If you don’t like wine, the thought of spending a day on a wine farm is about as appealing as sticking hornets up your nostrils. The good news is, there are plenty of wine estates in South Africa that know this. The next time you’re roped into a day in the Winelands, you’ll be armed with this handy guide of estates that offer a lot more than wine tasting!
Viljoensdrift, Robertson
Why: River cruises
Viljoensdrift is a relaxing riverside experience where you can enjoy an hour-long meander along the Breede River. Stock up with tasty fare from the deli and enjoy a gourmet picnic on the river bank. In winter, there’s a mini-cinema to entertain you instead.
R317, Robertson | GPS: -33.868884, 19.985461 | Open Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00; Saturday and first Sunday, 10:00 – 15:00 | +27 (0)23 615 1017 | [email protected]
Van Loveren, Robertson
Why: Family fun
Van Loveren caters to all ages and palates with 8 fun wine and food pairing options – including kiddies grape juice tasting and non-alcoholic tastings for adults. The Fish Eagle hiking trail and various MTB trails on the estate will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Not enough? There are also bistro lunches, garden tours, cellar tours, and bird watching. Even dogs are welcome to visit.
R317, Robertson | GPS: -33.875381, 20.002734 | Open Monday – Friday 08:30 – 17:00; Saturday, 09:30 – 15:30; Sunday, 11:00 – 15:00; Public holidays, 09:30 – 16:30. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. | +27 (0)23 615 1505 | [email protected]
Ashton Kelder, Robertson
Why: Outdoor experiences
Picnic baskets are a regular offering at Ashton Kelder (as long as you pre-book), but festival time is when the real fun starts…and Robertson has plenty of those. During these times, Ashton Kelder hosts exciting activities like “krat kar” mountain trips, 4×4 drives, and Kids Play Dates.
R60, Robertson | GPS: -33.836936, 20.030861 | Open Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00; Saturday and public holidays, 10:00 – 16:00 | +27 (0)23 615 1135 | [email protected]
Barton Vineyards, Bot River
Why: Essential Oils
Barton Vineyards grows a number of flowers for essential oil production. Soaps, shampoos, and creams are available in scents like lavender, geranium, and rosemary. There is also honey, olive oils, and wine for sale.
R43, Bot River | GPS: -34.264873, 19.180241 | Open Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00; Saturday, 09:00 – 13:00 | +27 (0)28 284 9283
Paul Cluver, Elgin
Why: Forest fun
Making the most of Elgin’s forests, Paul Cluver is a playground of mountain bike trails and home of an amphitheatre amongst the trees. The Hope @ Paul Cluver Summer Festival runs until 28 March 2015 and is a great, fund-raising excuse for a weekend on Elgin’s wine route. Enjoy organic, farm-fresh food at Fresh Restaurant.
De Rust Estate (KROMCO), N2, Grabouw |GPS: -34.168764, 19.085472| Open Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00; Saturday and Sunday, 09:00 – 15:00 | +27 (0)21 844 0605 | [email protected]
Birkenhead, Walker Bay
Why: Beer
Aside from wine, Birkenhead also produces a selection of craft beers for tasting and purchase. Craft beers include a Premium Lager, Honey Blonde Ale, Pride Old English Ale, Pilsner, Chocolate Malt Stout, and a brandy-based beer with a bite called Black Snake.
R326, Stanford | GPS: -34.441713, 19.463188 | Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)28 341 0013 | [email protected]
Bouchard Finlayson, Hemel-en-Aarde
Why: Nature walks
There’s a good chance of spotting blue crane, grysbok, and even a honey badger when you do a guided or self-guided walk on the 125ha estate at Bouchard Finlayson. Walks take place Monday – Saturday at 10:00 and are followed by an informative wine tasting and delicious seasonal lunch. Make sure you pre-book!
Hemel-en-Aarde Road (R320), Hermanus | GPS: -34.381329,19.241893 | Open Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00; Saturday 10h00 – 13h00 | +27 (0)28 312 3515 | [email protected]
Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde
Why: Tea pairing
Creation is a foodie haven with a palate-watering array of pairings – including an 8 tea-and-canapé option. Visitors can also enjoy a vineyard safari on foot and, who knows, you may even create a wine you like with Creation’s Blend Your Own Bottle experience. Do your soul a flavour and book your table soon!
Hemel-en-Aarde Road (R320), Hermanus | GPS: -34.331059, 19.326522 | Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)28 212 1107 | [email protected]
DelVera, Greater Simonsberg
Why: Full moon hikes & MTB trails
DelVera is an agri-village with little shops, restaurants, kids’ activities, picnic spots, and more. The highlight is the Dirtopia Trail Centre where you can do full moon hikes and get your blood pumping on the various mountain bike trails (bring own bike or rent one). DelVera also has a Marklin HO train layout with 5 coin-operated tracks that pass through Germain mountain villages. Kids will love the Funky Monkey creative play centre and KIDS XING (Kids Crossing) party venue with pedal go-carts, jungle gym, trampoline, bike track, bootcamp area, and more. The Simonsberg Environmental Education (SEE) Centre at Delvera is open to the public for environmental activities over weekends.
R44, Stellenbosch | GPS: -33.848969, 18.857288 |Open daily, 09:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)21 884 4352 | [email protected]
Spier, Stellenbosch
Why: Segways & Eagle Encounters
Voted the top new activity in the Winelands in 2013, the Segway Tour at Spier Wine Estate will have you feeling like a kid as you kick up the dust along the vineyard roads. They aren’t suitable for little children, but that’s no reason to stay away. Every family should visit Spier! Spier is home to the Eagle Encounters birds of prey rehabilitation centre where you can touch tame birds and participate in daily flying displays. There is also kiddies grape juice tastings, the Eight Restaurant and Eight To Go picnics, movie nights, art and heritage walks, and fun events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the giant Easter egg hunt.
R310, Lynedoch Road, Stellenbosch | GPS: -33.973425, 18.782523 | Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)21 809 1100 | [email protected]
Waterkloof, Stellenbosch
Why: Horse riding
Explore Waterkloof Wines on a walking tour or by horseback – followed by a scrumptious lunch.
Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West | GPS: -34.106611, 18.882626 | Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00. Closed Good Friday, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.|+27 (0)21 858 1292 | [email protected]
Blaauwklippen Vineyards, Stellenbosch
Why: Brandy
If you favour brandy over wine, head to Blaauwklippen Vineyards for a selection of brandies and a chocolate and brandy pairing. Sunday lunch is the main event at the restaurant because of the 2 local markets – one on the farm and the Root 44 market down the road. The Blaauwklippen Family Market is open every Sunday with plenty of good food, ciders, freshly squeezed juices, arts and crafts, clothing, ice cream, and lawns for picnics. Kids adore the jungle gyms, pony rides, carriage rides, picnics, goats, ducks, and alpacas.
R44, Stellenbosch | GPS: -33.970105, 18.845237 | Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00 (summer) or 17:00 (winter), Sunday and public holidays 10:00 – 16:00. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day |+27 (0)21 880 8136 | [email protected]
Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Why: Ice-cream
Head to Lanzerac for a fix of frozen goodness! They’ve teamed with Sinnfull to develop a range of wine-inspired ice-cream with flavours like Lanzerac Pinotage, Raspberry, and Vanilla; Lanzerac Chardonnay and Butter Pecan; and Lanzerac Sauvignon Blanc and Kiwi Sorbet.
1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch | GPS: -33.937478, 18.894127 | Open Monday – Saturday, 09:00 – 16:00; Sunday 09:00 – 17:00. Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day | +27 (0)21 887 1132 | [email protected]
Villiera, Bottelary Hills
Why: Game drive
Spot antelope, zebra, small animals, and birds on a game drive at Villiera. They’ll soon be introducing nougat and MCC pairings if sparkling wine is your thing.
Corner R304 and R101, Koelenhof |GPS: -33.837275, 18.792461 | Open Monday – Friday and public holidays 09:00 – 17:00; Saturday 09:00 – 15:00 | +27 (0)21 865 2112 | [email protected]
Hartenberg, Bottelary Hills
Why: Nature trail picnic
Book a picnic to enjoy along the Wetland Trail at Hartenberg. The restaurant is great for a Lazy Sunday Lunch in winter.
Bottelary Road, Koelenhof | GPS: -33.879128, 18.792489 | Open Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00; Saturday, 09:00 – 16:00; Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00 (closed on Sundays from April – September). Closed Good Friday, Christmas day, and New Year’s Day | +27 (0)21 865 2541
Spice Route, Paarl
Why: Beer & biltong
The Spice Route shares South Africa’s appreciation for beer and biltong. On top of a beer and biltong pairing, you can also do grappa tasting, dine in the restaurant, get your sweet fix at DV Artisan Chocolate, and watch live glass blowing at Red Hot Glass.
Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Paarl |GPS: -33.760864, 18.916896 |Open Monday – Sunday, 11:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)21 863 5200 | [email protected]
Fairview, Paarl
Why: Goats cheese
You can’t miss Fairview’s iconic goat tower as you drive the back roads of Paarl. The farm is possibly more famous for its roaming goats and creamy cheeses (not all goats’ cheese!) than its wine.
Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl |GPS: -33.772962, 18.923226 | Open daily, 09:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)21 863 2450 | [email protected]
Solms-Delta, Franschhoek
Why: Cape culture
Solms-Delta has a museum, music centre, and guided farm tours that offer a rare insight into the vineyards, the lives of the farm workers, and the heritage of the Cape. The heritage menus at Fyndraai Restaurant are inspired by Khoisan veldkos, Cape Dutch boerekos, and spicy Cape Malay fare. Visit for the summer music concerts, picnics in the forest or along the Dwars River, and trails through the Culinary Fynbos Garden and Renosterveld Reserve.
Delta Road, Franschhoek | GPS: -33.864042, 18.989813 | Open Monday – Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)21 874 3937 | [email protected]
La Motte, Franschhoek
Why: The high life
La Motte is home to an art museum, classical music concerts, a farm shop, hiking trail, organic walk, historic walk, and the Pierneef a La Motte restaurant. It’s also a top spot to enjoy tea in the Winelands.
R45, Main Road, Franschhoek | GPS: -33.883582, 19.072680 | Open Monday – Saturday, 09:00 – 16:30 | +27 (0)21 876 8000 | [email protected]
Meerendal, Durbanville
Why: Farmer’s market
Stock up on fresh baked goods, preserves, olives, coffee, biltong, sweet treats, and garden plants at the Meerendal Farmer’s Market on the second Saturday of the month. Kids will enjoy the jumping castle and pony rides.
Vissershok Road, Durbanville | GPS: -33.799154, 18.623952 | Open Tuesday – Saturday, 09:00 – 18:00; Sunday, 08:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)21 975 1655 | [email protected]
Steenberg, Constantia
Why: Golf
Play a round of golf on the 18-hole Peter Matkovish designed course at Steenberg Estate. The estate also boasts not one, but two contemporary restaurants, so treat your tastebuds to a meal at Bistro Sixteen82 or Catharina’s.
Steenberg Road, Tokai | GPS: -34.075340, 18.422779 | Open Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 18:00; Weekends and public holidays, 10:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0)21 713 2211 | Golf course: +27 (0)21 715 0227 | [email protected]
Slanghoek Cellars, Breedekloof
Why: MTB Trail
The 13km Slanghoek MTB Route starts and ends at Slanghoek Cellars. It’s suitable for all ages and skill levels, and there is an optional, more challenging 4km loop for more technical riders.
Slanghoek Road, Breedekloof | GPS: -33.563001, 19.217508 | Open Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00; Saturday and public holidays, 10:00 – 13:00 | +27 (0)23 344 3026 | [email protected]
Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate, Swartland
Why: Olives
Put on your sneakers and hit the Kloovenburg hiking trail. Then reward yourself by popping into their tasting room for a range of olive products including flavoured olive oils, tapenades, and beauty products.
13 Fontein Street, Riebeek Kasteel | GPS: -33.393725, 18.890631 | Open Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 16:30; Saturday and public holidays, 09:00 – 14:00 | +27 (0)22 448 1635 | [email protected]
Fryer’s Cove, Doring Bay
Why: Coastal cliff hike
The Fryer’s Cove Eco Route is a 7km trail along the cliffs from Strandfontein to Doring Bay. Why do it? Because it’s beautiful and you’ll be treated to a seafood lunch on the jetty afterwards.
R362, between Doring Bay and Strandfontein | GPS: -31.764094, 18.232361 | Open Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00; Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)27 213 2312 | [email protected]
Groote Post, Darling
Why: Game drive
Groote Post has daily game drives to spot indigenous antelope, ostrich, wildebeest, and more on the 2 000ha reserve. It’s also a great way to see the wildflowers in spring. The scenic walking trail, monthly country market, and tasty food at the popular Hilda’s eatery are also great reasons to visit.
Darling Hills Road, off the R27 | GPS: -33.482778, 18.410556 | Open: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00. Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10:00 – 16:00. Closed on Easter Friday, Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill, and New Year’s Day | +27 (0)22 492 2825 | [email protected]
Mischa Estate, Wellington
Why: Nature trails
Mischa Estate is a first vine nursery that grafts over 2 million vines each year. On top of cellar and nursery tours, there are mountain bike trails, nature walks, and the Dunedin Manor House.
Oakdene Road, Wellington | GPS: -33.603589, 19.012967 | Visits by appointment | +27 (0)21 864 1016 | [email protected]
What other wine estates should be added to this list?
