cape wine farms
My favourite wine farms near Cape Town
Not far from the bustling city of Cape Town, you’ll find yourself in the Cape Winelands, an area not only known for its award-winning wines, but also for its beauty. The Cape Winelands consist of 5 key regions: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. All reagions are steeped in a rich history, with some farms dating as far back as 1685. Ranging from small boutique wineries to large, internationally renowned producers of wine, the Cape Winelands is home to over 500 wine farms, each with its own special character and flair. Below you’ll find a list of my firm favourites that I can wholeheartedly recommend to any first-time visitor.
The main house at Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine farm.
Groot Constantia
REGION:
Cape Town
ADDRESS:
Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
WHY VISIT?
To explore wine making history in South Africa. Groot Constantia was founded in 1685 by the Dutch colonial govenor Simon van der Stel and is South Africa’s oldest wine estate. During the 18th and 19th century, the estate was famous for its sweet wines, which became highly sought after by European nobility. It is said that Napoleon had Groot Constantia wines shipped to St. Helena while he was in exile there. Today, Groot Constantia is a working historical estate that produces a variety of wines, including chardonay, shiraz, pinotage and sauvignon blanc. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, only 15 km outside of Cape Town, Groot Constantia is the most accessible wine farm to visitors staying in the city.
THINGS TO DO:
- Wine tasting & cellar tours
- Visit the Groot Constantia Manor House Museum
- Visit the art gallery and exhibition
- Dine at one of the two top-restaurants
Meerlust
REGION:
Stellenbosch
ADDRESS:
33 Baden Powel Drive, R310, Stellenbosch
WHY VISIT?
Like Groot Constantia, Meerlust is a wine farm with historical significance. Originally established in 1693 by German immigrant Henning Hüsing and owned by the Myburgh family since 1756, Meerlust is the oldest family-run wine farms in South Africa. The estate produces various wines but is most famous for its flagship wine, the Rubicon, a Bordeaux-style blend.
The Myburgh family home
Spier Wine Estate
REGION:
Stellenbosch
ADDRESS:
Spier R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
WHY VISIT?
Put Spier on your list of places to visit if you’re looking for a destination that is more than just a wine farm. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities ranging from wine tasting, having a picnic on the widespread lawns, exploring the historic Cape Dutch buildings or admiring a large collection of contemporary South African art. The estate also offers a range of family-friendly activities, such as Segway tours through the vineyards.
Fairview wine estate
REGION:
Paarl
ADDRESS:
Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Suider Paarl, 7646
WHY VISIT?
To enjoy a delicious wine and cheese tasting in the cozy tasting room. Set in the warm Paarl region, Fairview is not only known for its excellent wines, but also for its cheese, made from white goats roaming around on the farm. An iconic feature near the visitor centre is the goat tower and goat playground. Visitors can enjoy fresh farm-to-table meals and shop for farm-produced cheeses, chutneys or other goods in the deli.
Babylonstoren
REGION:
Paarl
ADDRESS:
Klapmuts - Simondium Rd, Simondium, 7670, South Africa
WHY VISIT?
Babylonstoren is definitely my favourite destination in the Cape winelands. It boasts a spectacular 5 hectare garden based on the historical company’s garden in Cape Town. The garden lies at the heart of the farm and is laid out in themed sectors, like the fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, succulent gardens and herbal healing gardens. Babylonstoren is a delight for design lovers, combining modern design with classical flair and lots of love to detail. Babylonstoren also offers a spa and accommodation, making it a perfect romantic weekend getaway.
Vergelegen
REGION:
Stellenbosch
ADDRESS:
Lourensford Road, Somerset West, Cape Town
WHY VISIT?
Apart from its wines, Vergelegen is celebrated for its historic Cape Dutch buildings, lush gardens and giant old camphor trees in front of the old main house. The estate was established in 1700 by Willem Adriaan van der Stel, the Cape Governor at the time and got its name, meaning situated far away in Dutch, because of its remote location from Cape Town. Over the years, Vergelegen has passed through many hands until 1987, when Anglo American acquired the estate. Under Anglo American, Vergelegen has undergone many changes and today features a modern winery offering a wide selection of world-renowned wines. Apart from wine tastings, visitors can enjoy a stroll through the beautiful gardens or learn about the estate’s history in the old main house.
