I can't believe its 3 weeks since I posted - time really flies- and it seems the older you get, the quicker the days go by.
I'm still loving Capetown and here's a catch up.
A Leisurely Morning at Laborie Wine Estate ended with a Sweet Surprise at Mug & Bean
This weekend, we decided to take a relaxing drive to the beautiful Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl — a destination known not only for its historic vineyards and stunning mountain views, but also for its excellent food and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Our first stop on the estate was Suzanne's, one of the three restaurants nestled on the property. The ambiance was quiet and elegant with French-country charm, perfectly suited for a slow morning coffee. Sitting outside under the trees, we sipped on freshly brewed cappuccinos while soaking in the serenity of the estate grounds. The view stretched out over the vineyards and manicured lawns, framed by the majestic Drakenstein mountains — a peaceful reminder of the beauty that surrounds us just outside the city.
Standing outside Suzanne's
the serenity. of the Estate grounds
The table
Lovely atmosphere
My son enjoying a cup of coffee at Suzanne's
I had a Crêpes Suzette - which they cleverly renamed Crepes Suzanne after the name of the coffee bar.
Crepes Suzanne
It was a little disappointing as the crepes were cold and the sauce not as expected.
Suzanne’s isn’t just about fine dining or coffees; it's part of a broader celebration of the estate’s local roots.
Right next door, Laborie offers a charming farm produce section, where guests can purchase a selection of goods made either on-site or locally. There were fresh loaves of artisan bread, olives, hand-churned butter, and even bottled preserves, each reflecting a genuine farm-to-table philosophy. The attention to detail and quality was evident — the kind of place where you’re tempted to fill a basket with treats you didn’t plan to buy.
Inside the gift shop
A gift shop where you can find all sorts of beautiful items
Breads
Vegetables
Fresh fruit
Even a butcher
This really is a one stop shop where you can buy almost anything you need and plus.
Fresh produce that really tastes different
After wandering through the estate, we took a short drive and later found ourselves at Mugg & Bean for a second cup of coffee. While Mugg & Bean is a more familiar franchise café, it’s always reliable for its generous portions and comforting classics. But what caught our attention that day was the adorable little biscuit served with our coffee — shaped like the continent of Africa. It was a small detail, but it sparked conversation at our table about travel, identity, and the uniqueness of our country. Sometimes it’s the smallest touches that leave the biggest impression.
A littlebiscuit shaped like Africa with a Choc chip
From the refined calm of Laborie’s vineyards to the comforting familiarity of Mugg & Bean, it was a day that reminded us how even the simplest outings — a good coffee, fresh farm produce, and a biscuit with a story — can bring joy and connection.
If you’re looking for a slow-paced outing that combines heritage, taste, and a touch of surprise, Laborie Estate (and even that little biscuit at Mugg & Bean) is well worth the visit.
Cappuccino
Well worth the visit