Spier Hotel and Estate – Winelands

Arrived here after an easy drive from Cape Town, for a two night stay, with the intention of some wine-tasting and a visit to Stellenbosch. We were impressed by the landscaped entrance, lake and welcome – a glass of wine. All the walls of the main building were hung with works of art by African artists;I was particularly taken by a striking, mosaic – like piece, near to the Loos! Depicting miners’ wives, bringing up their children alone. There is a choice of restaurants and we had lunch on the Terrace – the main impression is one of peaceful, tree surrounded spaces – all the rooms around a grassy quad, with shared splash pool; there is a bigger pool, too.We took advantage of a 5 km walk, available on a map, from Reception – still managed to take a wrong turning and add a further 3 km! Rounded the evening off with a ” Farmers’ Buffet”; great choice and value; very satisfying bottle of Pinotage, too, from Spier’s , of course.