Asara Wine Estate & Hotel - Polkadraai Rd, Baden Powell Dr, &, Stellenbosch

High Tea in the Winelands

In our quest for a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence, we often find ourselves in search of unique experiences that combine the best of culinary delights with breathtaking settings. On the 21st of April, we went to the inaugural high tea at Asara Wine Estate & Hotel in Stellenbosch. Cobalt (or shall we call him Casanova) asked Storm to accompany him, instead of Coco who was unavailable for this event. All dressed up in red Cobalt and Storm walked down the stairs to the courtyard where the High tea was being held, the humans received a glass of bubbles as a welcome drink while being shown to their table.

The courtyard overlooked the dam and Stellenbosch mountains, the table was set far enough apart so that the dogs did not bother anyone. To add to the atmosphere, we had live music (Storm even started wagging her tail in tune with the DJ).

While sipping on our bubbles the waiter came past with the tea selection. Anne opted for a green tea while I had a delicious lemon/ginger tea. The doggies immediately received a bowl of chicken broth as their welcome drink accompanied by bowls of water. Shortly after our tea was poured our High Tea snacks arrived, our table was covered with such a large selection of food making it difficult to decide where to start I felt like a kid in a candy store without my mom around.

On our menu was Smoked Salmon Trout, Mushroom Vol Au Vent, Cucumber Croissant, Leek and Spinach Quiche, Finger Sandwiches, Red Velvet Cake, Raspberry treats a selection of Macaroons and Chocolate Truffles and what would a high tea be without Home Baked Scones?

As amazing as our food sounds, the dogs were also spoilt rotten with their own selection of high tea treats consisting of: Ox Liver Pate, meatloaf, Carrot and Zucchini Rice Bonbons, Pea and Pumpkin Fritter, Ostrich Sushi Roll, Blueberry and Banana Biscuits, Carrot and Sweet Potato Cupcakes and Peanut Butter Frozen Yoghurt. Even though it all arrived at the table with our food, we spread it out giving them a little bit at a time. Stormy could not believe her eyes, obviously Cobalt who had been on a high tea before wanted to greet the waiter every time he came past expecting more food with every visit, I hope his bad habits don’t rub off on Stormy.

As we lingered over our tea, taking in the stunning vistas Cobalt and Storm made themselves comfortable under the table, Storm never stopped wagging her tail. The combination of exquisite food, breathtaking views, and attentive service makes this not just an afternoon tea but an event that will be cherished and remembered.

Storm and Cobalt were not the only pups dressed up or posing for a photo or two by the dam, there were around 15 – 20 four-legged guests of all sizes, from standard poodles to tiny yorkie puppies. These four-legged guests were so well behaved enjoying the day out like true VIP guests.

What made this experience even more unique is that after the tea instead of just offering coffee the waiters came around with Asara Wine Estate wine the Hotel’s own selection of wine offering a glass to all the guests. Stellenbosch Animal Welfare was also invited to the event and they even bought some of their own well-behaved pooches to walk around and enjoy the outing. A R5 contribution of all Doggy tickets sold went to Stellenbosch Animal Welfare.

With its breathtaking location, chic and understated elegance, and unparalleled levels of personal service, Asara Wine Estate and Hotel stands as a testament to the sheer generosity that can be achieved in hospitality.

It is a place where every detail is curated to ensure guests, including their pets, experience a stay that is luxurious, comfortable, and unforgettable. Asara Wine Estate and Hotel also have pet-friendly rooms available so there is no reason to look any further when you need accommodation in Stellenbosch.

In summary, the high tea at Asara Wine Estate and Hotel is more than just an afternoon of indulgence. It is a comprehensive experience that delights the senses, welcomes every guest, including pets, and provides exceptional value, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Stellenbosch and its natural beauty.

Luxury Services and Amenities

1. Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Understanding the importance of four-legged family members, the hotel provides specific pet-friendly rooms.

2. VIP Treatment for Pets: Emphasizing the hotel’s pet-friendly nature, pets are given the full VIP treatment, ensuring they enjoy their stay as much as their human companions.

Asara Wine Estate and Hotel are already planning their next High Tea which will be in Spring, keep an eye on their social media and website for details and make sure you get your tickets quickly as I think the rumours of this great experience will spread quickly and they will be sold out before the event.

Asara Wine Estate & Hotel

Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch

Tel: 021 888 800

Email: events@asara-hotel.com

Website : www.asara.co.za