Brookdale Estate is a world apart: a secret valley in a fold of the mountains above Paarl, its restaurant perfectly placed to soak up serene vineyard views. There’s a delightful sense of discovery as you dip steeply down to a little bridge over a mountain stream past indigenous gardens and vines new and old, then follow the brick road up past the Cape Dutch Manor House (now a six-suite boutique guest house) to the comfortably chic bistro, tasting room and wine cellar.
Harmoniously built of stone, the Bistro at Brookdale Estate is unostentatious but elegant. A canvas wall mural reaching to the high peaked ceiling depicts tall pine trees and woodland, echoing the view from the wide verandah, over a slope of vines backed by a steep bush-clad escarpment topped with pines. It only opened in February 2023, but has already claimed seventh spot on the Dineplan reviewers choice awards, the country setting all part of its charm. All you hear is birdsong, and perhaps a tractor in the distance – this is a working wine farm after all.
With the beautiful vineyard views from the terrace and roaring fires in winter, it’s tempting to settle in for the whole day at Brookdale Estate. Make the most of your visit with a leisurely session in the wine-tasting room before (or after) lunch. Or spoil yourself thoroughly by booking into one of the luxury suites of the Manor House for a tranquil and restoring break (it’s also available as an exclusive-use villa, sleeping 12 adults and 2 children).
A delightful discovery brimming with satisfying flavours.