The Western Cape is one of the most famous wine regions in Africa, so it comes as no surprise that hundreds of excellent wine estates can be found here. Besides great wine, most of these estates and farms offer stunning architecture, panoramic views of the surrounding areas, and most importantly a chance to go wine tasting. The good news is that well-known wine towns such as Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek are located close to each other and just a short drive from Cape Town.
In order to help you decide where to go, we’ve put together a list of the best estates for wine tasting in Western Cape.
1 Vergelegen
Image:thenewspaper.co.za
Founded in 1700, Vergelegen wine estate which translates to “situated far away” in Dutch is one of the oldest and most beautiful wine estates in the Cape. This world-renowned estate produces a wide range of handcrafted wines and attracts visitors from all around the world. Wine tasting is available at their wine tasting center and you can also go on one of the cellar tours. If you wish to have lunch or dinner here, on-site restaurants including Stables at Vergelegen Bistro Restaurant and Camphors at Vergelegen Signature Restaurant offer a variety of authentic Cape dishes and International specialties.
Address: Somerset West, South Africa
2 Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards
Image:franschhoeklife.co.za
For the ultimate wine tasting in Western Cape experience, head out to Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards in the Franschhoek Valley. Visitors will have an opportunity to sample any of the 5 wines from the Lookout ranges, Classic ranges, and Family Collection for just R25 per person. In case you wish to make a private booking, the price is R50 per person. Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards is also famous for their weekend specials when a nice range of wine cocktails including Sauvignon Blanc Cooler, Rosé Cosmopolitan, and Chardonnay Margarita are available for sampling.
Address: R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley, South Africa
3 Muratie Wine Estate
Image:southernvines.co.za
Dating back to the 17th century, Stellenbosch’s Muratie Wine Estate is an ideal destination for wine tasting in Western Cape. All of the tasting rooms have historical locations that include the old-styled George Paul Canitz room, cobwebbed Tasting Room, and wine sampling at the cellar’s wine tanks. Besides the classic wine tastings, chocolate and wine pairing is also offered here at the Muratie Wine Estate. Standard wine tasting that includes 5 wines will set you back R35, while premium tasting costs R60. Port and Chocolate pairing is available for R50 per person.
Address: Knorhoek Road/R44, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, South Africa
RELATED: Where to Enjoy Wine Tasting in Cape Town
4 Warwick
Image:countrylife.co.za
Did you know that some of the most awarded wines in the Cape were produced right here at the Warwick wine estate in Stellenbosch? Besides premium wine, this estate also boasts impressive views across the dam and offers a laid-back vibe to its visitors. In case you are up for a walk, go on a 4×4 trip around the farm to enjoy the spectacular views. The estate boasts dozens of picnic areas including the forest courtyard, the lawns, pods, and the lovely penthouse that is famous for its breath-taking 360-degree views of the Cape wine lands.
Address: R44, Stellenbosch, 7607, South Africa
5 Middelvlei Wine Estate
Image:velvetescape.com
The family-run Middelvlei Wine Estate is all about excellent wine, tasty food, and slow country life. If you are a fan of braii, you’ll instantly fall in love with their Boerebraai-themed food offerings and tapas and wine pairings. From Biltong and Caramelised-onion paptertjie paired with Middelvlei Rooster Merlot to potbrood and snoek pâté paired with Middelvlei Chardonnay, everything here at the Middelvlei Wine Estate is extremely delicious. They also offer a unique wine blending experience that includes a glass of pinotage Merlot, potbrood, and a tour of their cellar for R150 per person.
Address: Flamingo St, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
6 Demorgenzon Wine Estate
Image:tripadvisor.com.au
Demorgenzon Wine Estate offers incredible views of both Franschhoek and Stellenbosch mountains and boasts 55 hectares of vineyards together with a 91-hectare picturesque garden. Wine tasting here will set you back R50 per person and includes a tasting of 7 award-winning wines produced at the estate. An interesting fact about the Demorgenzon Wine Estate is they believe that music influences the growth of fruits, so they’ve been playing early classical and baroque music for the past 7 years. The wine estate is open from daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Address: Stellenbosch Kloof Rd, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
7 Tokara
Image:kellymarielane.com
Tokara can be best described as an architectural masterpiece that offers magnificent views of both Table Mountain and False Bay. They have a fabulous on-site restaurant, as well as a rather interesting art gallery. Of course, wine tastings are offered to guests and you can also sample some brandies and olive oils.
Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, 7600, South Africa
RELATED: 10 Reasons to Try a Wine Tasting Tour in Cape Town
8 Jordan Wine Estate
Image:adamastorbacchus.blogspot.com
Founded in 1993, Jordan Wine Estate is run by Gary and Kathy Jordan who have been producing world-renowned wines on their lovely wine estate for the last 25 years. Enjoy the 360° Tasting Experience which includes awesome views of Table and False bays, a safari-style game viewing that lasts for about 2 hours, and a nice selection of wines available for tasting. You can also go on their underground barrel cellar tour and taste six wines ranging from their current selection to vintages.
Address: Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch, 7604, South Africa
9 Marianne Wine Estate
Image:dealzone.co.za
For an unforgettable wine tasting adventure in Western Cape, make sure to visit the famous Marianne Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Owned by Christian Dauriac who is a winemaker from France, this lovely wine estate offers a few tasting options such as biltong and red wine pairing and tasting of 6 Mariane wines. They also have a cool blending tour which is known to be very informative. Marianne Wine Estate is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, but we strongly encourage you to call in advance and make a booking.
Address: Valley Road – Off R44, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
RELATED: Top 10 Best Villas and Wine Estates for a Wedding in Cape Town
10 Van Loveren Family Wines
Image:pinterest.com
Head out to the Robertson Valley where you will find the fabulous Van Loveren Family Wines estate. This place offers a nice combination of relaxed wine pairings and tastings and there are even non-alcoholic options for families with children. The tasting room here is nicely furnished and there are 8 different tasting options to choose from. After one of the wine tastings, you can go on a guided tour of their garden which lasts about 30 minutes. In case you get hungry, the on-site Christina’s at Van Loveren garden bistro offers delicious Four Cousins Family Pairing and Loveren Master Tasting.
Address: R317, Robertson, 6707, South Africa
11 De Grendel Wine Estate and Restaurant
Image:winedering.com
Offering stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the Atlantic Ocean, De Grendel Wine Estate and Restaurant in Durbanville is an ideal destination for everyone who loves to go wine tasting. Sampling options include any of the 3 special varietals, as well as the full range of De Grendel wines. Visitors who wish to eat something will be glad to hear that the estate offers charcuterie and cheese platters.
Address: Plattekloof Road, Panorama, Cape Town, 7500, South Africa
12 Doolhof Wine Estate
Image:tripadvisor.co.za
Doolhof Wine Estate definitely offers one of the most unique wine tasting opportunities in Western Cape. The estate is located close to Wellington in the Bovlei Valley and offers wine tasting inside of their wagon house from the 19th century. Sample 5 of the award-winning varietals or indulge in lunch that can be prepared by the estate’s personal chef. This fabulous wine estate also boasts a number of outdoor activities such as hikes and picnics.
Address: 7655, Bovlei Rd, Wellington, South Africa
What is your favourite way to enjoy wine tasting in Cape Town? Let us know how you love to enjoy your favourite wine.
Want to enjoy a scenic drive through the Cape vineyards and learn more about their history? You can check out our Cape Winelands full day tour and spend your day visiting the various wine estates to enjoy wine tasting, delicious meals and have a good time. Contact us today with any booking related queries you may have, or to learn more about the tours and things you can do during the tours including Cape Winelands Hot Air Ballooning in Cape Town.
