Just 45-minute's drive from central Cape Town, you'll find an ideal weekend away experience, exploring the many wine estates in and around Somerset West.
When it comes to savouring the best of South Africa's wines, there are plenty of routes to take throughout the Western Cape.
As you explore just beyond the city highways of Cape Town, the wines of Somerset West's farms and estates will undoubtedly catch your attention.
These form part of the Helderberg Wine Route, which lies south from Stellenbosch and extends towards the shores of False Bay. The Helderberg sub-routes incorporate producers around the towns of Macassar, Raithby, Strand, Somerset West and Sir Lowry’s Pass.
Unique climate conditions play a pivotal role in shaping the wines of the Western Cape. This particular area’s proximity to the ocean makes it markedly cooler than areas deeper inland and has a significant influence on the characteristics of the local wine grapes used for production.
And the proof is in the tasting.
From the historical Vergelegen Estate to Morgenster, producers of fine wine and extra-virgin olive oil, Include this selection of wine-tasting experiences in your next Cape Town weekend getaway itinerary.
Avontuur Wine Estate
Near picture-perfect, set against the magnificent Helderberg Mountains, Avontuur builds its reputation around service excellence, award-winning wines, and spectacular views.
Its wine cellar was built in 1986 and a year later the estate bottled its first red, a 1987 Pinotage.
Avontuur has also become a wedding destination of note, with its variety of stylish spaces across the estate. They have also recently upgraded their Manor House, offering boutique accommodation.
The estate regularly creates seasonal and special pairings. Bookings for these tastings are essential.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Friday: 08h30 – 17h00. Saturday to Sunday: 08h30am – 16h00
Address: R44, Somerset West.
Tel: 021 855 3450
Email: [email protected]
Cavalli Estate
Cavalli Estate has established itself as a sophisticated, winelands ‘lifestyle experience'.
Spread across 100 hectares in the Helderberg region, it has 26 hectares of vineyards, 10 hectares of indigenous gardens and some 10 hectares of manicured paddocks attached to its Equestrian Indoor Arena.
Drawcards to the estate include its 100-seater restaurant, an art gallery as well as its boutique wine tasting facilities. You can opt for two variations with an 'Underground' experience in the lower-ground level of the tasting room or enjoy the views of the vineyards, fynbos and the Helderberg mountains on the Cavalli Tasting Terrace.
Wine tasting times:
Wednesday to Sunday: 10h00 - 18h00. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Booking is essential.
Address: Cavalli Estate, Strand Rd, Somerset West.
Tel: 021 855 3218
Email: [email protected]
Eikendal Vineyard
Eikendal Vineyard is set in the "Golden Triangle” of wine growing between Somerset West and Stellenbosch.
Since 1981, the 76-hectare wine farm has been under the ownership of the Saager family from Zurich, Switzerland, who have modernised the existing vineyards and established its distinctive barrel-vaulted cellar.
Families will enjoy the playground setting on this farm, which allows you to linger longer with an al fresco lunch from the restaurant, a spot of fly fishing in the lake or to take a tractor ride through the vineyards.
Wine tasting times:
Tuesday – Sunday: 09h00 – 17h00. Closed on Mondays.
Address: R44, Raithby.
Tel: 021 855 1422
Email: [email protected]
Flagstone Wines
This is not your traditional wine making story, with the Flagstone founders themselves professing to doing things a bit differently.
With its initial beginnings in a run-down shell of an old depot in Cape Town harbour – as South Africa’s first urban winery - Flagstone now has some 20 years' experience in the industry.
In 2002, they moved to the historic 1901 dynamite factory in Somerset West. They source their grapes from five specific vineyards - from the southernmost wine growing area Elim, to one of the most easterly vineyard sites high in the Swartberg Mountains. all the way to the Breede River valley, north of Cape Town. Their Somerset West winery setting is a unique experience for all wine lovers to enjoy.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Friday: 10h00 – 16h00 Saturday: 10h00 – 15h00. Sunday: Closed. Good Friday, 25th & 26th December, 1st January: Closed.
Address: Paardevlei, WR Quinan Boulevard Somerset West.
Tel: 021 852 5052
Email: [email protected]
Ken Forrester Wines
The cultivation of the Chenin grape is an art form at this estate. And the cosy, newly renovated Wine Lounge at Ken Forrester provides the perfect setting from which to enjoy it.
Expect a friendly atmosphere and personalised attention to detail. Their pairing options include a seasonal selection of cheese as well as Wagyu biltong. Otherwise, curate your selection from their onsite deli, which offers added treats such as their Chenin meat rub, locally sourced honey and a selection of mustards.
Wine tasting times:
Monday – Friday: 09h00 – 17h00, Saturday: 10h00 – 16h00, Sunday: Closed 25 Dec 2021: Closed, 26 Dec 2021: 10h00 – 16h00, 1 Jan 2022: Closed
Address: Scholtzenhof farm Cnr Winery Road &, R44, Raithby.
Tel: 021 855 2374
Email: Click here to get in touch
Longridge Wine Estate
Producing wines naturally and in a sustainable eco-system is core at Longridge, from biodynamic farming methods without harmful chemicals to applying the age-old traditions of natural winemaking
You can explore the tranquil environment of this estate with panoramic views over False Bay and Table Mountain via horse back. Longridge's live events also worth planning around, with limited capacity for an evening of fine wine, food and entertainment. For the wine lounge experience you can choose to be seated indoors, on the patio or outside for a picnic.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Saturday: 10h00 – 16h30. Sundays 10h00 – 14h00.
Address: Helderbergpad, off the R44 between Somerset West &, Helderbergpad, Somerset West.
Tel: 021 855 2005
Email: [email protected]
Lourensford Wine Estate
Lourensford, with a wine heritage dating back to the 1700s, is one of the Cape’s most renowned estates. It covers some 4 000 hectares of forestry, fruit orchards, vineyards and fynbos spanning the slopes of the surrounding Helderberg mountain.
With an extensive selection of things to do, this is certainly winelands lifestyle destination of note.
The estate's private Vinfari is a popular experience to book, taking you on an exploratory journey of winemaking discovery through Lourensford’s unique vineyard sites as you experience first-hand how their wines are created.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 - 18h00. Cellar Tours: By appointment only. Closed on Easter Friday and 25 December and 1 January.
Address: Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West.
Tel: 021 847 2333
Mail: [email protected]
Morgenster Estate
Family-owned and run, Morgenster Estate has a long history dating back 300 years. It has become as renowned for its wines as it is for its extra-virgin olive oil.
With its modern tasting room, perched on the edge of a dam, the founder's story of unflinching commitment to quality rings true as you savour some of Morgenster’s finest products.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00. Closed: Good Friday and 25 December, Christmas Day.
Address: Vergelegen Avenue, Off Lourensford Rd, Somerset West.
Tel: 021 852 1738
Email: [email protected]
Vergelegen Wine Estate
Founded in the 1700s, the astounding 300+ years of wine heritage of this estate is fully encapsulated in its visitor offering and amenities.
From sensory wine tastings, heritage, environmental and cellar tours, and a wide selection of cuisine options close to the famous camphor forest, you may just want to visit Vergelegen more than once.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 08h00 - 16h00 Closed on Good Friday, Worker’s Day (1st of May) & Christmas Day (25th of December).
Address: Lourensford Rd, Somerset West.
Tel: 021 847 2100
Email: [email protected]
Waterford Estate
Waterford makes wines with minimal intervention. For the estate's Cellar Master Nadia Barnard this natural tradition continues to be rooted in the process using their fantastic coastal fruit, old vines and wild yeast, with additions avoided.
Their state-of-the-art cellar holds you in awe from the moment you arrive and is only underscored by the famous Waterkloof glass box, which houses part of the Tasting Lounge. Here your experience is further complemented by contemporary artworks of well-known South African artists. The cuisine under the guidance of Executive Chef Gregory Czarnecki makes this quite an extraordinary wine estate experience.
Wine tasting times:
Tuesday-Sunday between 10h00 and 16h30.
Address: Waterkloof, Old Sir Lowry's Pass Rd, Somerset West.
Tel:0 21 858 1491
Email: [email protected]