Meet Devonvale Golf Club and Wine Estate which is just off Bottelary road in Stellenbosch. You have probably driven past it a few times thinking that it is just a golf course but they have been producing wine since 2004. It’s not just about golf and wine though either. I was booked for accommodation including a golf lesson, breakfast, dinner and a spa treatment which came to around R3500 for two days and one night for two people. Plan your visit carefully and chat to the staff about adding extras onto your accommodation package.
They have some great winter specials for locals like us! If you use WINEGIRL with your booking (up until 31 July 2018) you can get a further 30% off accommodation! Think around R700 per night for a couple sharing. What a bargain!
HOW? just follow this link below and don’t forget to use WINEGIRL with your booking:
WINE TASTING
After checking in, I started off with some wine tasting that overlooks the golf course. The wine tasting is actually hosted at the restaurant and so you should definitely plan to visit when hungry. I enjoyed their cheese and meat platter which is enough for two people sharing.
You will taste two wines from the Forever Friends range and 3 wines from their Provoyeur range. The wine is served in beautiful glassware and a waiter will explain each one. What’s interesting is that their range has a lot of older vintage wines from the likes of 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Their Cab Sauv 2007 is only R150 and was one of my favourites of the day! This classic Cape Cabernet Sauvignon is a light bodied wine with a full, dark ruby colour. Cedar wood and cigar box aromas together with a smokey sensation compliment the taste of green pepper, light berry flavours and dried tomatoes. The crisp acidity and low to medium tannins upon taste finishes off with sweet light tannins. Accolades: Winner of Top12 Blind Tasting Competition 2014.
ACCOMMODATION
The rooms are modern, clean and comfortable. All with on suite bathrooms and a kitchenette. I really liked my room that had a balcony facing the pool. The ground floor units open out to braai areas.
DINNER
Despite the slightly tired decor of the restaurant, don’t let this fool you, the food will absolutely blow you away. Beautifully plated, the set menu (three course – R295 or two course – R220) changes weekly and I would recommend getting it. I tried the beetroot starter and Springbok whilst my sister-to-be, Gabi, enjoyed the pork belly. All paired perfectly well with the 2007 Provoyeur Cabernet Sauvignon. I would recommend arriving to dinner as early as possible and getting a seat by the window to watch the sunset. What an excellent value for money dining experience.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast is outstanding. A buffet including MIMOSAS (MCC and orange juice). The buffet table is bursting full of cheese, muffins, croissants, cereals and more! That’s just for starters though because you can get a hot breakfast as a mains too. Plus coffee, teas, you name it! I guess you need a full tummy to get your day off to a good start when it comes to golf.
GOLF LESSONS BY A PRO!
If you are not too confident in the game of golf, why not book a 30 minute lesson for R400 per person by PGA golf PRO – Anna Becker-Frankel. She really is excellent! The lesson includes all golf equipment and one-on-one tutoring. You can find the price list here: http://www.golfschool.co.za/story.php?nav=lessons
I was blown away that I could actually smack a golf ball across the driving range! Watch out boys! I might give you a run for your money. I didn’t realise how difficult it was just to hit a ball – it’s all about having the right grip and swing movement. Also, P.S. don’t take your eye off the ball! Thanks for the lesson Anna!
SPA DAY
What’s a girl’s weekend away without a spa day! Whilst the boys play golf, the girls can relax! I enjoyed a 1.5 hour full body treatment (full body massage, body scrub, Indian head massage and reflexology package) at True Oasis Spa which is on the estate. Each spa package can be tailored to your needs and adapted accordingly. The young ladies that run the spa are wonderfully accommodating and the quality is outstanding. Make use of the relaxing sun beds and swimming pool too!
