Alluvia Boutique Winery is a beautiful boutique wine farm hidden in the Stellenbosch Winelands. This unique estate, which offers award-winning wine, accommodation and food, also has lovely relaxing picnics for guests to enjoy.
In this photo essay, I share all about our vegetarian picnic experience at Alluvia Boutique Winery.
Oh, the Views at Alluvia Boutique Winery
Alluvia, which lies tucked away in the foothills of Banhoek Valley, is one of the estates found along the incredibly scenic Helshoogte Pass. Because of this, the estate’s views are incredible. With rolling fields, crisp vineyards and stunning, encircling mountains, Alluvia is a visual feast.
Add to that, good wines, gourmet food and picnics from their @Alluvia Restaurant, a wedding venue and luxury accommodation (complete with a spa and sparkling pool) – and this estate delivers on all fronts.
Picnic Love by the Dam
Alluvia invites guests to enjoy truly panoramic picnics in the Cape Winelands. With its scenic views, rolling lawns, tranquil dam and secluded picnic spots, it is a picnic paradise.
Guests can choose their picnic spot from several spots dotted around the beautiful estate dam. Sit at the water’s edge underneath a trailing willow; hidden among the reeds on the jetty; or simply beneath the old oak.
Whichever spot you pick, the views are sublime and the setting tranquil and restorative. I especially love the little row boat and old cart that add to the rustic, laid-back farm ambience.
We opted to sit beneath the willow tree and while there was a bench and lounger nearby, we went old-school and spread our blanket out on the lawn. Our spot offered gorgeous views out across the dam and good shade, perfect for a warm summer’s day. 🙂
Alluvia’s Picnic Packages
Alluvia offers both standard- and vegetarian-picnic packages.
Picnics must be ordered a minimum of 24 hours in advance. You can book via Dineplan or by emailing restaurant@alluvia.co.za. Guests are welcome to join for picnics from 11:30 am onwards.
Gourmet picnic options – priced at R395 per basket for two adults sharing – include starters, mains and desserts. Alluvia’s picnics are generous enough to leave you content but not stuffed and are good value for money.
We decided to share a vegetarian basket and while we both really enjoyed it, I feel that Alluvia’s standard picnic perhaps offers slightly more variety. Vegetarian options are always a bit harder to cater for – but I think Alluvia does a decent job with their picnics.
Their baskets overflow with seasonal munchies, artisanal treats and if desired, good wine. Note: There is a great drinks menu available – but wine and beverages are sold separately.
While at the restaurant, we perused the drinks menu and decided to order some mocktails, as we both had to drive later on.
Although wine is always good with any picnic, Alluvia offers such a fine array of drinks options that we really didn’t miss it. Especially as their mocktails are divine and so refreshing!
You can order drinks at the restaurant and you can pay upon receipt or after your picnic.
There is a roaming waiter who checks on you during your visit. Drinks are served and delivered on a tray at your picnic spot.
Vegetarian Picnics at Alluvia Boutique Winery
Once you report to the restaurant, you (and your basket) are transported on a golf cart to the picnic spots. Not only is this fun but it also saves you from carrying the goods yourself!
The picnic came in a lovely basket, with the portions packed in nice, secure storage containers. (These are, however, not the most eco-friendly variants I have seen.) We were also provided with a picnic blanket but guests also have the option of a parasol.
Our vegetarian picnic spread was a slightly different version of the below menu:
Starters:
- Marinated vegetable tortilla wrap;
- Aubergine- and hummus-tacos, tomato and red onion salsa;
- Mushroom arancini.
Mains:
- Asian-style nachos, topped with garlic and ginger chantilly;
- Curried vegetable samoosas;
- Mini butternut, spinach and roasted feta quiches;
- Potato gnocchi pan tossed salad, spring onion, chives and grated parmesan.
Desserts:
- Red velvet pancakes, filled with vanilla mousse and white chocolate sauce;
- Raspberry chocolate cupcakes, topped with raspberry mousse.
How It Rated
Overall, we really enjoyed our picnic’s offerings. There were some definite highlights – including my Passion Fruit mojito and the delicious cupcake, which were both a 10/10 – but there were a few items that fell slightly short of the mark.
Although, again, I must emphasise that this vegetarian option is not the estate’s main picnic offering. So I do think the meat-inclusive version would be a better bet in general. Still, we enjoyed our vegetarian picnic and I rate it 7/10 overall.
In terms of a wonderful picnic setting and lovely picnicking experience – Alluvia is definitely an 8/10 overall. This estate offers a lovely picnic in what is a truly dreamy setting, with good service and friendly staff adding to the estate experience.
I also noticed that their restaurant – and accommodation – also does very well and the deck restaurant seems like a winner for sure, especially as it appear nice and family-friendly too.
I can definitely recommend a visit to this boutique estate, whether you enjoy a winetasting, meal and/or picnic or extended stay.
Please note: This was a paid-for picnic experience, meaning Alluvia Boutique Winery did not, in any way, host us.
Contact Information
Alluvia Boutique Winery is open from 08:30 am – 17:00 pm. However, their picnics may be subject to seasonal availability and selected booking slots; please contact them directly for further enquiries.
Picnic pre-booking is essential (24 hours minimum) and payment must be made in full before your picnic will be confirmed. Picnic spots are limited but nicely spaced out and very private.
Picnics are served from 11:30 am onwards.
For more information on Alluvia Boutique Winery, please contact: +27 (021) 885 1661 or email them at: reservations@alluvia.co.za.
You can also visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Or you can visit them at Alluvia Boutique Winery, Glen Arum Road, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.