Romantic Cape Town winter date ideas

Taste wine in a cave, eat crêpes, listen to jazz, cuddle in a book nook + more

Last updated: 5 July 2022 

Need some inspiration to boost your romance in Cape Town this winter? We have loads of suggestions for you, from drinking wine in a cosy cave to listening to live jazz in a moody blues joint. You'll find all 10 below.

DRINK WINE IN A QUIRKY, COSY CAVE

There’s a 300-year-old boutique winery in Durbanville that has 6 unique caves where you can taste wine exclusively with the apple of your eye. Lean into each other in The Kitchen or Versaille nook and listen to the stories of the farm’s vines and wines. Plus, you can have lunch, walk its trails, and picnic at Klein Roosboom.


Klein Roosboom | Durbanville | 079 693 9646 | @kleinroosboom | Image: Klein Roosboom

CUDDLE IN A BOOK NOOK  

Liberty Books, in Elgin, offers 3 unique bookstore experiences, but it is the main bookstore romantics will be drawn to. It’s in a little house next to Peregrine Farmstall, it’s warm, colourful and has arch windows and tiger-print wallpaper. It curates bespoke libraries that will have you browsing for hours. The best part? There’s a cosy (and super Instagrammable) reading nook, the perfect spot to snuggle up together and read.


Liberty Books | Grabouw | 072 350 3592 | @libertybooksza | Image: Tasneem Kadwa

PAIR COFFEE AND TURKISH DELIGHT

Are you a couple of coffee lovers? This cute café brings a slice of Turkey to the heart of Stellenbosch. Its speciality is Turkish coffee that you can pair coffee 7 flavours of Turkish Delight, from the classic rose to others less common, such as chocolate, almond (one of the most popular), pomegranate, mint, ginger and orange. Or see how coffee is made in hot sand at Turkspirit Café. 


Turkspirit Café | Stellenbosch | 082 482 4002 | @turkspirit | Image: Mark Schultz

GIVE YOUR WHISKY LOVER THEIR DREAM DATE

Step into a modern 1920s-style speakeasy bar, where you can taste over 800 whiskies from around the globe in this intimate setting. Opt for a tasting of six different whiskies (choose according to your taste and budget) and pair it with a charcuterie board. Plus, stop by the Rust-en-Vrede Art Gallery & Clay Museum when visiting The Whisky Library.


The Whisky Library | Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, Durbanville | 066 558 1953 | @the_whisky_library_sa | Image: The Whisky Library

ROLLERSKATE + PLAY ARCADE GAMES

Hold hands and rollerskate together in an emptied-out parking garage. It’s at Battery Park, parking level 3, and there’s plenty of space – over 2000 square meters to be exact. Pink, blue, green and yellow disco lights and groovy tunes from the live DJ create a vibrant (and romantic) atmosphere. You can also play arcade games, air hockey and pool at Rollercade.


Rollercade | V&A Waterfront | 072 064 3963 | @rollercadeza | Image: Rollercade

LISTEN TO LIVE JAZZ IN A MOODY BAR

Make a date with this cute, bluesy live music and cocktail lounge in Cape Town. It’s a collaboration between jazz musician Buddy Wells and chef patron Matt Manning. South Africa’s top jazz and blues musicians perform in this intimate space. And bonus, you can dine and drink unique cocktails during the show at The Blue Room at Grub & Vine.


The Blue Room | Bree Street | 087 153 5244 | @theblueroomct | Image: The Blue Room

VISIT A CRÊPERIE IN THE NORTHERN SUBURBS

This French-themed café opened in March 2022 and has become a hotspot in the Northern Suburbs (it is well worth the drive). Unwind in the cosy indoor atmosphere and indulge in a classic cinnamon and sugar, Nutella or savoury ham-and-cheese crêpe. Why not try the South African-inspired melktert crêpe? You can also play a round of putt-putt when visiting Voilá Crêperie.


Voilá Crêperie | Burgundy Estate, Durbanville | 074 901 2966 | @voila_creperie | Image: @outwithkids_capetown

MAKE YOUR OWN GIN

Learn from a guide how to distil your own gin, and afterwards take home your own 500ml bottle, with a personalised label. Everything, from the fragrant spices, botanical notes, citrus undertones and alcohol level, is yours to decide, even the bottle's logo. And, if you think you know each other’s tastes well enough, spice things up and make gin for your partner instead of yourself. Plus, observe a working distillery at Distillers Union.


Distillers Union | Woodstock | 021 4472517 | @distillersunion | Image: Distillers Union`

DINE AT AN AFRICAN-THEMED RESTAURANT

Eating at this restaurant is a rich sensory experience. You’ll be greeted by Malian puppets, taken on a taste safari with dishes from 14 African countries, and invited to join a djembe drumming session (or just appreciate the expertise of the artists). Another bonus, listen to traditional praise singing and watch African dancers at Gold Restaurant.


Gold Restaurant | Green Point | 082 414 9663 | @goldrestaurantcapetown | Image: Gold Restaurant

TAKE YOUR LOVE TO THE SMALLEST BAR IN STELLIES

In the bustling Dorp Street, under the acorn trees, you’ll find an old-school bar. Blix Tavern boasts old-Western decor, craft beers and a hidden cigar alley (it sells cigars, too). It’s a great spot for a cosy date night and the perfect way to treat your lover.


Blix Tavern | Stellenboch | 078 703 3628 | @blix_tavern | Image: Blix Tavern

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MORE THINGS TO DO WITH BAE 

Experience all seasons of Cheverells Farm.

Taste mead, the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage, at Cape Town Meadery.

Pair music and wine in a punk rock cellar at Black Elephant Vintners

Spice up your love life with these romantic spots around the city

Take advantage of these restaurant specials

Visit new places around the city

Stay busy this weekend with one of these 7+ Things To Do

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