We all know Franschhoek as a premier wine and food destination but it’s also the ideal place to visit for a bit of health and wellness rejuvenation. I was recently invited to the Cape Winelands District Municipality Media Day and spent an entire day in beautiful Franschhoek with the focus entirely placed on the well-being of mind and body.
Now I’m sure when you think of Franschhoek, sprawling rows of vineyards accompanied by wine tastings springs to mind but allow me to show you a different side of the Cape Winelands town. However, I must state before continuing that there’s definitely nothing wrong with indulging in a glass of bubbly whilst overlooking the picturesque vineyards!
Coffee at Terbodore
Coffee is an integral part of life and you can’t start the day without having had a good cup of caffeine. There are also many health benefits linked to drinking coffee. If you’re serious about great coffee then you should be familiar with Terbodore. We did Terbodore’s single origin Honduras coffee tasting which included a single espresso, cappuccino and cold brew – you’re guaranteed to be awake for the entire day after that! The coffee tasting was complimented with a dark and milk orange infused chocolate.
You can also learn more about how their coffee is sourced and roasted at a roasting facility tour offered by one of their in-house roasters. Our tour was conducted by the knowledgeable Jommo who gave an insightful rundown of the different types of coffee and why it’s used and exactly how it’s roasted. A fascinating experience for coffee lovers.
191 Main Road, Franschhoek (next to Big Dog Café) | +27 21 876 4716
Visit the Medicinal Herb Garden
The Franschhoek Medicinal Herb Garden was started in 2006 by local resident Judah James, in collaboration with the Cape Winelands District Municipality. The main road location was chosen because no construction is allowed on that particular spot, serving as the perfect setting for the garden. Judah previously sold herbs and thus offers invaluable advice to visitors about their healing properties as well as how to grow your own at home! There’s also a variety of herbs available to purchase directly from the garden.
Lunch and a Massage at Santé Wellness Retreat and Spa
Off the beaten path just outside the centre of Franschhoek, you’ll find a hidden oasis. Santé Wellness Retreat and Spa believes in a holistic approach towards ones health and wellbeing; that sentiment is echoed throughout their serene property. There are 31 suites, 2 restaurants and a day spa on offer for visiting guests which have all been carefully decorated to further emphasise relaxation.
Now call me ignorant but I’ve never placed healthy food and deliciousness in the same train of thought. Our lunch consisted of salad, spicy tomato soup, butternut bread with olive tapenade, grilled salmon and vegetables and sour fig coconut ice-cream for dessert. Everything was a taste sensation that left me wanting more! The back and neck massage that followed was the perfect ending to my time at Santé. Retreat packages are personalised and include accommodation, drinks, meals and certain treatments (depending on the package chosen).
www.santeretreat.co.za/ | reservations@santeretreat.co.za
Rooibos Tea Tasting at Anthonij Rupert Wyne
Rooibos is my tea of choice; I find it both refreshing and calming. Normally one wouldn’t associate a popular wine farm with tea tastings but that’s exactly what’s offered at Anthonij Rupert Wyne. The tasting includes four flavours; plain Rooibos, Rooibos Tangerine Ginger (fruity in flavour), Rooibos and almond, and Rooibos Shangri La (mild ginger with sweet coco-cinnamon flavour and spices). I enjoyed the zesty fruitiness of the Tangerine Ginger flavour – the perfect ‘kick’ for a morning wakeup or midday slump!
We also indulged our sweet tooth by sampling three of the pastries offered at the Anthonij Rupert high tea. Priced at R195 per person, the high tea includes a selection of eight pastries and a glass of sparkling wine. The Manor House is the ideal setting for this decadent affair as the décor is old world charm perfectly preserved to showcase what life was like 200 years ago.
www.rupertwines.com | tasting@rupertwines.com
Dinner at Old Road Wine Co.
Recently opened and situated on the same premises as Franschhoek Cellar, Old Road Wine Co is foodie and wine connoisseur heaven. They’ve paid homage to Franschhoek’s history by creating wines from the area’s oldest vineyards and telling the stories of legendary characters that shaped the Cape Winelands winemaking in the same way. The artisanal flatbreads are a great starter while overlooking stunning views on the deck. New dishes have also been added to the menu, just in time for autumn.
www.oldroadwinecompany.com | +27 21 271 0379
Health and Wellness the Franschhoek Way
Well-being of the body varies from person to person. For a tired mom like me it can mean relaxing in a beautiful setting, soaking up the spectacular views and having a relaxing back massage afterwards. For my husband on the other hand, it could mean an early morning hour on a great mountain bike trail with a good cup of coffee afterwards. There are therefore different ways to rejuvenate your mind and body but you can bet your bottom dollar, you’ll find what works for you in Franschhoek.
