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    Valentine’s Day in the Cape Winelands falls at the height of summer, when harvest season brings energy to the vineyards and evenings are made for lingering over good food and wine. February is a naturally social month, and at Brookdale Estate in the Paarl Winelands, it is marked by thoughtful dining experiences and seasonal moments designed for couples.

    With food, wine and setting at its core, Brookdale Estate offers a considered way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether through a long lunch, an intimate dinner or a relaxed evening spent watching the sun set over the vineyards.

    Valentine’s Day dining at The Bistro

    On Friday, 14 February, The Bistro at Brookdale Estate invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with its a la carte Summer Menu, available for both lunch and dinner. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of Mason Road Serendipity rosé, setting the tone for a relaxed yet considered dining experience.

    For dinner, live music by Leigh Hondy adds to the atmosphere, creating a softly romantic backdrop that enhances the evening without overwhelming it. Seasonal dishes, thoughtful wine pairings and vineyard views encourage an unhurried celebration of the day.

    valentine's day

    Sunset dinners in February

    Romance at Brookdale Estate extends beyond Valentine’s Day itself with the return of the Sunset Dinner Series, running throughout February and continuing every Wednesday and Thursday evening until 26 March.

    With two sittings at 17:30 and 19:30, these evenings invite guests to linger over seasonal menus as the sun dips behind the vineyards. It is one of the Winelands’ simplest pleasures and an ideal way to enjoy summer evenings together.

    Celebrating Syrah and the harvest season

    valentine's day

    Wine remains central to the Brookdale experience, and Syrah Day on 16 February offers another reason to visit during Valentine’s month. Guests are encouraged to explore the estate’s Tasting Room, open Tuesdays to Sundays, where the 2024 Mason Road Syrah takes centre stage.

    Recently awarded four stars in the 2025 Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide, the wine reflects both elegance and structure and marks a proud achievement for the Brookdale winemaking team during harvest season.

    A milestone month at Brookdale Estate

    February also marks a celebratory milestone for The Bistro, which turns three years old on Sunday, 1 February. Guests joining for lunch are welcomed with a complimentary glass of bubbly, offered as a thank you following recent recognition as a Top 10 Destination Restaurant in the Cape by The Inside Guide and a Top 20 Restaurant in South Africa for 2025 by Dineplan.

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    Images: Supplied

    Romance among the vines, what more could you ask for? South Africans and international couples alike have been choosing from the country’s many beautiful wine farms as wedding venues. For a modern yet traditional venue, look no further than the luxurious Louisvale wine farm.

    Located in the picturesque Devon Valley area of the Stellenbosch wine district, Louisvale carves its own spot in the fluctuating foothills of the 3-million-year-old Cape Folded Mountains.

    A distinct history is honoured here.  The first man-made structures in the area were created by the Nomadic Khoekhoen. Their designs typically featured domed structures resembling tortoises and made from Taaibos laths covered with woven reed mats and animal skins. When the European settles arrived in the 17th century, they brought with them Cape Dutch architecture.

    Louisvale as we know it today combines these design aesthetics: Neo Cape Dutch meets modern Khoekhoen architecture. With a Rheinzink dome roof, open spaces, floating glass and a stunning concrete floor infused with abalone shell chips, the function area is nothing short of breathtaking.

    The original manor house still stands proud, perfectly juxtaposing the modern function area with its traditional gables and lime washed, plastered walls.

    It’s easy to see why Louisvale would make the perfect wedding venue. Couples can have their wedding ceremony outdoors with an impressive 280° view of the winelands, then move their wedding indoors for the reception. With floating glass windows that can be slid open, there is no sacrificing the incredible view.

    It costs R50 000 to rent out the venue for the day, which includes all existing furnitures, tables, ceremony chairs, standard cutlery and glassware and exclusive use for the day. The bridal party organises their own decor and can bring in third suppliers for whatever they desire.

    For in-house catering, Louisvale’s menu’s start at R500 per head depending on the final menu selected. And believe us, you’ll want them to cater. From grilled lamb steak on a bed of creamy polenta to confit duck leg with butternut puree and a citrus glaze, their dishes will have your guests’ mouths watering.

    Louisvale is well-known for their high quality wines, many of which are award-winning. From Chardonnay to Merlot, every wine is expertly crafted by winemaker Simon Smith to suit multiple taste palettes.

    Louisvale is perfect for the modern-yet-traditional couple. Ring in your nuptials at this beautiful venue for a memorable day and even more memorable views.

    For queries and inquiries on holding your wedding at Louisvale, please contact [email protected]

    Address: Devon Valley Rd, Devonvallei, Stellenbosch

    Trading hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm.

    Image: Instagram