Start your Stellenbosch wine-tasting adventure off on the right note, by visiting one of these exceptional wine estates and farms during your next Cape Town weekend getaway.
The Stellenbosch Wine Route is world-renowned for its fine wine. Conveniently close to the Mother City and Cape Town International Airport, it really isn't that difficult to plan a winelands weekend around this destination.
READ: Vergenoegd Löw Estate | A new feather in the cap on Stellenbosch Wine Route
And with over 200 farms, vineyards and wine estates, home to some of the oldest vines in the world, your options are endless.
Fortunately, the experience of wine tasting in Stellenbosch lets you pick and choose the right wines to buy - so you can reminisce and enjoy it all over again at a later stage.
Start with this selection of 20 Stellenbosch wineries, each working to perfectly elevate this wine-producing region in their own unique way.
1. Asara
Wine is at the heart of the experience at Asara. From its region of origin captured in every single bottle to inspired culinary flavours.
Asara's original wine farm dates back to 1691. It was renamed after being bought in 2001 - with its new name honouring the North African gods of earth, sun and sky – Astar, Asis, Asase – and to symbolize the balance and harmony of nature reflected in the farm's wines.
There is a selection of four different eateries, ranging from bistro to fine dining, and luxury accommodation also on offer at Asara.
Wine tasting times
Wednesday to Sunday: 11h00 - 17h00.
Public Holidays: 11h00 to 16h00.
Monday & Tuesday: Closed.
Last seating 45 minutes before close.
Book an informative cellar tours by appointment only - Monday to Friday at 11h00 or 15h00.
Address: Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 888 8000
Email: [email protected]
2. Lanzerac
Lanzerac has been a visionary wine estate in establishing the unique South African variety, Pinotage. It is also one of the oldest heritage farms in the Western Cape, dating back to 1692.
In 1925, University of Stellenbosch Professor of Viticulture, Abraham Izak Perold successfully crossed two grape varietals, Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsaut) to create South Africa’s first unique and indigenous wine grape variety – Pinotage. Lanzerac was the first estate to bottle this variety and use the term Pinotage to market its 1959 vintage.
Today Lanzerac continues to make outstanding wines under the leadership of Cellar Master, Wynand Lategan and Farm Manager Philip le Roux.
During your visit you can enjoy a selection of tailor-made tastings in the tasting room or on the veranda overlooking the scenic vineyards. The daily cellar tours, guided by one of the estate’s expert wine advisors give an insider's view of this working, heritage wine cellar.
Wine tasting times
October – April: Daily from 08h00 – 19h00.
May – September: Sundays to Thursdays, 08h00 - 17h00 and 08h00 - 18h00 on Fridays & Saturdays.
Address: No 1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 887 1132
Email: [email protected]
3.Blaauwklippen
Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen encapsulates a down-to-earth experience with a rich history and winemaking tradition, rooted in the simplicity of country living.
Located at the foothills of the Stellenbosch Mountain, the 115 hectare farm has rich and fertile soils, made-up of grey-blue decomposed granite deposited against the mountain slopes.
The country-casual restaurant offers laidback elegance and classic dishes, inspired by the winelands and a Mediterranean way of life.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Saturday: 10h00 - 06h00.
Sundays: 10h00 -17h00.
Address: Strand Road, R44 Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 880 0133
Email: [email protected]
4. Simonsig Wine Estate
Simonsig Wine Estate has earned its place in the history of the South African wine industry. The late Frans Malan produced the first bottle of their much-loved Kaapse Vonkel, South Africaʼs first Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) made in the classic bottle-fermented style. He is also honoured for co-founding the thriving Stellenbosch Wine Route.
The Malan family values continue to drive the estate’s commitment to producing wines of internationally regarded excellence, as well as focusing on the upliftment of its staff and their families.
The new tasting room allows you to relax under oak trees in summer or in front of the fireplace in winter. Tastings include a selection of their exquisite Cap Classique or do a biltong and wine pairing.
Wine tasting times
Saturday – Wednesday & Public Holidays: 10h00 – 17h00.
Thursdays & Fridays: 10h00 – 18h00.
Address: Kromme Rhee Rd, Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 888 4900
Email: [email protected]
5. Delaire Graff Estate
Possibly one of the region's most stunning wine estates. Time spent at Delaire Graff is all about relaxing and indulging. Heartfelt hospitality and exceptional cuisine accompanied by wines from the estate are the order of the day.
You can expect thoughtful decor, blending indigenous influences and contemporary design, accentuated by works of South African artists. Indochine Restaurant and Delaire Graff Restaurant offer artful dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients, set against sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. It really is a day-trip experience to savour.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Saturday: 10h00, last seating at 17h00 Sunday: 10h00, last seating at 16h30.
Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 885 816
Email: [email protected]
6. Rust en Vrede
A visit to this wine estate is like visiting a special piece of history. All the buildings are official national monuments dating back to 1780, and most are still in use daily. When the farm was bought in 1977, owners Jannie and Ellen Engelbrecht embarked on a full restoration of the estate. An extensive vineyard re-planting also took place, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
The original winery is now the Rust en Vrede restaurant, with the estate's full range of wines available for tasting at the Tasting Room in the Rust en Vrede cellar. Tastings also include informal tours of the underground cellar.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Saturday: 09h00 - 17h00.
Sundays: 10h00 – 16h00.
Address: Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 881 3881
Email: [email protected]
7. Ernie Els Wines
Experience the award-winning range of wines named after South African golf legend, Ernie Els, and skillfully crafted by winemaking legend, Louis Strydom.
The winery was officially opened in 2005, and since then, the focus has been on producing a range of wines, with a particular focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dining options include hearty farm-style cuisine.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday 10h00 – 17h00
Address: Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch NU, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 881 3588
Email: [email protected]
8. Jordan Wine Estate
Jordan Wines offers a guided tour through its wine cellar explaining the winemaking process and what makes Jordan Wines so unique. Experience some of the skills happening in the cellar before curating your own wine-tasting experience, against a backdrop of panoramic Stellenbosch winelands views.
One of the first signature chef restaurants in the Cape Winelands, Jordan Restaurant brought Chef George Jardine’s brand of contemporary fare from city to country in 2009. It will soon trade under a new name The Restaurant at Jordan, with Marthinus Ferreira from Spring 2022.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday 09h30 – 16h30.
Address: Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 881 3441
Email: [email protected]
9. Kanonkop Wine Estate
To many Kanonkop Wine Estate is so much more than a wine estate. It is a confluence of natural beauty, hospitality, family values, tradition, history and interesting characters.
Harvest time is said to be the soul of Kanonkop, certainly something all wine lovers should experience at least once. Enjoy your wine tasting in Kanonkop's modern tasting facility, or take a free art gallery and self-guided cellar tour.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Friday: 09h00 – 17h00. Saturday: 09h00 to 15h00. Public Holidays: 10h00 – 16h00
Address: R44, Stellenbosch
Tel: 0218844656
Email: [email protected]
10. Beyerskloof
If you want to discover the diversity of the Pinotage grape, head to Beyerskloof. This wine estate offers a portfolio ranging from easy-drinking to more premium wines focuses specifically on producing quality Pinotage and Cape Blends - set in motion by Beyers Truter. Today, Winemaker Anri Truter continues to build on the legacy of his father, Beyers.
Here you'll find a relaxed tasting room experience with knowledgeable staff to assist you. Food options include the Red Leave Bistro and the Wynbar.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Saturday 09h00 - 16h30
Sunday 10h00 - 16h30. Booking for 8 or more people is essential - a max of 10 people per tasting accommodated. You are advised to arrive at least 1 hour before closing to enjoy a full tasting experience.
Address: Beyerskloof, Koelenhof Road, R304 Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 8652 135
Email: [email protected]
11. Kleine Zalze
Winemaking has taken place on Kleine Zalze since 1695 but it was in 1996, when Kobus Basson and his family purchased the property, that a more modern Kleine Zalze experience came into existence.
Their philosophy is simple: success begins in the vineyards. From continuous attention to detail in selecting varieties and clones specifically suited to the various soils and slopes of the farm, as well as careful management of the farm's natural resources. These practices have seen it recognised as one of South Africa's Top Performing Wineries by the Platter's guide.
The Kleine Zalze Restaurant offers a holistic and integrated food and wine experience, under the guidance of respected chef Nic van Wyk.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Saturday: 09h00 – 18h00. Sunday and Public Holidays: 11h00 – 18h00. Last Tastings Commence at 17h30.
Address: Strand Rd, De Zalze Golf Estate, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 880 8197
Email: [email protected]
12. Hartenberg Wine Estate
Hartenberg has always aimed to produce wines that are timeless, classic and fresh. Combining decades of in-depth knowledge and constant innovation The Mackenzie family, owners of the estate since 1986, stand by their philosophy to “leave Hartenberg in a better condition than when we started”.
Conservation remains core for Hartenberg, thanks to cellarmaster Carl Schultz. Since his inception in 1994, he has overseen many projects to harness and protect the natural resources of the estate.
Make a lunch reservation or enhance your tasting experience with a picnic in the estate's beautiful surroundings.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 – 16h00. closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday.
Address: Bottelary Rd, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 865 2541
Email: [email protected]
13. Delheim Wine Estate
High on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, lies Delheim Estate. Here the Sperling family has been making wines of character for many decades.
A holistic approach to community and land, to wine making and to enduring good business practices is what sustains Delheim. Its highly anticipated new vintage of Edelspatz Riesling – one of the wine world’s iconic Noble Late Harvests (NLH) - has just been released, and is the estate's most consistently awarded wines since its inception in 1979.
Wine tastings on the property can be enjoyed outside on the garden patio from where Table Mountain can be seen or in the cool Downstairs Cellar. You can also indulge in a winter spot sweet experience– the Wine & Fynbos Cupcake Pairing.
Insider Secret: Delheim offers an annual, exclusive mushroom foraging experience. But this fun day out in nature, searching for delectable fungi is usually booked out well in advance.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday: 09h00 – 17h00. A maximum of 12 pax per tasting can be accommodated.
Address: Knorhoek Rd, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 888 4600
Email: [email protected]
14. Spier
This popular Stellenbosch wine estate was one of the very first farms to be established in the area in 1692 and it has one of the oldest dated cellars in South Africa. The winemaking team, lead by Cellar Master Johan Jordaan, is committed to crafting wines truly expressive of their terroir, with minimal interference.
Its 300 years of wine-making heritage is served up across the estate from its charming stays to its various restaurant and picnic options on site. It has an extensive list of tastings and booking is essential.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday: 09h00 - 17h00
Address: R310 Stellenbosch Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 809 1100
Email: [email protected]
15. Mulderbosch Vineyards
Mulderbosch has gone from being known as the “vuilplasie”, Afrikaans for “dirty little farm”, when founder, Larry Jacobs, bought the farm in 1989 - to one of South Africa's renowned wine producers. They have pioneered barrel-fermented style of Chenin Blanc, amongst other innovations. A visit to this wine farm spoils you with generous, open spaces, endless views of vineyards and hills dotted with beautiful, indigenous veld.
They offer wine tastings in real country comfort. From the enclosed stoep, the deck (upper and lower), at their bocce booths or at the fig tree on the sprawling lawns (right next to the children’s jungle gym, complete with a beckoning twisty slide) - book your dedicated spot to savour your favourite Mulderbosch wine.
Food options include wood-fired pizzas and they have limited Charcuterie and Cheese Platter available, therefore pre-bookings are advised.
Wine tasting times
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays : 10h00 to 17h00. Saturdays & Sundays: 12h00 – 16h00.
Address: Mulderbosch Vineyards, Polkadraai Rd, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 881 8140
Email: [email protected]
16. Tokara Wine Estate
It’s on the southern slopes of the Simonsberg mountains, with unrivalled views over False Bay to Table Mountain, that you will find Tokara’s vineyards and olive groves. An incredible winelands experience in itself.
Over the years, this estate has also become synonymous with fine art.
A modern winery focused on two of the greatest grape varieties in the world, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, Tokara offers tastings together with its chic restaurant where you can enjoy contemporary cuisine crafted by chef Carolize Coetzee.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday 10h00 to 18h00. Last tasting at 17:30.
Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 808 5912
Email: [email protected]
17. Uva Mira Hidden Valley
Uva Mira translates as "The Wonderful Grape". This boutique winery only uses grapes grown on the property, to truly express the unique traits of its remarkable site, "wines of elegance, minerality & longevity".
Enjoy a selection of wines and artisanal platters while taking in the breathtaking views of False Bay, Table Bay and Table Mountain.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday - 10h00 - 18h00.
Address: Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 880 1683
Email: [email protected]
18. Warwick
Warwick deeply cherishes what nature has provided. They ascribe to the old saying of “foods that grow together go together".
Whether it’s a stylish breakfast in the courtyard, a midweek Flammküchen straight from the fire, or one of their spectacularly decadent picnics, the Warwick Kitchen gives you umpteen reasons to test out that old adage.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday from 09h00 - 17h00.
Address: R44, Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 884 4410
Email: [email protected]
19. Waterford Wine Estate
Waterford Estate is situated in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley in the Stellenbosch region. There is nothing pretentious about this estate.
Owned by the Ord Family and developed under the watchful eye of Kevin Arnold, Cellar Master and Managing Partner. With the wine cellar built surrounding the courtyard, guests can observe the workings of the winery, and get a true feel for the wine making process during their tasting experience.
Waterford Wine Estate also offers two vineyard experiences, the Wine Drive Safari and Porcupine Trail Walk.
Wine tasting times
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 - 17h00
Address: Upper Blaauwklippen Rd, Helderberg Rural
Tel: 021 880 5300
Email: [email protected]
20. Stellenrust
Stellenrust was established in 1928 and today boasts being one of the largest family-owned wine estates in the area.
It consists of about 400 hectares, of which half is stretched over the Golden Triangle area of Stellenbosch. Here you will experience wines produced in some of the best red wine soil in the region.
Book the African Wine Pairing, which includes Biltong, Droëwors, Almonds, Olives and Matured Cheddar paired with the estate's big 4 wines.
Wine tasting times
Weekdays: 10h00 – 17h00. Saturdays: 10h00 - 15h00. Sundays & Christian public holidays: Closed
Address: Off the R44 between Stellenbosch & Somerset West, on the Stellenrust Road, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 880 2283
Email: [email protected]
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