Tanagra Wine & Guest Farm

Budget Getaways Review

Let's cut straight to the chase with a few choice quotes posted on that little known website called Tripadvisor. “Lovely place, exceptional hosts, don't miss it!”; “Couldn't ask for more.”; “We loved our stay, wonderful on all levels, accommodation, hosts, location…”; “PERFECTION - Just what the doctor ordered”; “Heaven is closer than you may think.”

Geez, with feedback like this do we really need to say anything more? But yes,'spose we better since Captain Getaway (as you may or may not know) always gives his clients maximum bang for their review buck. 

Commercial break over, seriously folks, what we have in Tanagra is a pampered escape at Budget Getaway prices that will hold high appeal among all ye romantic couples and the rest of us needing to reignite that old lurve factor. 

On offer are two elegantly furnished apartments arranged around the main homestead under a giant old fig tree, a studio appointed above the winery, a Garden Cottage, the separate Hill Cottage perched on its own on a fynbos-clad koppie, and new in the Tanagra stable is Faraway Cottage, an eco-friendly, modern design with gobsmacking views and a plunge pool, all this tucked away in the most solitary spot on the farm.

Common to all the apartments are private entrances, stoeps with picturesque views across the garden, pool and distant hills, indoor fireplaces, lux fittings and decor, and braai plekke for that lamb chop biding its time in the coolbox. Apart from Faraway Cottage which sleeps four, the rest of the units sleep two, with Kingsize beds the order of the day at all but Hill Cottage (Queen). 

Yet a further theme running through Tanagra's cottages is a balance between sensitive restoration and authentic farm ambience. In other words what you will be exposed to at Tanagra is both dangerously high levels of comfort and evidence of yesteryear tradition. 

And Tanagra is not just about pampered relaxation; there's plenty stuff to do. Past the strategically placed swimming pool waiting in ambush you will find a boutique winery (open on weekends to the public) which produces (according to rumour) a fine grappa and something novel called Eau de Vie. And now for the piece de resistance of your stay: free tastings are available at any time! 

Recovered from your grappa hangover (ranked number two after Coco Rico), the farm and surrounding McGregor offer heaps in the way of long walks, hikes (Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve is next door) and the newly laid out Plant Trail on the farm, where you'll be enlightened on various succulents of the Karoo landscape. There's also a farm dam, mountain biking options (several routes - ask for a map at the Info office), restaurants and coffee shops. 

Alternatively, just chill out on the stoep like we decadent (aka lazy) lot at Budget Getaways would do.