For a leisurely tour of the Stellenbosch Winelands of a different kind, Clos Malverne Wine Estate now saddles up exhilarating eco-biking safaris for enthusiasts to explore, experience and enjoy the splendour of the picturesque Devon Valley…off the beaten track.
Hosted in conjunction with Bike & Saddle – a leading South African eco-active travel company – the blissful Clos Malverne Mountain Bike (MTB) Experience is sheer pedal pleasure and allows rookie riders and serious dirt hounds alike, to explore the scenic back roads of the valley, soak up the awe-inspiring views and indulge in a memorable wine and food experience.
This exclusive trail meanders along a private 20-kilometre, mainly off-road path through the heart of the valley and the trip can be adapted to suit all levels of experience and fitness. It provides the perfect pollution-free outing for the whole family; adventure seekers in need of a more adrenalin-filled Winelands experience; or groups of friends who want to soak up the beauty of the valley and invigorate the sense before settling down for a languid lunch. Or why not swap a boring day at the office for an exhilarating team building exercise amidst the vines.
“The great thing about this adventure is its flexibility. If you want to ride all day, go for it. If you want to potter around on your bike stopping at every vineyard for a look-and-see that is also cool. And if you are a real wine aficionado, no worries, we will take you to the cellar faster than you can say ‘Clos Malverne’ – and we have a recovery vehicle on standby!” shares Gustav Erlank, founder of Bike & Saddle.
The guided Clos Malverne MTB Experience takes place from Tuesdays till Saturdays and a minimum booking of four biking buffs is required. It costs R495 per person and includes the soul-quenching outride; a coffee break at tranquil The Devon Valley Hotel served up with breathtaking views of the valley, and a three course lunch and a complimentary glass of wine at Clos Malverne’s popular restaurant after your fun-filled ride.
Or why not extend your biking sojourn in the valley with a sleepover at The Devon Valley Hotel at a special Clos Malverne MTB Experience rate of R1950 per couple or R1495 for a single booking, which includes the experience as well as bed and breakfast at this magnificently appointed hotel.
“Mountain biking does not always have to be about grinding your gears and eating dirt. This exclusive outing is designed to share with visitors a slice of our Devon Valley lifestyle and introduce them to the place we call home. John F. Kennedy once said ‘Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride’ and in this spirit, we invite you to come and hit the road with us,” says Clos Malverne winemaker Suzanne Coetzee, an avid outdoors lover.
Bookings for the Clos Malverne MTB Experience are essential. For more information and bookings contact Bike & Saddle at Tel: 021 813 6433; send an email to [email protected], or visit www.bikeandsaddle.com. No sweat if you do not have your on wheels as bikes can be provided on request.
With its stunning setting amidst the vineyards and breathtaking views, The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne is the perfect retreat to spend a soul-quenching afternoon under the trees, linger over lunch on the wraparound glass balcony or simply to pamper the senses.
Chef Nadia Louw Smith, who describes her own cuisine as ‘world food with an earthy sophistication, cooked from the heart and presented with perfection’ eschews the elaborate and creates sumptuous yet unpretentious food, simple in structure yet complex in flavour, texture and colour.
Clos Malverne’s time-honoured, handcrafted wines can only be bought directly from the estate or via its newly improved online wine sales facility which delivers your wine to your doorstep in no time.
For reservations contact The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne at Tel: 021 865 2022; email [email protected], or visit www.closmalverne.co.za. The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne is open daily for lunch except on Mondays and bookings are essential.
More information about Bike & Saddle:
Bike & Saddle runs tailor-made, fully supported and one-of-a-kind, cycle, walking, hiking and kayaking trips across Southern Africa, Africa and the Indian Ocean. From a 2-hour heritage and culture evening cycle of Africa’s cities, to an incomparable Cycle Safari Holiday through the region’s premier nature and game reserves, they provide exclusive, luxury, hand-crafted active-holidays that blend the best in hospitality with iconic bio-diversity, scenic splendors, rich culture and invigorating activity.
