The Western Cape and Winelands
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Western Cape and Winelands - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Kanonkop
In the days when the Dutch East India Company stopped in Cape Town en route to the East, a ship would fire a cannon as it entered the harbor to let farmers know provisions were needed. A set of relay cannons on the hilltops would carry the message inland. One such cannon was on this farm, which was then called Kanonkop, Afrikaans for Cannon Hill. The beauty of Kanonkop today is not in its history or its buildings, but in its wine. Paul Sauer, a blend of about 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc, rakes in awards both in South Africa and internationally year after year. The Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage is an iconic wine produced in small quantities and sold only from the farm. There are no guided tours, but during harvest you can do a walkabout in the cellar to see the action. An added attraction is the art gallery featuring works from 50 leading South African artists. It's a wonderful selection of the totally traditional to the strikingly modern.
R44, between Paarl and Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7607, South Africa021-884–4656Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R75, Closed Sun. -
2. Spier
This is one of the oldest farms in the area, established in 1692 on the banks of the Eerste River. The farm produces excellent wines, which go from strength to strength. The flagships are the Frans K. Smit red and white blends, named after the winemaker. Also try the 21 Gables Chenin Blanc and Pinotage—both excellent. The farm's owners value biodiversity and arts and culture: their enormous art collection is displayed across the farm's public spaces, and their farm-grown produce is used in the restaurants. You can order a picnic and enjoy it on the banks of the river. Visit Eagle Encounters, an on-site rehabilitation center for raptors—your kids will never want to leave. And if you just can't drag them away there is a delightful hotel on site complete with kids' club, so you can sip while they play.
Lynedoch Rd., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7599, South Africa021-809–1100Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R50–R70 -
3. Tokara
Perched on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Tokara is the brainchild of banker G. T. Ferreira. For a city slicker with lots of money, he's done everything right and has scooped up awards. The Chardonnay was once voted one of the top 10 wines from around the world at the Chardonnay-du-Monde Awards. The flagship red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, is well worth taking home. Be on the lookout for the farm's limited-release Pinotage, taken from one block on the foothills of the Simonsberg. Tokara also has farms in the cooler Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde regions, which means it can produce a stunning white wine blend (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon) with plenty of complexity. The farm also presses its own premium olive oil, which you can buy from the Olive Shed. The restaurant is a foodie's delight, and the Delicatessen is a perfect venue for a breakfast or light lunch. Kids love the free-form jungle gym—as good-looking as any contemporary sculpture—and the weaver's nest they can climb into that hangs in a huge oak.
Off R310, between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7600, South Africa021-808–5900-vineyardSight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R100 -
4. Warwick
This Ratcliffe-family-run farm is all business. Norma Ratcliffe, the grande dame of the estate, spent a couple of years in France perfecting traditional techniques, which have influenced Warwick's reds. The first female winemaker in South Africa, Norma pioneered the way for a new breed of young women who are now making their mark in the industry. Trilogy is a stylish and complex red made with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Another great red, the Three Cape Ladies, was named after the indomitable Ratcliffe women, and is a fabulous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Pinotage. The Cabernet Franc is undoubtedly one of the best wines made from this varietal in the Winelands. There are kid-friendly vineyard tours that compare grape varietals to the Big Five animals. Afterward, enjoy a picnic on the lawn.
R44, between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts, Elsenburg, Western Cape, 7607, South Africa021-884–4410Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R50–R100 -
5. Die Braak
Some of Stellenbosch's most historic buildings face the Braak, the grassy town square. St. Mary's Church stands at the north end of the Braak. Built in 1852 as an Anglican church, it reflects the growing influence of the English in Stellenbosch. Across Bloem Street from St. Mary's is the Burgher House, built in 1797. Today it houses the offices of Historical Homes in South Africa but you can view the main rooms during office hours. At the southern end of the Braak is the Rhenish Mission Church, erected by the Missionary Society of Stellenbosch in 1823.
Bordered by Bloem, Alexander, and Bird Sts., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7600, South Africa -
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6. Dorp Street
Stellenbosch's most historic avenue is oak-lined Dorp Street. Almost the entire street is a national monument, flanked by lovely restored homes from every period of the town's history. Look out for Voorgelegen at no. 116, a perfectly preserved Georgian home from the 19th century. Perhaps most interesting is La Gratitude at no. 95. This early 18th-century home was built in traditional Cape Dutch town-house style. The all-seeing eye of God molded on its gable was designed as a talisman to watch over the owner's property and keep him and his family safe from harm.
Dorp St. at Papegaai Rd., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa -
7. Jordan
At the end of Stellenbosch Kloof Road, this meticulous winery, flanked by the Bottelary hills, overlooks rolling vineyards and jagged mountains. Husband-and-wife team Gary and Kathy Jordan studied at the University of California at Davis and worked at California's Iron Horse Winery. Since the first vintage in 1993, the winery has established a formidable reputation. The Sauvignon Blanc makes for good summer drinking; the dense but fruity Nine Yards Chardonnay is extremely popular and has regulars stocking up on cases at a time. Another wine to try is the Cobblers Hill Bordeaux blend. The wine estate has an excellent restaurant, as well as a bakery where you can enjoy breakfast or a light lunch. Cellar tours are available by appointment; book at least a day ahead.
Stellenbosch Kloof Rd., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7600, South Africa021-881–3441-cellarSight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R20 -
8. La Gratitude
This early 18th-century Dorp Street home was built in traditional Cape Dutch town-house style. The all-seeing eye of God molded on its gable was designed as a talisman to watch over the owner's property and keep him and his family safe from harm.
95 Dorp St., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7600, South Africa -
9. Meerlust
A visit to Meerlust, one of South Africa's most celebrated estates, provides an introduction to Cape history. In the same family for generations, the vineyard was bought by Johannes Albertus Myburgh in 1757. When Nicolaas Myburgh took over the reins in 1959, he began restoring the farm's Cape Dutch buildings. The entire complex was declared a national monument. Nico Myburgh did more than just renovate. In the '70s, conventional wisdom had it that Cabernet Sauvignon was king, but Nico went against the grain and opted for a Bordeaux-style blend, planting both Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The first wine, made in 1980 and released in 1983, was named Rubicon (an allusion to Julius Caesar) to symbolize the crossing of a significant barrier. Rubicon garners awards year after year and is rated as an international best seller. The estate makes only one white, a delicious, full-bodied Chardonnay. Meerlust's other wines—Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot—are also notably good. The low-key, relaxed tasting offers great value for money
Off R310, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7599, South Africa021-843–3587Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R30, Closed Sun. -
10. Morgenhof Wine Estate
This beautiful Cape Dutch estate, with a history stretching back 300 years, lies in the lee of a steep hill covered with vines and pine trees. In 1993 Morgenhof was acquired by Anne Cointreau of Cognac, France, who spared no expense in making this a showpiece estate with a lovely rose garden on top of the working underground cellar. The estate has a talented winemaker, Andries de Klerk, and some distinguished wines. The Morgenhof Estate Blend 2006 is a complex wine made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. Look out for black cherries, prunes, hints of chocolate, and spice on your palate. On a hot summer's day (and the temperatures can soar in Stellenbosch) try the 2015 Chardonnay with fresh pear, passion fruit, and pineapple flavors. Morgenhof is an excellent place to stop for lunch while you watch the peacocks roaming around. There's also a coffee shop if you want a snack before heading off to the next farm. Tour reservations are advisable in summer.
R44, between Paarl and Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7599, South Africa021-889–2000Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R55 -
11. Mulderbosch Vineyards
A long and beautiful driveway emerges at Mulderbosch's tasting room and restaurant, both of which overlook a small lake. It's a relaxed and family-friendly spot, with a small jungle gym and unpretentious food like wood-fired pizzas and sliders. On the wine side, try the Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc series; these wines capture all that's good about the underrated Chenin varietal. Look for mango, pineapple, and citrus flavors with crisp acidity, perfect for summer drinking. A huge portion of the farm has been left to indigenous vegetation and wildlife, and they're attempting to restore endangered native renosterveld and fynbos vegetation.
Polkadraai Rd., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7599, South Africa021-881–8140Sight Details
Rate Includes: R50, Closed Mon., Tues., and July -
12. Muratie Wine Estate
Ancient oaks and a cellar that truly seems to be more concerned with the business of producing wine than with decor make this a refreshing change from the "prettier" wineries. It's a small estate, specializing in rich, earthy reds and full-bodied dessert wines. Muratie's port is an old favorite in the Cape, and the well-balanced Amber Forever is a fortified dessert wine has pleasing citrus notes to counter the sweetness. Worth looking out for are the Pinot Noirs, from some of the oldest vines of this cultivar in the Cape. The farm's flagship wine is the Ansela van der Caab, a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, named after the freed slave who married the first owner of the farm, Laurens Campher, and helped set up the vineyards in the early 1700s. The Ronnie Melck Shiraz and Muratie Martin Melck Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon also come highly recommended. There are cottages on site and an unfussy restaurant serving steaks, salads and a few South African specialties.
Knorhoek Rd., off the R44, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7605, South Africa021-865–2330Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R60, Tours by appointment only -
13. Neethlingshof
A long avenue of pines leads to this lovely estate, which traces its origins to 1692. The magnificent 1814 Cape Dutch manor house looks out across formal rose gardens to the Stellenbosch Valley and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The Gewürztraminer is an off-dry, very elegant wine with rose-petal and spice aromas, and the Maria Noble Late Harvest (named after the feisty woman who built the manor house) is one of the best of its kind, having scooped up almost every local award since 1990. The farm's Owl Post Pinotage is a single-vineyard wine matured in Hungarian oak, which makes it a funkier take on an old South African favorite. Look out for mocha, raspberry, and cherry flavors. Try the food-and-wine pairings, which include five bite-size servings paired with the estate wines—there's even a kids' version available. The restaurant is more casual than most found in wineries, serving salads, steak, burgers, and wood-fired pizza. On Wednesday evenings in summer enjoy live music, food, and wine as the sunsets.
7599 Polkadraai Rd., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7604, South Africa021-883–8988Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R65, food-and-wine pairings R150 -
14. Oom Samie Se Winkel
Redolent of tobacco, dried fish, and spices, this 19th-century-style general store is one of Stellenbosch's most popular landmarks. In addition to the usual Cape kitsch, Oom Samie sells some genuine South African produce, including witblits and mampoer, both Afrikaner versions of moonshine. The shop has a restaurant, too.
84 Dorp St., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7600, South Africa021-887–2372 -
15. Oude Werf
Possibly the country's oldest boardinghouse and now a welcoming guesthouse, Oude Werf (formally d'Ouwe Werf) first took in paying guests in 1802. To get here from Dorp Street, turn onto Andringa Street and then right onto Church (aka Kerk) Street; Oude Werf will be on your left.
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16. Overgaauw
VlottenburgAmong the established estates on Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Overgaauw definitely deserves a visit. You can admire the pretty Victorian tasting room while exploring the range of big red wines. David van Velden is the fourth-generation winemaker on the farm. Tradition hasn't stood in the way of innovation, however. In 1982 Overgaauw was the first South African estate to make a Merlot, but it also experiments with other varietals, and you should, too. Try the wonderful Cape Vintage Port made with Portuguese varietals such as touriga, tintas, souzao, and cornifesto. The result is a richly balanced blend. The Tria Corda, a red blend, sells out faster than it can be released. The spicy, fruity Sylvaner is named for a grape of the same name. To date, Overgaauw is the only Cape estate to grow this varietal, which comes from the Alsace region of France, so it's definitely worth exploring.
Stellenbosch Kloof Rd., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7604, South Africa021-881–3815Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R50, By appointment only -
17. Rhenish Complex
One of the most impressive restoration projects ever undertaken in South Africa and a good example of what early Stellenbosch must have been like, this complex consists of an art center, which melds elements of English and Cape architecture; and a two-story building that is typically English. The complex is west of Die Braak, facing a large lawn. The Toy and Miniature Museum houses a collection of scale dollhouses and antique toys, as well as a miniature model of the famous Blue Train.
Bordered by Herte, Market, Bloem, and Dorp Sts., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7600, South Africa -
18. Rust en Vrede
Nestled against the base of Helderberg Mountain, the peaceful Rust en Vrede winery is shaded by giant oaks and looks out over steep slopes of vines and roses. This comparatively small estate specializes entirely in reds and produces some of the very best in South Africa. In fact, Nelson Mandela chose this wine to be served at his Nobel Peace Prize dinner when he was president. Rust en Vrede Estate is the flagship wine, a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. Enjoy it now, but you can also put it away to mature in the bottle for another 10 years or more. Another weighty wine is the 1694 Classification (named after the year the farm was established). Look out for raspberry, cedar, and pencil shavings on palate and nose.
Annandale Rd., Somerset West, Western Cape, 7599, South Africa021-881–3881Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R50–R100 -
19. Rustenberg
This estate may date back to 1682, but it's been brought thoroughly up to date with a state-of-the art winery and underground vaulted maturation rooms. It is known for red wines, particularly its 100% Cabernet Peter Barlow (named after the present owner's father), which is made from grapes from one lovely, well-tended vineyard. The Five Soldiers Chardonnay is delicious and also made from a single vineyard, which gives it its unique character. It's named for the five tall pine trees that stand guard on top of the hill above the Chardonnay grapes. The farm uses screw caps on about half of its wines for quality and environmental reasons. Make time to explore the estate's beautiful gardens and labyrinth. These are open year-round but are best in summer. The lovely manor house gardens are open to the public only once a year over the last weekend of October, alas. Book ahead for tastings.
Rustenberg Rd., off Leslie St./R310, Ida's Valley, Western Cape, 7599, South Africa021-809–1200Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R40 -
20. Simonsig
KoelenhofSitting in a sea of vines is this estate with tremendous views back toward Stellenbosch and the mountains. Simonsig has more than a dozen white and red wines of impressive range, both in terms of taste and price. But quantity certainly doesn't mean that it has compromised on quality. This family-run farm produces exciting and consistent wines. Kaapse Vonkel was South Africa's first Méthode Cap Classique, and since 1971 this classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a touch of Pinot Meunier has been among the best. The Pinotage demonstrates how well this varietal fares with no wood aging, but the Red Hill Pinotage, from old bush vines, shows just how much good oaking can improve it. This is a good place for kids, with a small playground, a labyrinth that takes about 10 minutes to walk through, and a small vineyard they can explore. Cuvee restaurant offers seasonal, locally inspired dishes in a relaxed environment.
Kromme Rhee Rd., Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7605, South Africa021-888–4900Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings R75–150
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