10 Best Stellenbosch Wineries & Tasting Rooms
If you are here that means you are researching wine Farms in Stellenbosch. Let me just tell you South Africa has some of the most spectacular vineyards in the world.
If you are planning a romantic vacation, a trip to Kruger National Park, a girl’s getaway, or even a solo trip to South Africa now is the time to discover the best Stellenbosch wineries.
If you take a day trip about an hour outside of Cape Town and you’ll find yourself immersed in South Africa’s wine country.
While South Africa is known for its safaris in Kruger National Park, its exotic wildlife, some of the best cuisine, Michelin Star Restaurants, and stunning landscapes let’s not forget about the breathtaking Stellenbosch vineyards.
Stellenbosch is a cozy university town and the center of the wine region. White Cape homes, ancient trees, cozy restaurants, and cafés make Stellenbosch the perfect place to store your tent for a few days.
South Africa is also known for producing some of the best wines in the world because South Africa has the perfect climate for producing some of the tastiest wines in the world.
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape variety. It is grown almost exclusively there, making everything from low-quality table wines to rich, concentrated wines with flavors of black and red fruits, spice, leather, and chocolate
Pinotage is a grape crossing of Cinsaut and Pinot Noir. It was first crossed in South Africa in 1925 in the gardens of scientist Abraham Perold.
Perold observed how Pinot Noir struggled in South Africa’s climate, so he crossed them with a very productive species: Cinsaut (called Hermitage). Perold’s goal was to create a wine that was as delicious as Pinot Noir but grew as well as Cinsaut.
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It is easy to assume they taste alike. Not true. In fact, the South African grape looks and tastes more like Shiraz even though Pinotage is technically related to Pinot Noir
There are some excellent wine tastings in Stellenbosch that will also allow you to taste a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir; the lighter Chenin Blancs and chardonnays; and unique varietals like pinotage and Méthode Cap Classique (South Africa’s version of Champagne).
I will provide you with a list of the very best wine farms in Stellenbosch where you can enjoy not only the wine but the stunning views and delicious cuisine as well.
The Stellenboch wine farms offer powerful and bold, yet sweet with amazing drinkability, and freshness with a hint of oak flavors.
Keep reading for my top wineries that you definitely should try if you are visiting Cape Town, South Africa:
10 Best Wine Farms in Stellenbosch:
- Boschendal Winery
- Stark-Condé
- Waterford Estate
- Gabriëlskloof
- Reyneke Winery
- Delaire Graff Estates
- Spier Wine Farm
- Dornier’s Wine Estate
- Warwick Estates
- Tokara Vineyard
- Bonus: VineHopper
1. Boschendal Winery
Boschendal (Dutch for bush and dale) is one of the oldest Wine Estates in South Africa and is located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Western Cape. Boschendal is by far my favorite Stellenbosch wine farm.
This Iconic wine farm is nestled in one of the most picturesque valleys in the Cape Winelands. With a winemaking tradition spanning over 330 years, Boschendal Wine Estate offers a veritable treat for wine lovers everywhere.
Boschendal Farm provides luxury boutique accommodation on one of the oldest farms in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. The estate is situated close to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch and its delightful cottages are the perfect base from which to explore the area.
Offering warm hospitality, first-class cuisine, and charming accommodation, Boschendal will appeal to couples and families seeking a relaxing and peaceful hideaway in an enchanting setting.
It comprises 26 elegant and spacious cottages ranging from the historical Herbert Baker-designed Rhodes Cottage to beautifully restored farm laborer cottages.
I stayed in the Mountain Villa and lawd ham mercy!
This private wine farm villa sleeps twelve people and is perfect for a luxurious, adventurous, or relaxing family getaway. The villa has a fully equipped kitchen, two lounges, and a large terrace that wraps around the whole property.
Two master bedrooms with ensuite, four additional bedrooms, and two bathrooms all with air conditioning and mountain views.
Set up to entertain with an outside bar area, braai, pizza oven, and large swimming pool. Beautifully kept gardens, lawns, and a private lake.
If you are wondering what else there is to do at Boschendal Winery here is a list of additional activities plus how to book the Boschendal Picnic for your stay.
- Wine tasting
- Cellar tours
- Nature trails
- Picnics
- Mountain biking
- Running
- Swimming in dams
- Horse-riding
- Trout fishing
- Fruit-picking
- Exploring caves
Click here to book a tour of Boschendal Winery!
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2. Stark-Conde
Stark-Condé is a family-run winery making handcrafted wines using tried and true traditional methods. The family property in the Jonkershoek Valley is 600 acres with 85 acres under vine.
This boutique winery is picturesquely nestled in the Jonkershoek Valley, just 3 kilometers outside town in Stellenbosch.
The setting is simply overwhelmingly beautiful – hence, the name of the Postcard Cafe.
What was intended to attract more feet to the tasting room; a little cafe linked to the winery has now become the winery linked to the Cafe instead.
The winery is intensively family-run; a German father, Japanese-German daughter, and Cuban-American husband co-own the winery with their two daughters working weekends to help in the fully booked cafe
In addition to being viticulturally ideal, the estate is visually spectacular and attracts visitors from afar. Meticulous viticulture, selected harvesting, hand grape- sorting, small-batch fermentation, patient barrel maturation — these are the guiding philosophies behind the wines.
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3. Waterford Estate
Waterford Estate is situated in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world-renowned Stellenbosch region.
They believe in the old adage of ‘less is more’. There is nothing pretentious or ostentatious about the estate, rather the visual impact is one of a seamless whole, which complements rather than detracts from the surrounding natural beauty.
The Waterford Estate winery offers a relaxing setting where guests can sit and enjoy various tasting options.
With the wine cellar built surrounding the courtyard, you can observe the workings of the winery, and get a true feel for the wine-making process without disrupting the tranquillity of your tasting experience.
In addition to the cellar door experiences, they also offer two vineyard experiences, the Wine Drive Safari and Porcupine Trail Walk.
At Waterford Estate, they tap into all of your senses – sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste, in order for you to experience both what is inside and outside the bottle.
Click here to book a tour of Waterford Estate on Trip Advisor!
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4. Gabriëlskloof Winery
The vision at Gabriëlskloof is to produce fine wines that reflect the complexity, richness, and diversity of our unique terroir. They strive to do this in the most environmentally friendly way possible, showing respect for the region’s biodiversity at all times.
As you’re heading out of the confines of the city and inland to explore the Overberg or Garden Route, be sure to stop at the impressive Gabriëlskloof, (6 miles) outside Bot Rivier on the right as you’re driving up the N2.
Try the Decanter award-winning Gabriëlskloof Shiraz 2010 and Five Archers 2009.
You can taste the estate wines in front of a log fire in the tasting room or in the garden. You can also sample the estate’s extra virgin olive oil, and olive products can be purchased from the deli.
The Gabriëlskloof restaurant is a great place to stop for lunch if you’re in the area.
The menu changes regularly, but the food is always no-fuss homecooked fare made with fresh local Overberg farm produce.
If you visit Gabriëlskloof in December, aim for the weekend they host an evening market with 30 local produce and crafts stalls.
The Gabriëlskloof Range wines focus on the estate vineyards and are accessible on release, the Landscape Series showcases their top vineyard sites along with some of South Africa’s best old vines while the Projects Range allows us space to experiment with alternative fermentation and aging methods.
Click here to book a tour of Gabrielskloof Winery on Trip Advisor!
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5. Reyneke
Reyneke is a 90-acre farm on the ridge of the Polkadraai Hills, with spectacular views of Stellenbosch. Reyneke was the first farm in South Africa to achieve certification by Demeter International, the largest, and arguably, the most widely acknowledged biodynamic accreditation body in the world.
Reyneke is part of the Vinimark group, and winemaking is overseen by Rudiger Gretschel. ‘A good fermentation and a clean malolactic fermentation are crucial to making good wine,’ says Rudiger.
He uses only natural fermentations, with no enzymes, but does add some vitamins/nutrients to help the yeasts. The fermentations all take place in older casks.
Click here to book a tour of Reyneke Winery on Trip Advisor!
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6. Delaire Graff Estates
The Delaire Graff Estate is quite simply one of the most luxurious and indulgent wine tourism experiences to be found anywhere in South African wine country.
The ten luxury lodges are the epitome of elegance, with private terraces and your own personal heated plunge pool providing the ultimate spot to gaze across the mesmerizing landscape.
There are two restaurants and private in-room dining available, and even a diamond salon for guests who are looking to splash out!
However, don’t forget to schedule a visit to the estate’s working winery in amongst all this pampering. True to form, tastings take place in the opulent Wine Lounge, a marvel of design that houses some of the estate’s art collection.
Luckily, the wines are just as beautiful as the setting, and there’s no wine-tasting experience in South Africa more likely to make you feel like a million dollars.
Delaire Graff Estates wine tastings in Stellenbosch are everything you didn’t know you needed.
Click here to book a tour of Delaire Graff Estates on Trip Advisor!
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7. Spier Wine Farm
The Spier Wine Farm is one of Stellenbosch’s oldest working wineries, with a heritage dating back to 1692 – however, this winery is anything but tired, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with the boundless energy that greets you.
As well as wine, the owners are passionate art lovers and the winery is home to one of the largest collections of contemporary South African art in the world.
The best wineries in Stellenbosch have something for every guest and Spier Wine Farm is no exception!
Whether it’s a breezy Segway tour through the vines, a tasting of some of the most awarded wines in South Africa, or an unbelievable Eagle Encounter with the many birds of prey who have found sanctuary at Spier, Spier Wine Farm covers it all.
At the end of the day, put your feet up and enjoy that famous South African hospitality in the estate’s four-star hotel, which boasts multiple swimming pools, a Kid’s Club, and a spa.
Click here to book a tour of Spier Wine Farm on Trip Advisor!
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8. Dornier’s Wine Estate
Dornier Wine Estate lies in the foothills of the Stellenbosch Mountains and uses the unique granite terroir in this dramatic spot to produce a wonderful portfolio of elegant wines which often tend towards the experimental (make sure you try the unusual Cocoa Hill Rosé, made from the Merlot grape!)
Wine holidays here mean guests can wine, dine and stay in luxury in this most scenic of locations; check into one of the estate’s nine beautiful self-catering cottages and stroll across to the modern wine-tasting center to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains as you enjoy your wine tasting!
End the evening with a slap-up meal of fresh local produce at the on-site Bodega Restaurant to complete your dream stay at Dornier.
Click here to book a tour of Dorneir’s Estate on Trip Advisor!
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9. Waterford Estate
The Waterford Estate is situated in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, and the owners have chosen to use only half of their 120-hectare estate for viticulture in order to preserve the wonderful natural ecosystems of the estate.
Waterford is well known for its delectable Wine and Chocolate pairing experience, which can be enjoyed in the courtyard in full view of the scenic Stellenbosch Mountains.
The tranquil atmosphere and wide selection of wine tours and experiences (including a Wine Safari!) alongside award-winning wines make a visit to Waterford an unmissable stop on your South African wine tour.
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10. Tokara Vineyard
- Tokara Premium Collection (a fusion of various sites),
- Tokara Reserve Collection (picked from a single vineyard), and
- Tokara Directors Reserve (the very best and most expressive parcels used to create iconic blends that define our flagship wines).
Click here to book a tour of Tokara Vineyard wine tasting experience on Trip Advisor!
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Vinehopper Tours
If you want to visit more than one winery while visiting Cape Town book a wine tour that covers multiple wineries. There are many great wineries in Stellenbosch to visit.
The Cape Winelands has carved a wine identity with signature wines like Pinotage and Chenin Blanc which you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Enjoy the convenience of a hop-on hop-off tour while exploring the Stellenbosch wine route with the Vine Hopper’s Northern Route.
This circuit runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, stopping at six wineries along the way. Choose which wineries to visit and how long to stay.
Get on the next Vine Hopper when you’re ready to move on. Stops include the following:
- Simonsig
- Beyerskloof
- Bergkelder
- Delheim Warwick
- Marianne Wine Estate
The Hop-on hop-off tour of Stellenbosch’s northern wine route Choose a Vine Hopper trip for Monday, Wednesday, or Friday Visit any of the six wineries along the route and enjoy as much time at each estate as you like before getting on the next Vine Hopper
This Stellenbosch wine tour bus picks you up and drops you back at your accommodation so you don’t need to think about driving at all. There are three different routes and each has six winery stops.
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Are Wine Tastings in Stellenbosch Safe?
Is Cape Town safe for tourists to visit in 2023? Yes! Like any major city in the United States, Cape Town has crime. But, if you follow my simple rules chances are you will find that South Africa is safe but specifically Cape Town is as safe as most popular tourist destinations.
Cape Town, the second-largest city in South Africa and the capital of the Western Cape Province, is a very important city: it is the legislative capital of South Africa, containing the Houses of Parliament.
It is located in the southwest corner of the country near the Cape of Good Hope and is the most southern city in Africa.
Though some may think of typical stereotypes when hearing the words “South Africa”, Cape Town is completely different than people imagine.
Cape Town is a busy city. Like many world cities and popular holiday destinations, there are safe areas for tourists and then there are areas that tourists should avoid but Stellenbosch is not an area you have to worry about so drink up!
Did any of my favorite Stellenbosch wineries make your bucket list for Spring 2023?
The best times to visit Stellenbosch for ideal weather are March 5th to May 27th or September 24th to December 30th.
Average temperatures in Stellenbosch vary somewhat. Considering humidity, temperatures feel nice most of the year, excluding some cold weeks in the winter, with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.
If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Stellenbosch, the hottest months are January, February, and then December. The warmest time of year is generally late January where highs are regularly around 84.9°F (29.4°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 63.1°F (17.3°C) at night.
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ADDITIONAL ARTICLES FOR TRAVELING
Is Johannesburg Safe for Tourists
Is Cape Town Safe for Tourists
Is South Africa Safe for American Tourists
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