I need a glass of wine…or a bottle…or a winery in Stellenbosch! I still do not know what a wine stopper is for… even during the lock-down! Today I am sharing with you an exquisite wine farm in the Cape Winelands, Haskell Vineyards. I visited the farm at the beginning of the year as part of a scoping visit for my wedding clients. Looking back on my visit to this beautiful farm, I absolutely cannot wait until I can travel again and spend a weekend in the luxur
It is a scenic drive up to Haskell Vineyards, passing rows and rows of vineyards. I was already so excited before I even reached the estate, as I love vineyard weddings! Weddings held in vineyards are one of the most serene and gorgeous weddings that you will ever attend. You will see from the minute you arrive at Haskell Vineyards that this wine estate has everything that you need to create the atmosphere for a fairy tale wedding and a day to never forget.
Barbara, the Operations Manager of Haskell Vineyards and the Longtable Restaurant hosted Fashion Fundi at this niche wine estate. As you approach the entrance of the Longtable Restaurant, you can immediately see the incredible views over the valley that you are privy to from the restaurant. The entrance has elegant black and white tessellating tiles and a stunning tree-root table, that I absolutely loved! The quaint tasting room with the dark slate wall, gives it a dramatic feel as you enter the restaurant, preparing to sip on magnificent wine, grown in the unique terroir of this region.
The restaurant has large stacking glass doors, allowing you to experience the panoramic views over the outside patio, surrounded by large and established fauna and flora. The modern and simple finishes encapsulate the natural climate and environment, where the views of the breath-taking mountains provide the perfect canvas for a beautiful wedding. The restaurant can accommodate 100 people and is suited for a classy intimate wedding.
The Longtable restaurant is contemporary and the galley wall of plates is creative and a great spot for photos. It has high-end luxurious décor finishes and light fixtures throughout. I always believe that crockery, cutlery and music contribute to at least as much the enjoyment of a meal as the food itself, highlighted by the stunning selection of hand-made porcelain plates, including my favourite – the matte black design!
There is a private pathway that leads from the restaurant to a grass embankment, which I think would be perfect for the ceremony site and the “I Do’s”. The views from here are outstanding and it is surrounded by a well-established indigenous garden of aloes, succulents and strelitzia, providing a lovely backdrop for where it all happens.
Adjacent to the restaurant is a courtyard with a pond and well-maintained lawns that flow into a classic lounge with comfortable leather couches and Persian rugs that overlook the stainless-steel tanks. This space, I can imagine would be well suited to canapes and live music post the ceremony while the wedding couple go for their photos.
For the bridal party, there is accommodation on site with “The Residence” that has two large rooms and bathrooms and “The Cottage” which is a loft-styled apartment. The Residence, which is in traditional Cape Dutch style is elegantly appointed with large art pieces and a mix of vintage and modern elements, giving it a charming feel. The huge fireplace would make a stunning backdrop for the bridal portrait and the “getting ready” photos. Some of my favourite moments are those captured before the ceremony, and this accommodation will provide a meaningful location for this (making the photographers job even easier!).
Haskell Dombeya has everything you want for an upmarket, exclusive private wedding venue surrounded by beautiful mountain views to create lifelong memories with friends and family.
TC
xoxo
