The Gourmet Meander

The Cellars-Hohenort offers the ultimate base for a variety of gastronomic experiences – from farmer’s markets and wine estates to Cape Malay cuisine, and the artisan coffee and craft beer scenes.

We begin our food-and-drink adventure at The Cellars-Hohenort itself; where Cape Town’s only Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef, Peter Tempelhoff, presides over the two restaurants.

Taste the bounty of Constantia at The Conservatory. Constructed around a giant 300-year-old oak tree, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in the most beautiful of settings. The cuisine is innovative yet timeless, with an emphasis on fresh produce, much of which is grown in the hotel’s nine-acre garden.

No trip is complete without a tasting menu experience at The Cellars-Hohenort’s flagship restaurant,The Greenhouse. Here, the cuisine is inspired by South Africa’s eclectic and diverse cultures, indigenous ingredients and local storytelling, and the dishes are presented with flair.

The Cellars-Hohenort is set in the midst of Constantia, known as “Cape Town’s Vineyard”; from this location guests can explore Constantia, the Western Cape’s most historic wine region, through green corridors of vines and trees, for some of South Africa’s best wines. Many of these wine estates boast world-class restaurants, too.

For a sense of history, pay a visit to Groot Constantia; the more than 300-year-old wine farm has a museum, as well as award-winning wines, to explore. Then, for one of the best views in the valley, head to Constantia Glen. Afterwards, take the whole family for a picnic on the lawn at Buitenverwachting wine estate. Constantia is filled with sensory surprises to discover and enjoy.

From Constantia, there is easy access to other famous Cape wine regions, such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Hemel-en-Aarde.

Cape Town has a thriving market culture. Visitors can mingle with the residents and shop for seasonal produce and gourmet goods, while enjoying live music, craft beer and local wines.

Exploring the markets will take you from the forests of Tokai to the urban centre, and beyond. Visitors will get a snapshot of the city’s diverse and unique culture by visiting top markets such as the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay; the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old

Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, where designers and artisan food producers meet; and the Oranjezicht City Farm, a community farming project in the inner city. This Saturday market offers beautiful views of both the mountain and the cityscape, as well as farm-fresh produce in a lively environment.

Your foodie journey continues into Bo-Kaap, Cape Town’s old Malay Quarter and one of the oldest parts of the city. It is a patchwork of brightly painted historic houses, cobbled streets and a network of restaurants and cafés. Here visitors can sample Cape Malay cuisine, traditional food originating in the 17th century.

If you happen to wander down Rose Street, you’ll not only find fragrant rotis, curries and samoosas, but also one of the most interesting coffee spots: the Haas Collective. Here, hand- roasted coffee and art meld in a unique experience. Cape Town has many other such gems, such as Truth Coffee Roasting, Yours Truly and Deluxe Coffee Works, to name a few.