Food Fetish: Warwick Wine Estate

Commissioned by my talented mother, Linda van der Wath.

I have always had a desire to work and live on a wine farm and to make my own wine, which I know one day will be a reality. Till then I will travel and experience each farm's unique offerings and the culture that comes with it. It is very hard to say which are my favorite wine farms, because there is something unique about each and every one of them but there are some that I keep returning to because I just can't help myself.

Warwick Wine Estate

Nestled in the winding hills of Stellenbosch lies the magnificent Warwick Wine Estate. With rolling green lawns and a stunning lake, you will find Warwick Wine Estate awaits you in an idyllic picnic setting. The picnic offers locally-sourced produce including herbs from their own garden and umbrellas to keep you cool with a view that will put you in a trance. Nibbling on gourmet food and drinking one of their award-winning wines while lazing on a blanket and oversized cushions this is certainly the place to chill.

Warwicks Welcome

A place where we are deadly serious. Deadly serious about never being deadly serious. Sure, our wine has won awards and accolades all over the world, but we are here to show you a good time. Our winemaker and the entire staff take great pride in their knowledge of the wines on offer but we also enjoy presenting it in a n accessible way. We have a strong legacy in South African wine with a heritage drawn from Norma Ratcliffe, one of the first lady winemaker’s in the country. Today we continue to fly the Ratcliffe and the Warwick flag through educated tastings and cellar tours. We have adapted to the modern times too, with innovative things like horseback safaris, a big 5 vineyard tour and an interactive wineclub all making an appearance.

Warwicks Wine

At Warwick we have a pretty simple philosophy when it comes to making our wine. Basically, we don’t see the trick to producing amazing wine as being one single activity. Instead, it’s a series of events. It’s a combination of your surroundings, the materials you have and what you do with them. Good wine is about good grapes as well as good people. Every little aspect that goes into that beautiful glass of wine at the end of the journey needs to be perfect. Nothing less.

Join the Warwick wine club and get 20% discount on all Warwick wines. These are some of the wines on offer:

Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay – wooded

The First Lady Chardonnay – unwooded

The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon

The Blue Lady

Trilogy Magnum 1.5l

“Old Bush Vines” Pinotage

Three Cape Ladies – Cape blend

Trilogy – Bordeaux blend

Cabernet Frac

The Black Lay Syrah

Warwicks Highlights

Besides being the best picnic destination in probably the world, Warwick offers even more:

A Forest Courtyard

Inspired by the historic Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, this is their nod towards the classic. The courtyard provides a relaxed atmosphere and is set amongst some stunning mature trees.

Picnic Pods

Who says a picnic can’t be a bit posh? Created with privacy in mind, their eight custom-designed wooden shelters provide a rural country setting but with a proper table and seating. There’s enough shade for 12 of you and a full service bar to keep things ticking along merrily.

Big 5 Vineyard Safari

This is their truly unique offering where you get to hop on a Land Rover and cruise through the vineyards. Instead of their famous local wild life you get to “spot” our equally gorgeous 5 wine varietals. This is a perfect way to learn about wine in a fun environment and is a cool outing for all ages.

Warwick Penthouse

You may not think that they would be the type of place to have a penthouse. After all, those glass cages and steel beams belong on other farms. And you’d be right. Warwick’s “penthouse” is an open-air venue high up in the surrounding mountains vineyards. With a 360 degree view of Cape Town and the winelands, this area begs to be rented out for an unforgettable group picnic. If you’re looking for a corporate venue that doesn’t feel like… well… a corporate venue, look no further..

Functions

Warwick love kids … and encourage families to bring them along to be part of the fun. In fact, they are happy to host parties specifically for the little ones. Dressing up, balloons, jumping castles etc are standards items on offer that you probably won’t find at most wine farms. If you prefer something a bit more civilized ‘fancy’ can be organised …