Spending a weekend getaway in Cape Town? Why not add one of these top wine-tasting experiences to your itinerary.
South Africa is home to the longest wine route in the world, Route 62. It draws wine drinkers from across the globe who recognise the exceptional wines making skills across this extensive wine-producing region of the Western Cape.
At 850 kilometres, Route 62 is the historic inland route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, connecting the east and west coasts of South Africa. Its list of wine farms and estates would fill a good few weekend road trip itineraries. Sounds blissful, right?
However, a good benchmark of quality is the definitive Platters Wine Guide - an annual reveal of sought-after local wineries and wines. It's the perfect place to start narrowing down your Cape Town Winelands Adventure.
Fill your Weekend Getaway with wine tasting experiences based on the Platter's best of the best, sorted by varietal*.
1.Jordan Wine Estate
Platter's 2022 Cabernet Franc: Jordan Wine Estate Insiders Wine Club Private Collection 2019
Jordon 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.
Wine tasting times:
Open, 7 days a week. Monday to Sunday 09h30 – 16h30.
Address: Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch.
Tel: 021 881 3441
Email: [email protected]
2. Boekenhoutskloof Winery
Platter's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon: Boekenhoutskloof Winery Stellenbosch 2019
Established in 1776, Boekenhoutskloof Winery is located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley. The farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout”. Their portfolio includes the Chocolate Block, The Wolftrap and porcupine ridge wine labels. Their tastings are hosted by the winemaker and are by prior appointment only, limited to 10 guests.
Wine tasting times:
Set-time visits at 11h00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays (excluding Public Holidays).
Prior appointment via Dineplan only, with bookings opening two months preceding your intended Tuesday/Thursday.
Address: Excelsior Rd, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 876 3320
Email: [email protected]
3. Stellenrust
Platter's 2022 Grenache Noir: ArtiSons The Phantom 2019
Stellenrust was established in 1928 and today boasts being one of the largest family-owned wine estates in Stellenbosch, South Africa carrying through generations of winemaking skills. It consists of about 400ha (200ha planted) 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 South Africa.
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]
4. Thelema
Platter's 2022 Petit Verdot: Thelema Mountain Vineyards Sutherland Reserve 2019
Thelema Mountain vineyards is a family-owned and managed wine estate, forming part of the spectacular Simonsberg Mountain range in Stellenbosch. In 2002, the Webb family purchased an idyllic farm in the cool Elgin region, establishing the additional Sutherland vineyard. The full wine-tasting experience is on offer at the Stellenbosch vineyard, with grape quality offering the true expression of each vineyard.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Friday: 09h00 – 17h00 Saturdays: 10h00 – 15h00 Sundays: Closed Public Holidays: 10h00 – 15h00
Address: R310 Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 885 1924
Email: [email protected]
5. Waterkloof Wines
Platter's 2022 Pinotage: False Bay Vineyards The Last Of The First 2020
Named after the bay that frames much of the country’s premium winelands, False Bay Vineyards was borne out of a desire to make ‘real’ wine affordable. Backed by the biodynamic winemaking expertise of Waterkloof, this is quality wine created by Waterkloof’s Cellar Master Nadia Barnard using the same principles and ingredients, "fantastic coastal fruit, old vines and wild yeast abound, with additions avoided."
Wine tasting times:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10h00 - 16h30. It is advisable to make a booking beforehand.
Address: Waterkloof, Old Sir Lowry's Pass Rd, Somerset West.
Tel: 021 858 1491
Email: [email protected]
6. Oakvalley
Platter's 2022 Pinot Noir: Oak Valley Estate South Ridge PN 777 2018
Oak Valley Estate, with its roots in the commercial apple orchards industry of the Elgin Valley, is renowned for its fruit, greenhouse cut-flowers, and for the production of its outstanding cool climate wines. The estate's focus is on classically styled and beautifully crafted wines, specifically Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Friday: 09h00 – 17h00. Saturday to Sunday: 10h00 – 16h00.
Address: 127 Oak Ave, Grabouw.
Tel: 021 859 2510
Email: [email protected]
7. Creation Wines
Platter's 2022 Chardonnay: Creation Wines The Art of Chardonnay 2020
This wine estate embodies creation in every aspect. In 2002 Jean-Claude (JC) and Carolyn Martin took up the challenge of establishing a winery in a remote corner of the Walker Bay Wine Region. Set across the 40 hectares on the lofty Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge that had never been planted to vines before, is where you can experience this elegant high-altitude winery with outstanding mountain views, fine tastings with food pairings and art displays.Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 - 17h00. Booking in advance is advise.
Address: Hemel & Aarde Rd R320, Hermanus.
Tel: 028 212 1107
Email: [email protected]
8.Buitenverwachting
Platter's 2022 Sauvignon Blanc: Buitenverwachting Hussey’s Vlei 2020
Buitenverwachting originally formed part of the Constantia Estate founded by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the Cape. Here, the wine tasting experience is housed in the historic wine cellar with its traditional thatched roof, white washed walls and rare yellow-wood ceilings. It's sprawling lawns invite you to linger, purchase a bottle and simply relax with friends and family.
Wine tasting times:
Monday - Saturday 10h00 - 16h00
Address: Buitenverwachting Wine Farm and Restaurant, 37 Klein Constantia Road,Constantia
Tel: (021) 794 5190/1
Email: [email protected]
9. Rupert wines
Platter's 2022 Semillon: Anthonij Rupert Wyne Laing Groendruif 2020
Steeped in the Rupert legacy, the L’Ormarins Estate in Franschhoek was originally owned by the late Anthonij Rupert, who passed away in 2001. The farm was taken over by his brother Johann Rupert in 2003 who constructed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility on the estate. Discover the Cape’s own 'Dolce Vita' and perhaps your new favourite wine.
Wine tasting times:
Anthonij Rupert Wyne Tasting Room: Mondays to Saturdays 10h00 - 16h30. Closed Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas day. Terra Del Capo Tasting Room & Antipasti Bar: Tuesday to Friday 10h00 - 17h00. Saturdays & Sundays, 08h30 - 17h00. Closed Mondays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Address: R45 wine route, Franschhoek.
Tel: 021 874 9004
Email: [email protected]
10. Grahambeck
Platter's 2022 Méthode Cap Classique: Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2015
Graham Beck, set in picturesque Robertson, is recognised for creating elegance, finesse and complexity in its Cap Classiques - said to be a collector’s item in its own right. Taste and purchase the iconic range of Cap Classiques as a knowledgeable tasting room team assist you in savouring all that Graham Beck has to offer. Art lovers will also enjoy the impressive local and international art collection during this cellar door encounter.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Fridays 09h00 - 17h00. Saturdays & Sundays 10h00 - 16h00. Closed on selected public holidays.
Address: Scenic Cape Route R60, Robertson.
Tel:023 626 1214
Email: [email protected]
11. Klein Constantia
Platter's 2022 Natural Sweet: Klein Constantia Estate Vin de Constance 2017
Klein Constantia’s philosophy is founded on quality rather than quantity. This includes the acclaimed Vin de Constance, with its significant historical importance and renowned style and quality. Established in 1685, this scenic 146-hectare wine estate features a tasting room open year-round, offering you a unique and focused wine tasting experience
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday at 10h00, 12h00 and 14h00. Advanced booking via DinePlan only.
Address: End of, Klein Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town.
Tel: 021 794 5188
Email: [email protected]
*Award-winning Platter Guide wines from estates that do not offer tasting experiences are not been listed here. Click here to view the full 2022 Platter Guide list.