecake with saffron syrup, butternut crisps and salted caramel.
Yes. Two photos of my dessert as it was just so pretty and tasted divine.
Hubby has a major sweet tooth and opted for the Pecan Nut Tart with carrot cake ice-cream, honeycomb and cinnamon meringue. This dessert is a sweet lover’s dream come true!
You can also order these dishes from the A La Carte menu. Vegetarians are catered for with quite a few dishes to choose from. Bookings are highly recommended, especially during the busy holiday seasons and weekends.
TIP – Ask for a table on the wrap-around balcony. You’ll have the best views of the vineyards and mountains!
Did you know? Clos Malverne practices a careful “handmade” style of wine-making, with minimum interference by the wine-making staff, resulting in soft, elegant wine. They are one of only a handful of wineries in the world that remain true to the traditional and time-honoured way of using a Basket Press.
Location
Besides being situated in one of the most scenic valleys in the Cape winelands, Clos Malverne is only a short drive from Cape Town and also makes for an easy day trip. Many of Stellenbosch’s attractions are nearby and are well worth a visit if you can tear yourself away from the beautiful and tranquil surroundings.
What does the Lifestyle Package include and what is the cost?
Two nights’ accommodation for two people in one of the estate’s luxury units.
A delectable four-course Food & Wine Pairing lunch at their highly acclaimed restaurant.
A Pure Bliss Couples Spa Treatment.
A parting gift of some of the estate’s award-winning wines to take home and enjoy.
This unique getaway is just R4 950.00 for two people and includes all of these amazing offerings (Valid from 1 April – 30 September 2018). Now you have no excuse to hibernate all winter long!
Take advantage of this amazing offer and spoil that special someone or your BFF with a wonderful winter getaway. It is a truly relaxing and memorable experience. So go on, create some happy new memories this winter … you know you want to 😉
Please note – We were graciously hosted by Pippa Pringle from On The Marque Communications and Clos Malverne Wine Estate. All views and images are my own unless otherwise indicated.
Yours in Travel, Food and Wine
xoxo
