Spiers Winery, Stellenbosch, Cape

We had an absolutely fabulous day here at the Spiers Winery, in Stellenbosch.  Marek had booked a table for us for noon hour lunch. We barely made it on time, as distractions along the way made us pause here and there - stalls selling African artefacts, a cool inviting pond, a shop with more alluring art.  The art scene is alive and well, and not only by local South Africans but by immigrants who have made South Africa their home, from Zimbabwe or from further afield like Zambia and Nigeria.

A map with all the places to see at Spiers. It's interesting to see the vineyards in the  background, and how development has taken place over the years to become something more embracing. There are Spier Hotel rooms where one can spend the night, shops, restaurants, ponds to have a picnic, a wildlife forum - a river runs through it, a whole world of its own.

A barrel and a bottle.

Which one should I choose?

The elegant Spiers Shop.

Wishing we could buy up the shop.

Our luncheon date - the decor has pizazz. 

Appetizers - bread with balsamic/oil and salt.

Out on the gorgeous patio - totally booked up for lunch.

The kitchen, brand spanking metalic new.

In between meals, a refreshing butternut-lemon soup to clear the tastebuds. What an interesting idea.
I know lemon sorbet is a favourite, so this was a surprise.

Organic wine.

A vegan meal - quinoa with lightly sauteed vegetables, topped with parsley.

Our server, disarmingly friendly and fun, with a great big ready smile.  He said he had moved from Johannesburg with his Mom and they really like living here in the Stellenbosch region.

The best pudding already eaten up, and apparently always so.

Delightful wire work with red hearts, a very characteristic art form.

This chocolate dessert was definitely worth the calories.

A delectable dish for two.

Cape Dutch architecture.