Spier’s winter specials

Soup and wine pairing, or a kitted-out winter picnic?

Last updated: 1 July 2024 

Whether it’s because of their wine blending workshops, seasonal dining experiences, or the gorgeous tasting room on the banks of the dam, many know Spier as one of the finest food and wine destinations in Stellenbosch. Their latest offerings, winter picnics and Sip and Soup tastings, are a wonderful way to spend a day out this winter. 

Picnics are wonderful whether it’s summer or winter. Image: Spier Wine Farm

UNIQUE WINE TASTING IN STELLENBOSCH  

The Sip and Soup tasting happens in Spier’s stunning tasting room. It’s on the banks of the dam with views of the Helderberg mountains and has plenty of fireplaces for a cosy day out. 

Four wines are paired with comforting soups, like pea velouté, which is topped with whipped goat cheese and a crispy parmesan tuile (paired with Good Natured sauvignon blanc).

And the forest mushroom consommé (a rich broth brimming with sautéed forest mushrooms and truffle espuma), complemented by 21 Gables chenin blanc, is earthy and comforting. 

The tasting concludes with a rich chocolate and sea salt tart with First Stone organic red. It’s R170pp and reservations are recommended. Make a booking via the Spier website. 

The Sip and Soup tasting includes dessert of course. Image: Spier Wine Farm

PICNICS ARE LOVELY IN WINTER, TOO   

One of the perks of visiting Stellenbosch in winter is that there are many days with winter sunshine (you can also picnic in the Riverhouse, in case it's raining). 

Spier’s winter picnic baskets include soup with rosemary focaccia, cheese and Farmer Angus meats, rotisserie chicken, roast veg and pasteis de nata. And you get a complimentary bottle of Seaward shiraz if you buy a double basket. Vegan, vegetarian and children’s baskets are available too. 

Once you’ve grabbed your basket, there are plenty of places to picnic. The Werf is great for families (close to the playground in the Elemental Garden), and for couples, the secluded Riverside is idyllic for a romantic date. Not keen to sit on the ground? At the Riverhouse patio, you can eat al fresco.

Picnics are R345pp (also includes a blanket and fold-up chairs). Reservations are recommended, and you can easily make one via the Spier website. 

Both the winter picnics and Sip and Soup pairings are available until 30 September 2024. 

The picnics are a lovely winter date idea. Image: Spier Wine Farm

SEE WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO AT SPIER  

There’s so much to do beyond food and wine at Spier. For active people, there’s mountain biking and walking trails, Segway tours, and self-guided historical walking tours. 

The Spier Art Collection is one of the largest collections of contemporary South African art in the country. Wim Botha’s impressive “Mieliepap Pietà”, a life-size replica made from maize meal, is on show in the Manor House, as well as 1 000 other artworks displayed across the Spier property. 

VISIT SPIER THIS WINTER 

Special winter offerings are available: 1 May - 30 September 2024
Find Spier: R310, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
For more information: Spier website, @spierwinefarm

By Julia Rowley

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EXPLORE MORE THIS WINTER  

More special things include the annual Spier Light Art festival.

These, according to our readers, are the top wine tastings.

This winter, check out Webersburg’s gluhwein pairing.

Here’s our guide to winter date ideas. 

There’s 150 wines by glass and 20 tastings at The Wine Glass in Stellenbosch. 

See what you can get up to this week(end) in Cape Town.

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