When you are on your fourth glass of wine and you realize, it is
16:00! What can I say, this is the effect of lock-down on a wine lover!
Given that fact that my wine is running very low at the moment due to lockdown, I thought I would share with you one
of my most recent wine estate finds! I
visited Clos Malverne back in March (when we all still had the opportunity to
travel and when life was "normal"). I was travelling around the Western Cape on behalf of one of my clients’ wedding venues. As part of a short-listing of wine estates, I made may way through Clos Malverne for the very first time and I thought I had to share with you what this farm has to offer!
Clos
Malverne is a hidden gem, situated just outside of Stellenbosch in the Devon
Valley (about 10 minutes from the main town of Stellenbosch). Off the beaten
track of larger more commercial farms, this family owned farm offers beautiful
views from the restaurant, of the surrounding vineyards and mountain tops. “Clos”
comes from the French word “enclosure” which is a walled vineyard. The owner
named the farm after this, given the manner in which the terroir encloses the
farm providing a unique mesoclimate for the grapes.
As you
approach the restaurant you are greeted by beautiful gardens and large bushes
of “white sparkle”, which will provide a wistful background for wedding photos. The
white, flushed pink flowers resemble a multitude of butterflies on the plants. The
seclusion of the farm from the main road, gives one a feeling of intimacy and
adds such a romantic feel, which any nuptials will adore! This romantic wedding
venue with its breathtaking views does all the hard work for you with very
little required in terms of décor.
You have
stunning views of the mountains from the open plan restaurant which accommodates anything between 80 – 120 guests. The space is suited for long dining tables,
that will create a close familiar feel for the wedding guests. In the event of
rain or poor weather the restaurant is completely enclosed with glass sides so
that you can still enjoy a comfortable experience inside, but have the feeling
of being outside in the vineyards! The day that I visited the Clos Malverne, it was a sunny day with a few wispy clouds and the view from the terrace was lovely.
Around the corner from the restaurant, the
estate has rolling lawns with a large swimming pool that you can lounge at on
the deck. The area adjacent would be well suited for a pre-wedding get together
the night before. Another great value add that Clos Malverne has to offer is that there is a beautiful spa on the property
for pre or post wedding pampering. The spa also has a large wet-room, spa bath and
steam room where you can enjoy massages and body treatments with the bridal
party.
The estate offers accommodation on site which sleeps 18 people and consists of 9 luxurious rooms, but you could easily accommodate wedding guests in the main
town of Stellenbosch given the proximity.
If you are
looking for a wedding venue in the Stellenbosch winelands, you will not go
wrong with Clos Malverne. If you are not looking to get married, but just
want an authentic wine experience, stop in at Clos Malverne for a gourmet
dining experience. You will not be disappointed!
