* Why not try hot-air ballooning in the Klein Karoo, with a panoramic view of Oudtshoorn and majestic Swartberg Mountain range? While you enjoy a cup of coffee, the balloon is prepared for flight and shortly before sunrise, you will join the pilot in the basket for take-off. After landing you will be met by the retrieval crew with bubbly in hand. The cost is R2 200 a person. To book phone 082 784 8539 or see www.oudtshoornballooning.co.za
* Warwick Estate is offering a gourmet picnic basket for two on the evenings of Sunday February 13 and Monday February 14. The baskets for two are R375 and include a bottle of Professor Black sauvignon blanc. For more information see www.warwickwine. com Baskets can be collected between 5pm and 7pm. The estate closes at 10pm. To book, call 021 884 3144.
* French chanteuse Danièle Pascal performs at Lelieblom Farm in Darling on Sunday February 13. She will present an afternoon of romantic French chansons and French café songs. Lelieblom is not licensed, but patrons can bring their own wines. Lunch will be served at 12.30pm and the show starts at 2pm. Tickets are R160. To book, call 082 569 4147 or 082 573 7736.
* Simonsig Wine Estate’s Cuvée restaurant presents a candlelit dinner under the stars on Valentine’s Day.
Flutes of Cap Classique, cuisine plus soulful jazz sounds by the Limehouse Trio from Stellenbosch will be on offer. Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner and each couple will receive a bottle of pink Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut rosé and a box of handmade chocolate.
The dinner is R350 a person and starts at 7pm on February 14. Vegetarian options are available on request. To book, call 021 888 4932 or e-mail cuvee@simonsig. co.za
* Enjoy a picnic under stars from the Picnic Company. Popular band Spectrum will serenade you with romantic music on Valentine’s Day from 7pm at the Buitenverwachting Farm in Constantia. The picnic includes a complementary bottle of Buitenverwachting wine. A cash bar and Irish coffees will be available.
The cost is R450 a couple. To book, call 021 797 5335, e-mail [email protected] or see www. stlukes.co.za
* Try a romantic sunset cruise from Tigger 2 Charter, which is offering a private charter for one couple only, from the V&A Waterfront. Bubbly and a pâté platter with snacks will be served.
This will be followed by either a three-or four-course onboard dinner, depending on the package.
The cost is R5 850 for the three-hour, three-course meal and R8 850 for the four-hour, four-course meal.
Alternatively, groups of 10 can enjoy a 90-minute cruise at the cost of R250 a person, including snacks and bubbly. For bookings, call 021 418 0241.
* Jordan Restaurant is offering a decadent six-course dinner with chef George Jardine.
The tasting menu will include romantic ingredients such as oysters, crayfish and chocolate, with lots of bubbly. The pampering starts at 6.30pm and the cost is R1 200.
To book, call 021 881 3612.
* Couples can enjoy the Cape Winelands Tour through mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads daily from 8.30am to 5.50pm.
Departing from the city, the tour starts with Paarl. The first stop is Nelson’s Creek Wine estate where guests will enjoy free wine and cheese tasting and a cellar tour.
Then it’s on to Franschhoek, where you will enjoy lunch on your own account.
Not all the wine tastings are complimentary.
The cost is R690 a person. To book, call 021 511 1784. - Weekend Argus