Escape to the mountains with a luxury picnic at Quoin Rock

Quoin Rock Wine Estate, nestled in the beautiful Knorhoek Valley in Stellenbosch is home to award-winning wines, world-class architecture, breathtaking views, and most notably, for its accolade-accruing fine-dining restaurant, Gåte.

Hailed as one of the best restaurants in South Africa, Gåte Restaurant is known for its unique approach to molecular-gastronomy and its luxury picnic experience is no different.

Set amongst beautifully manicured gardens, the impressive new winery marries together a luxurious gourmet meal with maximum privacy. Each of the eight custom-built, fully equipped picnic pergolas is spaced at least 10 metres apart creating the perfect, intimate setting to enjoy time with family and friends.

The private pods have quickly gained a reputation for being the best picnic spot in Stellenbosch and the award-winning wine farm creates the ideal backdrop for a once in a lifetime gastronomical experience.

Seasonal ingredients

Gåte head chef, Jack Coetzee believes in creating dishes that embrace the unique flavours of their surroundings and with the abundance of fresh herbs and vegetables available on the estate, it is no wonder that the picnic menu is a celebration of all things local.

Seasonal and local ingredients are fresher, healthier and more sustainable and this Stellenbosch wine farm is committed to sourcing its food from local vendors. All picnic dishes include at least one ingredient that has been grown on the estate and a vegan or vegetarian picnic feast is available upon request.

We chatted to Chef Coetzee about the work that goes into creating the picnic experience for guests and he revealed that they had a lot of fun designing the menu.

“I truly believe that just because the offering is placed in glass jars in a picnic basket that no less care has been taken,” explained Jack. “We spent a lot of time finding the best local cheese and charcuterie suppliers to work with and the dishes that are in the picnic could, in a different presentation, find their way onto the menu of Gåte. It is incredibly important to us that we take the same philosophy that we have in the restaurant and share it across to the picnic. It has turned out to be a refreshing platform to express ourselves and provide a beautiful picnic in an incredible setting.”

The menu

The menu is seasonal and will typically include a freshly-baked French baguette with roast tomato butter; rocket pesto, Dalewood cheese selection, Jewels meat selection, a variety of salads, beef fillet and a delicious dessert. Unlimited still or sparkling water is also included and award-winning Quoin Rock wines make the ideal picnic accompaniment.

Dedicated service

Every little detail has been carefully considered and each pergola is serviced by an experienced waiter to ensure that guests are never without ice, their wine glasses are kept full and espressos are offered after the meal.

What’s more, all of the guests are given their own cutlery and glassware, in keeping with health and safety regulations, and walkie-talkies are used to communicate with the waiter - a fitting detail that underscores the respect for intimacy and privacy afforded to each pergola.

Children are welcome

The wine farm also offers a picnic menu for children that includes macaroni and cheese, chocolate milkshakes, seasonal berries, sun-dried fruit, Lindt chocolate and cookies.

Sit back in style

After lunch, guests are invited to relax in the garden on picnic blankets or fat sacs and various lawn games are provided by the wine farm for children and adults.

Picnics cost R400 per adult and R180 per children’s basket. Available until 30 April 2021. Booking is essential, with a deposit payable to secure the booking.

Get in touch to book or for more information on 021 888 4740 or at winelounge@quoinrock.co.za.