Plastic roses and “PS. I love you” chocolates won’t earn you any brownie points on Valentine’s Day, but these 5 suggestions will…

V is for Valentine’s Week at Nederburg

If you’re in the camp that believes love should be celebrated every day – not only a “Hallmark Day” – head to Nederburg wine estate in Paarl for a week of love-themed food!

• Picnics: From 11 – 16 February, The Red Table Restaurant will be creating special picnic baskets full of sweet and savoury treats for you to nibble and nosh in the estate gardens. Picnic baskets cost R250 per person, including mineral water and a bottle of Nederburg Première Cuvée Brut. Baskets must be pre-ordered and paid for at least 24 hours in advance.
• Dinner: On Valentine’s Day, The Red Table Restaurant will open for dinner from 6pm. In addition to the a la carte menu (mains priced at around R100), the restaurant will offer a deluxe 5-course menu at R280 per person, with light musical entertainment that will add extra spice to the evening. Pre-booking is advised.
• Sweet wine pairings: On top of regular wine tastings in the Visitor’s Centre, Nederburg is hosting a sweet pairing of Rose’s Nougat with Nederburg Foundation Rosé 2013, and Rose’s Turkish Delight with The Beautiful Lady 2012. Try one of these pairings and you could win 3 bottles of each of the wines.

The Red Table Restaurant is open for picnics and lunch from 11am from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 12pm on Sunday. Contact 021 877 5155 or e-mail [email protected].

Wine & Dine at Hemingway’s Restaurant

Hemingway’s Restaurant at Leriba Hotel & Spa in Centurion is hosting a romantic 3-course dinner, including a bottle of Vrede and Lust Merlot, for R700 per couple. Complete the experience with an overnight stay and a pampering spa treatment at this beautiful 5-star hotel! Book now

For dinner reservations, contact 021 660 3300

Plett Music Festival

Join the festivities of the Plett Music Festival at The Whitehouse Theatre, from 13 – 16 February 2014, and sway the night away to intimate jazz performances by some of the world’s top musicians, all to benefit The Kids of Kurland Project. Tickets cost R175 each and a pass for all 4 shows is available at a reduced price. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Ann Fermor on 082 452 8764 or email [email protected]. Tickets can also be bought at The Old House Shop.

Line up:

13 Feb, 8pm: Andrew Young (saxophonist) and Friends

14 Feb, 8pm: Duet by Carol Thorns (electric cellist) from Cape Town and Dubai based Shelley Frost (internationally acclaimed harpist)

15 Feb, 8pm: The Swingsetters from Cape Town

16 Feb, 2pm: Rick Van Heerden Jazz Quartet

Plettenberg Bay’s talented jazz musician, Martin Wolfhaart, will be playing before each performance from 7pm. A cash bar will be available in the courtyard and snacks will also be on sale.

Wine & Chocolate at Waterford Estate

For those with a sweet tooth and a taste for fine vintages, the wine and chocolate tasting sessions at Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch, from 10 – 21 February 2014, is the perfect way to celebrate your love. Enjoy red and white wines from Waterford, Pecan Stream, and Kevin Arnold estates. The chocolate selections are equally indulgent, with rock salt dark chocolate, masala chai dark chocolate, and Heatherleigh natural sweet.

Options:

• 3 wines and 3 chocolates: R45 per person
• 8 wines and 3 chocolates: R65 per person

Contact 021 880 5300 or [email protected]

Fairlawns Dinner & Spa Specials

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in Sandton is offering specials at their Terrace Restaurant and luxurious Spa.

• Valentine’s Evening Dinner (R1,500 per couple): 4-course a la carte dinner, sparkling wine or cocktail on arrival, long-stem rose, and a gift for the ladies.
• “Under the Stars” Valentine’s Dinner (R2,000 per couple): 4-course a la carte dinner, sparkling wine or cocktail on arrival, romantic poolside garden setting with scattered petals, bottle of Prosecco Teresa Rizzi, boxed long-stem rose, gift for the ladies, and a heart-shaped sky lantern to send a wish.

Pre-booking is essential. Contact 011 802 2540 or [email protected].

• Sweet Sensations for Two (R1,800 per couple):  A 2-hour spa package of 3 treatments and a therapeutic Kneip Walk
• Chocolate Full of Love (R3,500 per couple): A 4-hour spa package of 4 treatments and a poolside chocolate fondue with sparkling wine.
• Be Mine for the Day (R5,980 per couple): A 8-hour spa package of 7 treatments, a Kneip Therapy Walk, continental breakfast, and a romantic 2-course lunch with sparkling wine.

For bookings and more information, contact 011 802 2540 or [email protected].

What other Valentine’s Day specials have you heard about?

 Feature image supplied by Nederburg