Words: Charis Le Riche | Images: Supplied & Charis Le Riche
The soft rain, picturesque views, roaring fire and delightful wines – there’s nothing better than a winter weekend getaway in the Stellenbosch Winelands. Whether you’re spending it with your better half or your best friend, Clos Malverne has the perfect package for your next winter escape.
Special offering
The Clos Malverne Wine Estate’s Lifestyle Package (R4,950) includes two nights’ accommodation for two people in one of their luxury unit’s, a four-course, food-and-wine-pairing lunch, a Pure Bliss Couple Spa Treatment and a gift box of the estate’s award-winning wines. When we were invited to experience the special ourselves, we couldn’t resist. Spa
First up was the Pure Bliss Couple Spa Treatment complete with a back and neck massage in the private wet room where you can then unwind in the steam room before sitting back with a crisp glass of white wine while admiring the views of the Devon Valley. During summer, I can imagine a dip in the pool, and a soak in the sun on the deck would be a fantastic way to top it all off.
Food
With vines just metres away and the Stellenbosch mountains in the background, the Restaurant at Clos Malverne truly offers “food with a view”.
Led by executive chef Nadia Louw Smith, the food is fresh, seasonal and simple while still being contemporary and with a distinctly South African flavour. Most of the vegetables are sourced straight from their own organic vegetable and herb garden, adding another layer to an outstanding experience. Highlights of the food-and-wine-paring lunch included the butternut and goats cheese arancini pairing wonderfully with the light woodiness of the Clos Malverne Chardonnay, and the springbok loin with butternut puree and parsnip mash paired with the bold Clos Malverne Pinotage.
Sleep
The estate offers nine luxury units, each named after a wine variant (ours being the Cinsaut), and come complete with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat screen TV and DStv. A great way to end the evening was with a glass of wine from our wine gift box (with bottles of Clos Malverne Chardonnay, Clos Malverne Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz and the Clos Malverne Sauvignon Blanc Brut). What adds to the uniqueness of the wine is that Devon Valley is cooler than surrounding areas, which significantly lengthens the ripening season, resulting in grapes of ideal ripeness.
Overall, our stay at Clos Malverne was filled with brilliant surprises and unique experiences. To find out more or to book, contact Michelle Nolte on 021 865 2022 or at accommodation@closmalverne.co.za.
Clos Malverne
021 865 2022
closmalverne.co.za
