Do you feel like packing your bags, hitting the open road, and escaping to a beautiful place for a few days? Somewhere you can go to relax and enjoy yourself? Staycations are increasing in popularity since domestic leisure travel reopened towards the end of 2020.
South Africans are exploring their “backyard” more than ever, with a renewed appreciation for local is lekker. Travelling within a family/friends bubble is the ideal way to enjoy a staycation, as social distancing, masking up and sanitising remains a part of our lives for the foreseeable future.
With a seemingly endless choice of accommodation, award-winning wine estates, top SA restaurants, jaw-dropping landscapes, and adventure activities, the Cape Winelands remains a popular destination for weekend getaways.
We enjoyed a wonderful stay at beautiful Bartinney in the Banhoek Valley during the summer. Why stay at this historic working farm? There are many reasons to love Bartinney, so I thought I’d share a few with you.
WWF CONSERVATION CHAMPION
My keen interest and passion for our natural world began when I was a young girl. Businesses that actively practice and promote responsible tourism, conservation, community, and eco-friendly initiatives feature high up on my must-visit list.
When it comes to living that green life, Bartinney is a rockstar environmental leader and one of 45 conservation champions within South Africa’s wine industry. They collaborate with WWF (World Wildlife Fund) to tackle several environmental issues.
Bartinney practices holistic sustainability and strongly believes in finding a natural balance between the best farming practices and enhancing the environment. Happy natural environment = happy vines which produce exceptional wine. You’ll see the iconic sugarbird and protea logo on each bottle from a conservation champion wine farm.
Established in 1912 and owned by the Jordaan family since 1953, Rose and Michael Jordaan now tend to the 28-hectare farm. Their vision to create excellent wines can only be achieved if they nurture and preserve not just their land, but the whole Banhoek Valley biosphere.
Creating and sustaining a healthy and diverse ecological environment requires commitment, hard work, passion, and dedication. Some of their impressive achievements to date include:
- More than 7000 trees were planted that was previously a pine and gum plantation.
- Fynbos endemic to the area was re-established on 17 hectares of rehabilitated land.
- Rose created a nursery by growing indigenous water-wise fynbos to restore the neglected slopes, providing habitats for a wide variety of organisms.
- They use natural pest control rather than pesticides.
- No herbicides have been sprayed in 8 years.
- Fauna is flourishing on the farm with an abundance of birds returning to the area, along with porcupines and rooikatte (lynx), to name but a few. Two endangered Cape leopards have been spotted on the mountain camera.
- Bartinney is proudly Carbon Neutral which means that they have achieved a zero-carbon footprint in both farming and wine making.
- 50% of Bartinney’s power is generated through solar.
LOCATION IS EVERYTHING
You may find your mouth hanging open as the spectacular mountain and vineyard views coming into sight. The magnificent visual feast will have you wondering how on earth this could be your first visit to Bartinney.
The setting couldn’t be more dramatic and jaw-droppingly beautiful. The farm lies on the steep slopes of the Botmaskop mountain along the Helshoogte Pass, overlooking the Banhoek Valley. Prepare to have your breath taken away. Multiple times.
Offering unrivalled panoramic views of the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountain ranges, the awe-inspiring landscape is a glorious tribute to Mother Nature.
Situated just 15 minutes from Stellenbosch, 30 minutes from Franschhoek and about an hour’s drive from home, you’re close to civilization but far enough away to get that “I’m-away-for-the-weekend” feeling.
CANDLEWOOD COTTAGE
Each of the four self-catering cottages is uniquely and stylishly decorated. Candlewood, the newest Bartinney cottage, was our home for two nights.
Beautifully restored with a double-aspect ceiling reinforced by beams that have been crafted from reclaimed farm wood, the light and bright interior is a harmonious blend of contemporary touches and farmhouse charm. It is luxurious yet homely at the same time. You just want to curl up on the comfy couch with a glass of wine and a good book. The fireplace is perfect for those chilly winter nights.
Featuring two double bedrooms with luxe linens and comfortable beds, a fully equipped modern, open plan kitchen, spacious lounge area, dining table and a luxurious bathroom, there is ample space for a group of four.
Personal touches are often what sets an establishment apart from the rest. That, and friendly, professional hospitality. A welcome bottle of Bartinney’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 awaited, as well as artisanal salted caramel chocolates.
Other thoughtful features include vases filled with pretty protea bunches, Jordaan family portraits and the kitchen island which was crafted from a desk. Firewood, coffee, tea, sugar, juice and homemade rusks are included.
In keeping with their holistic approach to sustainability and carbon-neutral status, the all-natural fynbos-inspired bathroom amenities are handcrafted in Franschhoek, South Africa by Le Naturel. Simply heavenly!
Nature surrounds the cottage and the tranquil outdoor space is the perfect place to relax and reconnect. The lovely terrace, complete with a wrought-iron table, chairs, and a braai, overlooks the lush garden and the mighty Simonsberg.
Stargazers will be delighted by the clear, starry skies while birding enthusiasts will be treated to melodic symphonies courtesy of a variety of bird species flitting from branch to branch. The setting is so inviting that you may be tempted to stay at the cottage.
THE TASTING SHED
With our son and friend in tow, we didn’t spend nearly enough time at The Tasting Shed. This elegant space, offering spellbinding views and award-winning wines, is an ideal spot to spend a few hours. It is one of the most stunning settings I’ve ever seen and highly Instaworthy.
Indulge in a leisurely wine tasting or better yet, try their multi-sensory Bartinney Wine & Fynbos experience – an innovative tasting of the three estate wines, alongside native fynbos grown on the farm.
Enjoy glorious mountain and vineyard views from the upstairs terrace and if you’re feeling a bit peckish, you can purchase locally sourced snacks such as biltong or nibble on a cheese and charcuterie platter. Tempest Gin and local craft beer are available if wine isn’t your thing.
Pure coincidence that my dress and door colours matched!
WHAT TO DO ON THE FARM
With nature right on your doorstep, it makes sense to take a walk amongst the vines, hike through the estate’s winding walking or tackle the mountain bike trails (bring your own bikes).
Guests staying on the farm are welcome to make use of the lush pool and braai area. We spent quite a bit of time poolside and in the water, cooling off from the summer heat. The boys loved it and had great fun splashing and swimming. The towering palm trees and constant chatter of birds lull you into a sense of utter tranquillity and at times, it didn’t feel as if I was on a working wine farm.
Back at the cottage, you can relax in the garden and light a fire for a braai or cosy up inside with a glass of wine beside a roaring fire during winter. Netflix and WiFi are available for those that need their digital fix. Nature photographers will have a field day capturing idyllic landscapes, fauna and flora around the farm.
Spend a few hours at The Tasting Shed sipping fine wines and taking in the views. Should you wish to explore further, the Stellenbosch Wine Route offers plenty of idea on where to wine and dine, as well as art, shopping, nature walks, adventure activities and more.
Bartinney was the perfect weekend escape for us and ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a relaxing and enjoyable weekend away: luxury accommodation on an eco-friendly farm, beautiful nature, a tranquil setting, fine wines and gracious hospitality. Why not book a stay and experience Bartinney yourself?
Bartinney Estate
Office Hours: 08:00 – 16:00
Tel: +27 21 885 1013
Email: info@bartinney.co.za
Website: https://www.bartinney.co.za/
All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to throughout our stay.
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Yours in Responsible Travel, Food & Wine.
xoxo
Until the next adventure!
Amazing post – How come I have never heard of Bartinney before! Can’t wait to pay a visit hopefully later this year on a trip to CT! Thanks for posting!
Sel
Thanks so much, Sel. Glad you enjoyed the post. I don’t know, but now that you have heard of Bartinney, I hope you’ll visit this lovely wine estate when you visit Cape Town. Definitely worth it!