There’s arguably no better way to embrace winter than with a leisurely drive through the Winelands. And while wine tasting is great, hot chocolate is there for you in case you need something a little more comforting or something to end off the flight. For those times, head to one of these spots for a truly scrumptious hot chocolate.

Betty Blue Bistro (Hermanus)

This bright and vibrant eatery serves fresh food with exciting flavours. The menu boasts a decadent pancake section that pairs brilliantly with the hot chocolate on offer. Sip on the Nutella-based one with marshmallows (R38); or the popular version made with Peppermint Crisp chocolate (R40).

Betty Blue Bistro in Hermanus. Photo supplied.

Boschendal at Oude Bank (Stellenbosch)

The hot chocolate at Boschendal at Oude Bank doesn’t mess around. Called the ‘real hot chocolate’ (R50), this drink is essentially 100% melted dark chocolate, with a bit of steamed milk served on the side if you’d like to thin it down at all. Warning: it’s decadent.

De Villiers Chocolate (Franschhoek and Paarl)

Anyone who describes their hot chocolate as ‘drinking chocolate’ is certainly a friend of ours, and the De Villiers chocolate team makes a really good version topped with their own homemade marshmallows. The bean-to-bar specialists serve their hot chocolate (R32) at their Franschhoek and Spice Route locations.

De Villier’s drinking chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows. Photo supplied.

Melissa’s (Somerset Mall)

This hot chocolate is the ultimate simple indulgence. The hazelnut hot chocolate is made with Nutella (R34) and pairs perfectly with any of the freshly made Melissa’s cakes.

Schoon de Companje (Somerset West)

Everything that Fritz Schoon and his wife Chanel do is magical – from their breads to their breakfasts, you can’t go wrong. The hot chocolate (R40) on offer at Schoon is also one of the best you can find in the Western Cape. The menu really says it all – ‘a smear of dark chocolate served with steamed milk’ sounds like all you need for ultimate chocolate comfort.