Picnics in the Winelands
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
Riverside Bubbles & Gourmet Bliss – Exclusively at Silverthorn
Arrive in zebra-striped luxury vehicles. Experience panoramic mountain views. Unwind beside the Breede River on manicured lawns or shaded banks. Celebrate with sparkling wine and savour the best of the Winelands.
This is Riverside Bubbles & Gourmet Bliss — your exclusive Silverthorn picnic via Wine Valley Safari. Enjoy a curated experience unlike any other.
Silverthorn, set on the Breede River in the Robertson Wine Valley, offers a private picnic experience featuring Cap Classique, fresh food, and panoramic views of the Riviersonderend Mountains. The gentle flow of the river creates a serene backdrop, making it one of the Cape Winelands' most picturesque destinations.
What to Expect: Riverside Bubbles & Gourmet Bliss
Our exclusive picnic package at Silverthorn includes everything you need for a perfect day:
Premium Cap Classique Tasting – Sample Silverthorn’s flagship cuvées, each with its own captivating story and character.
The Green Man: A well-balanced Chardonnay Cap Classique with elegant structure, fine mousse, and a gentle explosion of citrus and fresh fruit on the palate. Half human, half nature, this ancient, mythical figure represents the spirit of the forest and the estate’s connection to the land.
Jewel Box: Inspired by John’s favourite Champagnes, Krug and Bollinger. This opulent blend contains 71% Chardonnay and 29% Pinot Noir. It offers richness, complexity, and layers of toasted brioche, nuts, and stone fruit. The name comes from the dazzling star cluster in the Southern Cross.
River Dragon: Benevolent, wise and powerful, this cuvée is eternally silhouetted against the “River Without End” mountains. It delivers vibrant fruit and a sense of place.
The Genie: Made from Shiraz, this sparkling rosé sparkles with strawberry notes and playful energy – a true crowd-pleaser.
The Big Dog: A Cape Winemakers Guild auction wine where Chardonnay brings citrus and chalky characters, while Pinot Noir adds strawberry nuances. Bold, complex, and unforgettable.
Curated Gourmet Picnic Hamper – Locally sourced and beautifully presented. The hamper features artisanal cheeses, premium charcuterie, fresh breads, seasonal salads, olives, preserves, and sweet treats. Each item is carefully matched to the sparkling wines, so each bite enhances the bubbles.
Riverside Setting – Private lawn or riverbank seating with umbrellas, blankets, comfortable cushions, and elegant glassware. The views are simply breathtaking.
Expert Hosting – Personal insights from the Loubser family (when available) or our experienced sommelier guides. They share the fascinating journey behind every bubble.
Seamless Transport & Logistics – Door-to-door service from Montagu or Robertson in our luxury fleet. No driving, no stress. Just pure enjoyment from start to finish.
Picnic Contents: A Curated Selection of Local Delights
Our Winelands picnics are thoughtfully packed with the finest regional produce, cheeses, fresh breads, seasonal fruits, and handmade preserves to complement your wine tasting journey. A standout highlight is the selection of premium cured meats and charcuterie from Homestead Serendipity, the artisan producer based in Montagu. These handcrafted delicacies are available at Kupenda Africa in Montagu (a wonderful gallery and wine bar showcasing African art and culture).
The Silverthorn Story: From Family Legacy to Bubbly Legend
The Founding Vision – 1976
The story of Silverthorn Wine Estate begins in 1976 when Karen Loubser’s father, Joachim Rieck, made a life-changing decision. Faced with the choice between a sea-view property in Llandudno or the 11-hectare Welmoed Farm on the Breede River, he chose the river. At the time, it was a working farm with existing vineyards planted on ancient seabed soils – rocky, lime-rich shale that would one day prove ideal for sparkling wine production.
Taking the Reins – 1999
In 1999, Karen was a young interior designer with no formal farming background. She and her husband, John Loubser, took full responsibility after Joachim fell ill. The property was running at a loss, but the couple saw enormous potential. John brought serious winemaking credentials. He trained at Môreson in Franschhoek, worked at De Wetshof and Graham Beck in Robertson, and was cellarmaster at Steenberg, where he even developed his own brand. His adventurous spirit, honed as a diamond diver on the Skeleton Coast, matched the pioneering spirit needed to build something special.
A Bold Sparkling Future – 2004
In 2004, the couple made a pioneering decision for the Robertson region. They focused exclusively on Méthode Cap Classique. The farm was renamed Silverthorn, inspired by the white thorns of the Acacia karroo — known locally as soetdoring or ‘sweet thorn’. The name was chosen for its global appeal while preserving the land’s African roots. The terroir is their secret weapon. Limestone-rich soils here are similar to those in Champagne, France. Hot days and cold nights deliver high acidity and low pH. These qualities are essential for world-class sparkling wine. Their old Chardonnay vineyards provided the perfect starting point.
From Tiny Vintage to Boutique Icon
The maiden vintage, Green Man Blanc de Blancs NV, was made in 2004 and released in 2006/2007. Production was tiny at first: just 500 six-bottle cases. Today, Silverthorn produces around 44 000 bottles annually. They remain boutique by design. Silverthorn Wine Estate to explore the full range and story.
A Lifetime of Dedication
John and Karen poured heart and soul into the dream. For 17 years, John led at Steenberg full-time. He rose to the position of general manager of vineyards, hotels, and restaurants. Evenings and weekends, he tended Silverthorn. In 2018, he left the corporate world to focus solely on the estate. Today, Silverthorn is a proud member of the Cap Classique Association and the Cape Winemakers Guild. Their wines earn high scores, including multiple 4½- and 5-star ratings in Platter’s Wine Guide and 96 points from Tim Atkin for Jewel Box Prestige Cuvée.
The Personal Touch That Sets Silverthorn Apart
What truly sets Silverthorn apart is the personal touch. John and Karen still host nearly every tasting themselves in their intimate riverside tasting room. Guests leave feeling like they’ve visited old friends rather than simply sampled wine.
Why Silverthorn is the Perfect Setting for Winelands Picnics
The estate sits on the banks of the Breede River, creating a magical atmosphere. Panoramic mountain views meet the river's calm flow, offering peace and celebration in equal measure. Rocky, lime-rich soils produce exceptional Cap Classique. They also support lush lawns and gardens — the perfect picnic setting.
Silverthorn is dedicated to Méthode Cap Classique. Every bottle undergoes secondary fermentation using the traditional Champagne method. This creates fine, persistent bubbles and complex flavours that pair beautifully with picnic fare. The result feels both luxurious and wonderfully relaxed.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Perfect for romantic escapes, celebrations, corporate events, or social gatherings, the Riverside Bubbles & Gourmet Bliss picnic invites guests to unwind and create cherished memories. Many describe it as the highlight of their Winelands visit.
How It Fits Perfectly into Your Wine Valley Safari Adventure
Our award-winning Cap Classique Experience (Tuesday – Saturday, R2 495 pp) includes a two-course lunch at Kapokbos Restaurant, a personalised bottle-crafting session at Weltevrede, and a magical tasting at Silverthorn.
The Riverside Bubbles & Gourmet Bliss picnic can be substituted for the lunch at Kapokbos Restaurant, or it can be booked as a completely standalone tour. It does not have to form part of the Cap Classique Experience at all.
For complete exclusivity, our VIP Voyage – Private and Custom Tours allows you to design an itinerary focused on a dedicated Silverthorn picnic. Book your Riverside Bubbles & Gourmet Bliss picnic here. Travel in comfort in our fleet of zebra-branded adventure vehicles and luxury transport. It is the safest and most enjoyable way to explore the Langeberg region.
The Art and Science Behind Every Bubble
Méthode Cap Classique is a labour of love. After the base wine is made, a second fermentation happens inside the bottle. This creates fine bubbles. Silverthorn’s small production allows meticulous attention at every stage — from hand-picking grapes to extended lees ageing. The result is sparkling wine that stands alongside the best in the world.
Ready to Book Your Riverside Picnic?
To reserve your place for 2026 or check availability, book your picnic here. Early booking is advised due to limited spaces and high demand.
Contact Wine Valley Safari today to secure your date:
📞 +27 (0)81 740 0145
Let us handle every detail — from the moment you step aboard to the last bubble and sunset. At Wine Valley Safari, we do more than transport you to the Winelands. We deliver moments you’ll remember forever.
Riverside Bubbles & Gourmet Bliss at Silverthorn – exclusively yours.
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