Sweet Escape at Silvermist Organic Wine Estate

The Constantia Wine Route constantly surprises us. It’s so close to the hustle of Cape Town’s city and yet when the endless vineyards and mountains surround you, you are transported to somewhere much further away. It’s a route we have often taken for granted, as when one thinks of wine tasting or “the winelands”, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch always seem to steal the limelight. 

In our attempt to explore and taste the Constantia wineries, we were honored with a stay at Silvermist Organic Wine Estate at the top of Constantia Nek. Because, if wine tasting wasn’t already the absolute best activity, not having to leave the estate and drive home afterwards is just a dream.

Fields above the Boutique Hotel

Silvermist Boutique Hotel

We stayed at the top of the estate which looks down over Table Mountain National Park. This Boutique Hotel was actually the original Manor House and so the antique farm quirks are still prominent between the modern first-class designs. The wild forest that surrounds the hotel is incredibly enchanting. We put our bags down, poured ourselves a drink and took a moment to just appreciate where we were.

Coming from a recent 8 month backpacking trip, this level of luxury is something that we most definitely are not used to and are extremely grateful for. It’s also moments like these in Cape Town that make us overwhelmed by just how perfect our home base is for our constant need to wander. Although we have somewhat settled back in, we have in no way limited our opportunities to travel – and this estate reminded us of just that.

We stayed in the Constantiaberg Suite which was more like a small apartment. The modern yet cosy interior tempted us to cancel our dinner plans and delve straight into a spot in front of the fireplace.

The elegant bathroom had one very large shower and two basins (always appreciated by couples who fight over the tap in the morning). But our favorite part of the suite was this bath that looks directly out onto the green mountainscape. Due to severe water shortages in Cape Town, we wouldn’t dream of bathing – but that didn’t stop us from drinking our tea in the tub (and by us I mean me (Jen) with Rudolph laughing from the corner at my sheer determination to still experience the bath).

We were welcomed that evening at Groot Constantia where we were able to taste wines with the Silvermist Wine Maker, Gregory Brink Louw and a few other neighboring wine farmers. We dressed and took another quick stroll around the hotel before heading out. The area surrounding our private verandah is enough to make a wedding photographer quiver with excitement.

Our private verandah offering spectacular views

The unique wild biodiversity around the Hotel

In the evening, the room encompasses a dreamy atmosphere of clinking wine glasses, glittering sparks from the fireplace and a stillness disturbed only by the sound of the wind racing through the surrounding forest. We’ll leave it at that …

Silvermist at Sunrise

Because we were away during sunset at the beautiful Groot Constantia, we decided to go make the most of Silvermist at sunrise. This last minute idea turned out to be our number one recommendation for what to do on this romantic estate.

The sun rises directly infront of the vineyards and the hazy morning glow shines through the vines and warms up your face and heart all at once. The mixture of fresh ocean air and dewy forest is how every slightly hungover human should start their day. So set your alarm, pour yourself a cup of coffee and go bask in the sunshine.

Dining at Silvermist

The only way to follow a sunrise like that is to walk down for breakfast at the Green Vine Eatery. This restaurant is open to both guests and the public so make sure to visit if you’re in the area.

Silvermist also boasts one of the World’s Top 10 Restaurants, La Colombe. This restaurant deserves a post of it’s own and probably a 3 month booking ahead of time from our part. But for a more affordable option in just as beautiful a setting, The Green Vine Eatery is just perfect!

Walking down to the Green Vine Restaurant

Potato Rosti with Poached eggs for roughly R80 each

Our quick one night staycation was one of the most romantic stays we have had in Cape Town. So if you have an anniversary, birthday, special occasion or are just in need of a good glass of wine followed by a luxurious stay – then find yourself here, at the Silvermist Vineyards.

We could not return soon enough…

More About the Silvermist Vineyards

Silvermist Organic Wine Estate is Certified Organic by Ceres. The vineyards do not use any chemical, pesticides or herbicides and the natural fynbos grows in abundance amongst the vines creating a truly special biodiversity. Probably the reason why the bird life is such a prominent feature on the estate.

The Silvermist Wines have three planted cultivars, namely Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. These organic wines especially please us, as we occasionally suffer from wine allergies.

They offer private Wine Tastings booked via: E: silvermistvineyards@gmail.com | T: 021 794 7601

Silvermist Vineyards is part of the Constantia Wine Route, which includes:
Buitenverwachting | Beau Constantia | Constantia Glen | Constantia Uitsig | Eagle’s Nest | Klein Constantia Estate | Groot Constantia | Silvermist Vineyards | Steenberg.

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