Celebrate Mother’s Day with a delish meal at one of these Winelands gems

Spoiling is the order of the day on Mother’s Day, whether it’s breakfast in bed, flowers and chocolates, or a family outing. It could be brunch or a picnic on the beach (if we get lucky with one of those golden autumn days); the main thing for most moms is enjoying relaxed downtime with the family — and no cleaning up!

To make the day extra special, head out to the Winelands for a full-on Sunday lunch at one of these terrific restaurants:

THE CELLAR RESTAURANT AT HAUTE CABRIERE, FRANSCHHOEK

The Cellar Restaurant at Haute Cabriere is known for generous bistro fare put together by chefs Nik van Wyk and Westley Muller. In winter the vaulted cellar ceilings give it a hobbit cosiness, on clear sunny days the terrace has some of the best views over the Franschhoek valley.

The Sunday feast menu presents mains served family style: sumptuous platters of two different roast meats – which could be roast sirloin, confit duck, pork belly or lamb – and varied sides, preceded by a starter and followed by dessert.

Complementary wines give a taste of the estate’s offering, from Haute Cabriere Chardonnay Pinot Noir to Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose. Visit cabriere.co.za

THE WERF RESTAURANT AT BOSCHENDAL, FRANSCHHOEK

The Long Sunday Lunch at The Werf Restaurant is perfect for a lazy Mother’s Day meal, stretching over the whole afternoon with live music as you unwind, chat and look out over the lush vegetable garden and mountains.

Chef Christiaan Campbell puts together a gorgeous set menu each week according to the best of the farm produce, including farm breads, fresh salads and meat spit-roasted over an open fire and served on family platters with creative seasonal sides, followed by luscious desserts to linger over.

There’s a bottomless bubbly option available for that extra level of indulgence. Visit boschendal.com

FABER AT AVONDALE, PAARL

Vineyards patrolled by ducks on snail control duty, mobile chicken coops and gorgeous scenery add up to winning charm at bio-dynamic wine estate Avondale outside Paarl.

Chef Dale Stevens has recently taken over the kitchen from Eric Bulpitt at fine dining restaurant Faber, having worked with Eric here and previously at Newton Johnson, and continues to build a lively menu around the fresh seasonal produce from the farm’s vegetable garden.

Mother’s Day will be a set four-course sharing menu inspired by autumn produce with a two-course kids’ menu. Visit avondalewine.co.za

This article was originally published in the Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Property and Lifestyle guides. Visit Yourneighbourhood.co.za