Day trip: Family lunches at an elegant wine farm

Dine at Stoep overlooking 30 hectares of vineyards

Last updated: 16 November 2023

Elegant. Peaceful. Gesellig. That’s how it feels when you’re sitting on the terrace of this bistro-style restaurant, especially with bubbles or rosé in hand. 

Stoep at Laborie Heritage Wine Estate, which is set against the backdrop of 30 hectares of vineyards and the iconic Paarl Rock, is a marvellous day-trip destination and weekend lunch spot, with its fresh menu, greenhouse-style eatery and kids wooden playground in the vines. 

Stoep at Laborie opened in December 2021. Image: Stoep

WINE FARM FROM THE 1600’S

Although the wine farm – which has been producing wine for over 300 years – is close to the centre of Paarl, it exudes slow living. 

It’s the visitors leisurely making their way into the estate; the children playing along the stream; couples or friends meeting for a late afternoon cocktail. 

You can taste wine at Laborie Heritage Wine Estate. Image: Stoep

STOEP OVERLOOKING THE VINEYARDS

The contemporary restaurant itself, which is now part of Paarl’s everyday life, is found on the edge of the Avenue along a small stream and rose bushes. 

There are three seating options at Stoep, each with its own character. 

The outdoor dining, under large oak trees, is buzzy, especially during summer. Families gather for weekend lunches, kids play at the jungle gym in the vineyards, friends wine and dine on Laborie wines and foods like freshly baked scones or mussel pasta.

The outdoor seating option is a delight on a summer’s day. Image: Stoep

Then there’s the terrace – wrapped with tiny jasmine flowers, filling the air with a mildly sweet scent. On a hot summer day, a soft mist sprays over the small wooden tables on the intimate veranda overlooking the rolling vineyards.

There’s a soft mist spraying over the terrace. Image: Stoep

GREENHOUSE-STYLE EATERY

With the floor-to-ceiling windows and a living greenery wall, the inside of the restaurant feels like a greenhouse. This playfully contrasts the plush yellow booths, steel bar, brick fireplace and wicker chandeliers that give the interior an elevated atmosphere, which also works for morning business meetings and romantic dinners. 

The greenery wall is made with real plants. Image: Stoep

LOCAL FOOD WITH FUSION FLAVOURS

Stoep’s wonderful blend of elegant and homely is reflected in the menu of familiar dishes served with a twist. Like the duck bobotie wontons – Cape Malay flavours and confit slow roasted duck inside a crispy wonton. 

Other highlights include the beetroot hummus with crispy beetroot chips, a caesar salad with freshly-baked garlic croutons and a fillet with shiraz butter, roasted green vegetables and fondant potato. For an everyday dish, there’s a cheese burger with monkey gland sauce. 

Stoep’s menus change twice a year to give guests fresh summer foods and winter warmers. Image: Stoep

WINES FROM DRAKENSTEIN VALLEY

You can taste the entire valley at Stoep, from Perdeberg to Druk My Niet, and Ayama wines. The list was crafted to represent the most interesting wines of the Drakenstein valley, along with Laborie’s own blends.

A special find is the Le Grand Nectar Cap Classique, a sweet and refreshing bubbly that almost mimics the scent of jasmine on the terrace. 

There are also curious blends like the Vrede en Lust Riesling (a grape originating in the Rhine River region), Nomoya Grenache Noir (a Spanish red variety) and Niel Joubert Gruner Veltliner (a grape from Austrian lineage). 

You can order by the glass or bottle. Image: Stoep

PRIVATE DINING AREA FOR YOUR EVENT

Stoep has a private dining area, just off the main restaurant, filled with classic paintings, a large fireplace and its own private stoep overlooking the vineyards. The space can be hired for small special occasions – birthdays, year-end parties, corporate meetings or baby showers of up to 30 guests. 

The dining room is available for any function. Image: Stoep

FAMILY-FRIENDLY LUNCHES

You’ll find that you can spend the entire day at Stoep, watching the kids at the wooden jungle-gym among the vines and the water channel on the avenue while you relax with fresh bites and wine. 

There’s the choice to kick off with a coffee (or cocktail) at Suzanne. Or pop into the Farm Grocer for all sorts of deli goods, from freshly baked cookies and cakes to Funky Ouma spices, curated meats or wines. 

Stoep is open everyday of the week. Image: Stoep

Locals pop into Stoep and Laborie regularly, too. Professionals host business meetings; parents play with the kids in the jungle gym; couples enjoy a romantic date night. That’s just the kind of place it is – gesellig.

VISIT STOEP AT LABORIE

Stoep at Laborie is open: Monday & Tuesday, 7am - 7pm; Wednesday to Friday, 7am - 9pm; Saturday, 8am - 9pm; Sunday, 8am - 5pm
Find it: Corner of Taillefer & Main Road Laborie Estate, Paarl
Book: via Dineplan
Contact on: 021 807 3232, @stoep_at_laborie and @laborieestate

By Lara van Zyl

---

DISCOVER MORE MAGICAL DESTINATIONS

Taste wine and pick lavender at this hidden wine farm.

You can taste wine in a cave at Klein Roosboom.

See vintage goods for free at Toeka Stoor in Paarl.

Discover our (growing) selection of hidden gems.

---

Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.