There’s no place in the Western Cape quite as romantic as the Winelands. So place your booking at these spots fast, because they’re sure to fill up fast for leisurely meals on Valentine’s Day.

Allée Bleue (Franschhoek)
Spoil your loved one with a romantic evening ‘Picnic on the Go’ on the beautifully manicured gardens of Allée Bleue. The ‘Picnic on the Go’ costs R675 for a basket that caters for two whilst the Chicnic basket is priced at R690. Both picnic options include a bottle of wine and a selection of hand-crafted chocolate truffles. For the more traditional Valentine’s dinner, Chef Gordon Dovey and his team at the Allée Bleue Bistro are offering a five-course menu including a welcome drink for R385 per person.

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A beautifully laid table in our walled garden, a picnic hamper packed with local produce, and our award-winning wines – treat yourself to a Chicnic (seated, served picnic) http://alleebleue.co.za/picnics/

A post shared by Allee Bleue Wine Estate (@alleebleue) on Jan 18, 2019 at 9:04pm PST

Avant-Garde Restaurant at Hazendal (Stellenbosch)

Executive chef Michélle Theron is cooking up a lavish fine-dining four-course dinner with a complimentary flaming cocktail and oysters on arrival. The dinner costs R950 per person (excluding beverages and gratuity) and starts at 7pm on Valentine’s Day. The menu includes dishes of BBQ octopus terrine, green melon, salt bush, dehydrated tomato and salsa verde; Russian black rye bread with nectarine whipped farm butter; and a chocolate ‘Fabergé’ egg with flavours of passion fruit, lemongrass and ginger. For bookings, email bookings@hazendal.co.za or call 021 205 5620.

A dish at Avant-Garde Restaurant at Hazendal. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Bodega Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

Let Bodega guide you through a romantic five-course dinner with bubbly on arrival. Spoil that someone special with delicious food and exquisite views of the Stellenbosch Mountains. Enquire price upon booking.

Bosjes (Breedekloof Valley)
Enjoy a sophisticated monochromatic-themed evening on Valentine’s Day, when guests can enjoy a four-course menu from BOSJES Kombuis paired with wines from the newly launched BOSJES wine range. The evening takes inspiration from Truman Capote and guests are asked to stick to the strict black-and-white dress code.

Cavalli (Somerset West)
Indulge in a five-course set menu available on Valentine’s Day for R800 per person. This will include breads and snacks, a welcome drink and petit fours. Please note that a 50% deposit per person is required to secure the reservation.

Cavalli Estate. Photo supplied.

Eight Restaurant at Spier (Stellenbosch)

Spoil your significant other with a special five course wine and food pairing date at Eight Restaurant for R390 per person. Expect Saldanha bay oysters with lime aioli, bloody mary jelly and crispi nori; a pan-seared yellowtail starter; mixed berry sorbet palate cleanser; Farmer Angus beef fillet with food garden carrots, pomme anna, melange of courgette and bone marrow butter; and a chocolate treats such as milk chocolate mousse, dark chocolate truffles, chocolate s’mores and strawberries for dessert.

Karoo Art Hotel (Barrydale)

Spend Valentine’s Day at Karoo Art Hotel and enjoy their two-course menu at R195 per person, or try their three-course option at R230 per person. Expect starters of homemade tomato soup, Klein Karoo duo of Ostrich and Springbok carpaccio. Main course options of pan-fried Gansbaai Yellowtail, butternut, spinach and baby marrow ribbon strudel as well as Chef Derek’s pepper fillet steak are highlights to look forward to and round off the menu with delicious teats of Wildebraam Strawberry panna cotta, dark chocolate and orange tarte or the Tradauw Valley Toffee Apple Crumble. Booking is essential.

La Petite Ferme (Franschhoek)
Enjoy an aperitif on the lawn gazing at the majestic views of the Franschhoek valley, followed by a romantic lunch or dinner at La Petite Ferme this Valentine’s Day. A wine gift will be given to the best-dressed guest in red. Bookings are essential.

The Manor Kitchen at Lanzerac Hotel and Spa (Stellenbosch) 

If you and your significant other would much rather prefer a less formal dining experience this Valentine’s Day, you can enjoy dining beneath the Manor Kitchen’s striking stained glass roof and within the confines of its large sash windows that let in the night. Expect classic dishes that have been reimagined with a romantic twist from their a la carte menu. Diners will also be able to take a peek into the kitchen, which used to be an old distillery, and feel part of the creative culinary process. For reservations, please contact 021 887 1132 or restaurants@lanzerac.co.za

A beautiful dish at The Manor Kitchen. Photo supplied.

Oude Wellington (Wellington)

Oude Wellington’s romantic four-course menu costs R355 per person and a vegetarian option is available. Call 082 836 8924 for more information or to book.

A post shared by Patron Chefs John & Susanna (@oude_wellingtonrestaurant_bbbs) on Jan 16, 2018 at 8:48am PST

Pierneef à La Motte (Franschhoek)

Enjoy a romantic set menu for R695 per person (excluding service fee and drinks). Sip on a complimentary 2015 La Motte MCC on arrival before indulging in dishes like a parfait cone; oyster and Champagne; beets and goat’s cheese’ crayfish and rosé; duck and cherries; and chocolate and turkish delight for dessert. Bon bons will end the meal on an extra-sweet note. A wine pairing option is also available at additional cost. Booking essential via pierneef@la-motte.co.za or 021 876 8800.

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With its lively green decor accents, Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant's ambience is perfect for a sophisticated summer's lunch. Book now for our à la carte menu! 0218768825 @pierneefalamotte #summertime #alacarte #weekendlunch

A post shared by La Motte Wine (@lamottewine) on Jan 11, 2019 at 11:12pm PST

The Private Dining Venue at Lanzerac Hotel and Spa (Stellenbosch)

Lanzerac will be rolling out the red carpet for couples wanting to celebrate their love by providing a romantic dining experience at its various eateries. Awaken the love with Chef Fraser’s cuisine in the newly restored fine-dining venue, complemented by the estate’s award-winning wines, including a complimentary glass of MCC on arrival. All this will be enjoyed within a romantic setting complete with crystal chandeliers overhead whilst indulging in a four-course set menu of beetroot and lime-cured salmon served with fresh apple, horseradish and pomegranate caviar. Enjoy this special treat for R595 per person. For reservations, please contact 021 887 1132 or restaurants@lanzerac.co.za

The Restaurant at Grande Provence (Franschhoek)

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a romantic evening at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in the heart of Franschhoek. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and oysters on arrival, followed by a dinner in the The Gallery at Grande Provence, which will be transformed into a romantic dining room complete with a dance floor, where you can dance the night away after an intimate four-course dinner. The cost of the Valentine’s Day dinner and dance is R1100 per person. Pre-paid booking is essential. Email events@grandeprovence.co.za or call 021 876 8600.

Taphuis (Stellenbosch)

A more casual celebration can be enjoyed in the Taphuis, which serves gourmet pub-style dishes that are perfect for sharing. Guests can also toast to each other in the Craven Lounge, with its extensive selection of the finest local and international spirits, carefully curated wine list and wide range of craft beers. With a relaxed environment, it’s the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks and canapés. For reservations, please contact 021 887 1132 or restaurants@lanzerac.co.za

A glass of bubbles at Lanzerac Wine Estate. Photo supplied.

Werf Restaurant at Boschendal (Franschhoek)

Couples can enjoy a three-course dinner with a welcome cocktail at Werf Restaurant with entertainment by Judy Brown. A Valentine’s gift is also included. Menu highlights include slow-roasted Angus beef rib-eye steaks, tomato marshmallows, baked leek and Italian kisses. The cost is R1050 per person (with an additional R400 per person for the wine pairing). Prices exclude beverages and gratuity, and dinner begins at 7pm. Email werf@boschendal.co.za for reservations.