South Africa’s Western Cape is a haven for wine enthusiasts, offering some of the world’s most celebrated vineyards amidst breathtaking landscapes. Renowned for its exceptional wines and hospitality, the region boasts lush valleys, historic estates, and modern wineries. A tour of South Africa’s winelands promises not only fine wines but also culinary delights and awe-inspiring scenery. From dramatic mountains to idyllic coastal towns, the Western Cape provides an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
We have travelled extensively and regularly over many years through South Africa and have teamed up with Glen Christie of Vineyard Ventures (our longstanding partners on the ground and wine specialists extraordinaire) to write this blog. Together we have compiled a list of the very best wineries to visit to help squeeze every drop from your next South African experience.
Cape Town naturally serves as the perfect gateway to the ultimate vineyard adventure as best winelands to visit near Cape Town are all within easy reach. Constania is the closest wine region to Cape Town, just a short drive south of the city centre, and whilst compact, it is home to well-established and highly acclaimed wineries. Slightly further afield, you’ll find Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl – three of the most iconic wine regions. Each offers its own unique blend of history, charm, and world-class vintages. Stellenbosch, with its oak-lined streets and renowned wine routes, is a must-visit, while Franschhoek is famed for its French-inspired cuisine and boutique wineries. Paarl, known for its bold reds and scenic beauty, completes this trifecta of wine-producing excellence.
The Cape is easy to get around by car and driving is on the left, as in the UK. Staying in wine hotspots like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch allows drivers to leave the car at the accommodation and fully indulge in the array of delicious wines without worrying about getting behind the wheel. Franschhoek even has a ‘wine tram’ to enable easy access to many of its wineries.
Beyond the classic ‘wine triangle’, the Western Cape offers hidden gems for those willing to explore. From the cool-climate wines of Hemel-en-Aarde near Hermanus to the Swartland’s innovative blends, there is something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious traveller, a tour of South Africa’s winelands invites you to sip, savour, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and diverse flavours of one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.
- Constantia is a 20-minute drive from Cape Town. Stellenbosch region is a 45-minute drive and Franschhoek is a 60-minute drive from central Cape Town.
Noteworthy Wineries
Oldenburg – A newer estate offering excellent reds (the Rondekop range is what to taste here) together with a quality Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. There are beautiful views over the Banhoek valley from the chic, modern tasting facility. [Northwest of Stellenbosch] https://oldenburgvineyards.com
Meerlust – Family run (eight generation) with a captivating, historic manor house. Famous for Meerlust Rubicon, a Bordeaux-style red blend. There are also five other reds and an excellent Chardonnay. [Stellenbosch] https://www.meerlust.co.za
De Trafford – Excellent reds – the “elevation” range (Syrah and Cabernet) is superb. A small family run winery. Handcrafted wines. Excellent Chenin Blanc and interesting extended skin contact Chenin. Tasting is virtually in the cellar. By appointment only (minimum 24 hours in advance). [Southeast of Stellenbosch] https://www.detrafford.co.za
Le Lude Wine Estate – a great way to start the day with a sparkling wine tasting, arguably some of the best bubbly produced in South Africa! Specialist Cap Classique producers, made the same way as Champagne using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. There is also a superb restaurant on site – see our earlier blog. [Franschhoek] https://lelude.co.za
Mullineaux and Leeu Family Wines – a beautiful estate and hotel owned by Analjit Singh. The wine operation is run in conjunction with Chris and Andrea Mullineaux, from the Swartland area. They offer a very interesting “soil specific” tasting – taste three Chenin Blancs and three Syrah grown on different soil types. [Franschhoek] https://mlfwines.com
Interesting, Lesser-Known wineries:
Brookdale Estate – A new wine estate making interesting wines from mostly Southern Rhone varietals and “field blends” – interesting and delicious wines. Luxurious accommodation is also offered, along with a great bistro (see our previous blog Part I). [Paarl, near Franschhoek and Stellenbosch] https://brookdale-estate.com
High Constantia – This small, family run business produces excellent bubbly and reds and is well worth a visit. It lies on the same road as Groot Constantia (the oldest wine estate in South Africa). Well presented, personal tasting. Tastings usually include some older vintages which is useful to benchmark how well South African red wines age. [Constantia] https://www.highconstantia.co.za
Klein Goederust – A lovely tasting room in a converted barn. Highlights include a great bubbly and a superb Syrah. This was the first 100% African-owned winery in Franschhoek. Look out for their traditional South African braai (barbeque) meal at lunchtimes on weekends. [Franschhoek] https://www.kleingoederust.co.za
Paul Wallace – Family owned and run wine estate where tastings are generally presented by the owners (Paul oversees the vineyards and Nicky looks after the commercial side). Unusual single varietal bottling for South Africa, and their Malbec is extraordinary! Good range of whites and other reds too. In the cooler climate. Appointment advised. [Elgin region, approx. 60km east of Cape Town] https://www.paulwallacewines.co.za
Wineries to visit for commendable food and wine pairing
The region boasts an exciting food scene, with options to suit any traveller’s palate and pocket. Here we share wineries offering hearty, upmarket dining venues at unbeatable value.
Creation – Without a doubt the most innovative tasting room / restaurant in the winelands. Consistently wins the international Great Wine Capitals’ Best of Wine Tourism awards, particularly for innovative wine experiences. Six course menus paired with their wines. “Props” (stones, fabrics, fresh vegetables, spices) are used to enhance the experience which is fully immersive and quite unforgettable. The food is excellent. On the wine side, look out for their flagship Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Also qualifies for “Best Winery to Visit for Views” – nestled high up the Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley, about 80km east of Cape Town. Cooler climate wines, magnificent scenery. www.creationwines.com
Bloemendal – Family orientated with lots of activities for kids, but for the adults, the best and most unusual wine pairing is with ice cream! A white, a rosé and a red, paired with appropriate ice creams. Other pairings are also available, for example, dried meat (biltong/beef Jerky) and red wines. Delicious and fun. [Durbanville, 25 minutes northwest of Cape Town]. bloemendalestate.co.za
Waterford – This stunning winery building, surrounded by citrus orchards, offers delicious wine and chocolate pairings. Standout wines include a Sauvignon Blanc and the Jem, flagship red. The tastings feature specially crafted, flavoured chocolates such as masala Chai dark chocolate with Syrah, rock salt dark chocolate with Cabernet Sauvignon and rose geranium milk chocolate with the excellent natural sweet dessert wine. www.waterfordestate.co.za
Fairview – Famous for their cheese and wines as well as their goats which roam the property! Well paired selection of six cheeses with six wines, including some more unusual cultivars, not often seen in South Africa tasting rooms. Great little deli shop to stock up on cheeses, preserves, etc. [Paarl region]. https://www.fairview.co.za
Black Elephant Vintners – Best for music and wine. A one-of-a-kind tasting experience with the owners, combining sound and taste. A selection of eight of their wines and bubblies, paired to music. Takes place on Saturdays at 11am, reservations required. [Franschhoek] https://bevintners.co.za/experiences/wine-and-music/
Wineries to visit for …
Kanonkop – Pinotage. South Africa’s very own varietal, created in 1925. Kanonkop is home to some of the original commercially planted Pinotage vines, dating back to the 1950s. The Kanonkop Pinotage and their red blend, Paul Sauer are worth tasting. Don’t miss the vintage Pinotage (usually about 10 years old) to get an idea of how well Pinotage ages. Their Black Label Pinotage is special – made from 70-year-old vines, they only produce around 6,000 bottles per year. [Stellenbosch region] https://kanonkop.co.za
Boschendal – Activities – art gallery, cycling, walks, deli, coffee shop and restaurant. You’ll also find good wines, great views and two magnificent manor houses in typical Cape Dutch architectural style. [Franshhoek region] https://boschendal.com
Stark Conde – Views. This gorgeous tasting room is set on a deck above a lake. Taste wine while watching the ducks and the fish! The flagship Three Pines range of reds is excellent, and the rest of the range is good too. The Postcard Café is great for casual dining. [Stellenbosch] https://stark-conde.co.za
Antonij Rupert Tasting Room – Cape Dutch architecture. Enjoy tailored tastings of Rupert Wines premium brands in the historic renovated manor house with great views and good wines, particularly the reds. This shouldn’t be confused with the new, modern tasting facility (Terra del Capo) on the estate that caters for the mass-produced commercial ranges. [Franschhoek] https://shop.rupertwines.com/anthonij-rupert-tasting-room
Vergelegen – History, conservation, magnificent gardens. And a range of excellent wine too! Originally created in 1700 by Dutch governor of the Cape, Willem Adriaan van der Stel, Vergelegen is now owned by mining giant Anglo American, and no expense is spared in the preservation and maintenance of the old homestead, library, beautiful gardens (home to 350-year-old camphor trees), vineyards and wine cellar. There are two glamorous dining venues on the estate and served picnics are available too. Cellar tours and vineyard “safari” drives are by appointment. A large proportion of the farm (more than 10,000 acres) is dedicated to conservation with alien species having been cleared and herds of indigenous antelope introduced, including the rare and endemic bontebok. The planting of 1,000 trees is undertaken every year. The estate has hosted Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, American president Bill Clinton, and was a favorite of Nelson Mandela too. [Somerset West, 50km east of Cape Town] https://vergelegen.co.za
Blending a Tour of your own Variety
A journey through the Western Cape’s wineries is more than just a wine-tasting adventure—it’s an immersion into the region’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether exploring iconic estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek or uncovering hidden gems in lesser-known areas, the Western Cape offers something for every wine lover. From world-class vintages to unforgettable experiences, this region is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of South Africa’s winelands.
In our final blog of this Western Cape series we take a look at things to do that go beyond the wine lover’s bucket list.
If you’d like to design your own culinary tour of South Africa’s Cape Region then we’d be delighted to help. Please call our friendly team of experts on +44 (0) 1787 888590 to discuss your requirements, or email us via our Contact Us page.
