After the wine tasting, we were escorted through the vineyards to a place that was heaven on earth.  We were armed with a picnic basket, blankets, cushions and a great big ice bucket loaded with Holden Manz Rosé and water.

The picnic basket contained delicious fresh produce that included various cheeses, and artisanal ciabatta that was so fresh that it was still warm.  This was complimented by greek meatballs with tzatziki, poached pears, beetroot with strawberries infused in shiraz (deliciousness personified!), trout paté,  fritatta with butternut, blue cheese and tomato, mouthwatering chunky gammon with paw paw chutney, and this list goes on.  This was one of the most tasty picnics I've ever had (and I've been to loads of picnics at Wine Farms).  We sat next to a little river, amongst trees on one side  of us, and vineyards on the other, for hours on end at this idyllic location.  

Everything in the basket was amazing, and to end it off we had fresh fruit, million dollar shortbread and Jack Daniels popcorn.  There was so much food in the basket that the trek back through the Vineyards to the Tasting Room was very necessary as we needed some exercise with such full tummy's :) 

If you're not up for a picnic, the Franschhoek Kitchen at Holden Manz offers an  à la carte menu or a 5 course wine pairing menu at R585.00 a head (seatings at 12h00 or 19h00 only).  

As if the picnic, the wine tasting and restaurant aren't enough, you can also opt to stay over at the 5 star Country House, which boasts 5 luxury suites.  Holden Manz even has a spa... just imagine having a treatment with views of those beautiful mountains and vineyards. 

In conclusion, I really enjoyed my day at Holden Manz Wine Estate in Franschhoek,  as well as reviewing it for my food and wine blog in Cape Town.  I look forward to returning to this unbelievably amazing place in the not too distant future.