There’s not a lot that stops me from feasting, and fresh air makes everything taste even better.

When I was growing up, picnics usually meant a roadside stop on the way to a holiday destination. Hard-boiled eggs and cold pork sausages, wedges of shortbread and piping hot tea. My grandparents had a little wood-burning flask, and we would hunt for twigs on the side of the road to make a little fire to get the water boiling – such fond memories. Trend forecasters are predicting that picnics will soon be the new thing, and we are already seeing this in the Cape.

Three picnic spots stand out for me – one in Camps Bay and two in the winelands. The Rumbullion picnic at The Roundhouse restaurant, which is nestled in Camps Bay’s Glen overlooking the ocean, is a gem. Cram wicker baskets with tasty morsels that come in glass jars – roasted onion pâté, pickled octopus, olives, chicken liver pâté and lots more. The breads are glorious, not to mention the lemon meringue!

The Solms-Delta picnic spots are set among whispering trees next to a stream in Franschhoek. Tuck into local smoked trout with chive crème fraîche and bacon, onion patatslaai and plenty of easy-drinking, fruity Solms–Astor Vastrap. Laze around for as long as you like while the kids paddle in the stream.

Last, but not least, are the new gourmet picnics on Warwick wine estate in Stellenbosch where chef Bruce Robertson has designed the menu for this simple but special alfresco experience. Fresh baguettes stuffed with lovely biltong pâté and delicious aged camembert with dollops of maketaan – a watermelon-and-ginger preserve – go down a treat with a glass of sauvignon blanc. The chef has thought of the kids too – they’ll love the brownies and sausage sticks with relish.

Next week I’ll be writing my newsletter from Australia – look out for great foodie news from Down Under.

Happy picnicking!
Abigail

P.S. Here are some other spots to try: Horizon Gourmet Picnics in Durban (033) 267 702,  Toadbury Hall in Elandsdrift 079 512 0554 and Stonehaven on Vaal in Sylviavale AH, Vaal River (016) 982 2951/2.