Travel bucket list idea:
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
South Africa’s oldest wine route is home to more than 150 wineries, many of them still family owned, and the estates around Stellenbosch continue to produce wines that are internationally recognised for their excellent quality.
With a mild Mediterranean climate, proximity to cooling sea breezes and good clay soils, this region is becoming increasingly known for red wines – cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, Bordeaux-style blends, and pinotage.
With gourmet restaurants, gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture and superb art galleries, the route offers so much more than just wine tasting. And it’s not just for adults. Some of the wine estates have good facilities to keep the kids entertained, such as the outdoor playparks at Tokara and Warwick.
The historic university town of Stellenbosch, at the centre of the wine region, is worth a visit for its oak-lined avenues, historic architecture, and a good choice of restaurants, art galleries and boutiques.
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Experience
Mesmerising views, wonderful food and an impressive art collection set the scene at this state-of-the-art winery, producing terroir-driven wines. Particularly noteworthy are the award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Coastal Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc.
Good for age: 18+
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Experience
One of Stellenbosch’s legendary red wine producers, this family-owned estate beneath the Simonsberg only produces red wines, notably the Bordeaux-style flagship Paul Sauer.
Good for age: 18+
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Experience
This unassuming family-owned and operated winery is known as the home of Chenin Blanc, winning countless awards along the way. Ken Forrester is known as ‘Mr Chenin’.
Good for age: 18+
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Experience
At the end of a long farm road, the drive to this family-owned estate is worth it for the excellent wines, the breathtaking vistas back towards Stellenbosch and the wine-friendly menu by chef George Jardine at Jordan Restaurant.
Good for age: 18+
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Experience
A multi-faceted winelands destination on the banks of the Eerste River. Alongside the contemporary wine tasting centre you’ll find a wonderful range of culinary, cultural and outdoor experiences, from the on-site smokehouse and Segway tours, to an extensive art collection.
Good for age: 18+
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Experience
This small, family-owned boutique label in the picturesque Jonkershoek Valley is focused on red wine production red wine – including award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon – using hand-sorting, open-top fermentations, hand punchdowns and manual basket pressing.
Good for age: 18+
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Experience
On the crest of the Helshoogte mountain pass, this winery has it all: contemporary architecture, an inviting tasting lounge, cutting-edge restaurant, and refined, approachable wines.
Good for age: 18+
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Experience
This picture-perfect 120-hectare estate in the Blaauwklippen valley offers an array of elegant tasting experiences to enjoy in the cellar or out in the vineyards.
Good for age: 18+
The wine estates sprawl in the countyside around the quaint, historic town of Stellenbosch, just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town, via either the N1 or N2 freeway.
Book a guided tour or meander along the route independently. At most cellars, bookings are not required for tastings, and walk-ins are welcomed. You’ll find maps and information about daily wine-tasting, cellar tours and sales on the wine route website. Or Instead of cramming wine tasting into one day, explore the area at leisure by checking into a hotel or guesthouse, either on a wine farm or in Stellenbosch.
Most wineries are open all year round, except on major public holidays. While many are open daily, some may close on Sundays. Spring and summer see the vineyards in full leaf, making it the most scenic time of year to visit.
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