The Art of Slowing Down: A Stay at Spier Wine Farm
“You’re staying with us!” exclaimed the guard as we pulled up to the gates. “Well, now I know that you will truly have a wonderful time.”
He was right. From the moment we arrived at Spier Wine Farm, a profound sense of calm descended,the kind of feeling you usually only reserve for arriving home. Only 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, Spier serves as the perfect base for exploring the Stellenbosch region. While I highly recommend hiring a car to explore nearby gems like the penguins at Betty’s Bay, you’ll find that Spier itself is a destination you won't want to leave.
Two Sides of the Spier Experience
Spier is artfully split into two distinct experiences: the vibrant public farm and the serene guest hotel.
On the Wine Farm side, history and modern art collide. We spent time in the old cellar, which is currently hosting “Water verse: Traces of the Traceless,” a moving exhibition exploring our relationship with water conservation. After exploring the gallery, we went to let our little one play to his heart's content at the Elemental Play Area. Whether you are booking a picnic under the oaks or visiting Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery, the atmosphere is one of inclusive, sustainable community.
The Hotel: The Epitome of "Quiet Luxury"
The recently renovated hotel is a masterclass in what I call “Quiet Luxury.” Every corner feels touched by love,bright, airy, and inviting. Even with a toddler in tow (and the occasional havoc that entails!), the environment makes you feel relaxed rather than restricted.
The Water Lily Suite: A Parent’s Sanctuary
I’ll admit, I shed a small tear when I walked into the Water Lily Suite. It wasn't just the aesthetic beauty; it was the thoughtfulness. As a traveling parent, you notice the small things,like the fact that they had already placed a cot and a nappy bin in the room without us even asking.
The highlight was our private patio opening onto the lush garden by the riverbank. While CJ took his nap, I sat outside with a chilled glass of Spier’s signature Rosé, listening to the birds and the rustle of the trees. When he woke up, the garden became his own private playground.
Family-Friendly Elegance
Spier proves that "luxury" and "kids" can coexist.
The Buzz Club: Little ones (from age 3) have a dedicated space to play, and younger children are welcome if accompanied by a parent.
Childcare: If you’re looking for a quiet dinner, the hotel happily provides professional babysitting services.
The Spa & Pool: While the kids are occupied, the onsite spa and the sun-drenched pool bar offer a perfect escape.
Dining with Purpose
In the evenings, dining at Veld is a must. The food was spectacular, but the hospitality stood out even more. The team was so engaged that they even invited our input on dishes they were trialing for the new menu. This level of connection is rare and made us feel like part of the Spier family.
More Than Just a Stay: The Spier Ethos
As a guest, you are invited to a "Wine Experience" that goes far deeper than a simple tasting. It is an immersion into Spier’s soul, their sustainability endeavors, their regenerative farming practices, and their commitment to the Spier Arts Trust.
While the facilities are world-class, it is the people who truly set this place apart. Every staff member we encountered spoke about the farm with a sense of pride that suggested this is more than just a job; it’s a passion.
The Verdict
Three nights simply wasn’t enough. We missed the riverside walks and the food garden tours, which only means one thing: we’ll have to return. The guard at the gate was right,we didn’t just have a holiday; we had a wonderful, soul-restoring time.
Wild Flowers at Spier Hotel
