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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

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.

While you’re there

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.

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Price: Free
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

Delaire Graff Wine Estate
Experience

Delaire Graff Wine Estate

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

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.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Dining table for two with lake behind
Experience

Jordan Wine Estate

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

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.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Entrance doors to the estate
Experience

Kanonkop Wine Estate

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

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.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Ken Forrester Vineyards
Experience

Ken Forrester Vineyards

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

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’.

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

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Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Oude Werf Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.5 miles]

A heritage hotel set in the heart of the charming Stellenbosch town. The ideal central base to explore the surrounding wine region.

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Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[7.2 miles]

An elegant Stellenbosch Winelands hotel with two outstanding restaurants and a dazzling South African art collection. 

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Jordan Wines Luxury Suites

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[9.4 miles]

The luxury suites at Jordan offer contemporary comfort, vineyard views and an authentic taste of winelands living.  

 

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.

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Round-ups that include this experience

13 Best wine regions

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The world’s greatest wine regions – where you can sip the world’s greatest wines at source, and tour the vineyards to learn how they’re made.

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