You know you are in Cape Town when you google "Wine farms near me". The results can be a little overwhelming considering there are currently around 560 wineries and 4400 primary producers of vineyards in the Cape.
Jump to the list!
With so many amazing wine estates, we've found a few of our favourites that offer unique experiences.
Watch this video about wine tourism in the Cape, by SoCoMunity Directed by Craig Howes
Before we get started let's have a look at the wine map provided by Wine Folly
For a deep dive see this article by Wine Folly
1) Babylonstoren (Franschhoek)
You step into a new world when you enter Babylonstoren. It's easy to want to spend the whole day if not the weekend there. Besides the beautiful location at the foot of the famous Simonsberg Mountain in the Franschhoek wine valley.
What we love about Babylonstoren is the attention to detail.
(We are going to have to write a full article on this)
Highlights
Seasonal Gardens (amazing experience and photo opportunities)
Farm hotel, cottages and SPA
Restaurants (Greenhouse and Babel) that are guided by the seasons and gardens.
Livestock (Donkeys, Turkeys, Chickens, Ducks)
Bakery and Deli
Amazing wine
Location: Franschhoek, Western Cape
Details: Babylonstoren
2) AA Badenhorst
AA Badenhorst Family Wines is a hidden gem in the heart of Swartland. This family-owned wine farm is hard to describe, but let's give it a try. The property is owned by "the baie dynamic and good-looking cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst"
What is apparent, is Badenhorst's family's love and passion for wine, people and hospitality. We really loved the experience of chatting to Adi and hearing about his passion for wine, and bush wine specifically.
The cellar is a work of art, filled with vintage posters, record players and tools.
We highly recommend one of their lunches and cellar tour with Adi.
If you spend the night in one of their cottages you can enjoy a hot tube made out of an old wine barrel.
Highlights
Wine exceptional
Experience
Hot tub
Adi The Wine Maker
Location: Swartland
Contact: https://aabadenhorst.com/
3) Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery (Durbanville wine valley)
Nestled in the heart of the Durbanville wine valley is a little boutique wine farm called Klein Roosboom. What makes this place unique is wine tasting in converted fermentation tanks. Each room has got a different theme and can be booked out for a truly unique experience.
Location: Durbanville
Details: https://kleinroosboom.co.za/
4) Boschendal Wine Estate (Franschhoek / Stellenbosch)
Boschendal is one of South Africa's oldest wine estates. With a ton of activities that include picnics, night markets, great food and wine, we highly recommend stopping by this incredible wine estate.
Highlights
Night market
Picnics
Wine
Kid-friendly
Location: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek, 7690
Contact: https://www.boschendal.com/
5) Idiom Wines (Stellenbosch)
Idiom wines feel like you are dining and drinking wine in a castle above the valley. This southernmost part of the Stellenbosch wine region provides the backdrop and the perfect climatic conditions for the incredible range of wines.
Highlights
Idiom wines restaurant (5 Course Fusion Menu)
View and location
Style
Location: Idiom Wines, Da Capo Vineyards, Off Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West, 7130
Contact: https://idiom.co.za/
6) Jordan Wine Estate
We jumped in the Jordan Land Rover and headed to the top of the mountain for a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience. We toured the vineyards in an open safari-style game viewing Land Rover, with stops to experience the spectacular views of False and Table Bays.
This is a true 360 Degree wine experience.
Highlights
Wine Safari
Behind-the-scenes harvest tour
Exclusive Hire of underground Vinoteque Cellar
Location: Stellenbosch
Contact: https://www.jordanwines.com/
7) Ernie Els Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
If you appreciate wine making or Golf for that matter, Ernie Els wine has to be on your itinerary.
This wine farm has just undergone a massive renovation, the result is mind-blowing.
The winery looks like a work of art and we love the sophistication.
Highlights
Architecture
Wine
Style
Location: Stellenbosch
Contact: https://ernieelswines.com/
8) Lanzerac Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
Lanzerac is another one of Stellenbosch's classic wine estates. You can expect amazing wine, great food and hotel facilities.
Highlights
Wine (pinotage)
Taphuis and Manor house restaurants.
Hotel
Location: Stellenbosch
Contact: https://lanzerac.co.za/
9) Black Elephant Vintners (Franschhoek)
The Misfits Of The Wine Industry, The Rebels Of The Vine. Have you ever paired your wine with music? Well, that's exactly what makes Black elephant special.
What we love about this dynamic team of founders ( Kevin Swart, Raymond Ndlovu and Jacques Wentzel) is their love for wine and music.
When you walk into the tasting room, you'll notice it is completely different to any other wine tasting room. The room is filled with graffiti-type painted walls, face brick, old records, headphones and their wine selection. You'll be treated to a unique wine tasting paired with music. We highly recommend this experience.
Highlights
Wine tasting
The bird
The team
Location: Franschhoek
Contact: https://bevintners.co.za/
10) Beau Constantia
Beau Constantia is a boutique wine farm situated on top of Constantia Nek. It's hard to describe how beautiful the view is over False Bay. The wine is great and the tasting room is beautiful.
Chef's warehouse is also one of the best restaurants in Cape Town. If you are able to do a wine tour to the top of the mountain we highly recommend the beautiful view.
Highlights
Wine tasting room
Chefs Warehouse
Views
Location: Constantia
Contact: https://www.beauconstantia.com/
Let us know what your favourite wine farms are. We are continuously adding to our list.
A special thank you to Marisah Nieuwoudt, Wine Tourism Manager (Vinpro) who made this article possible.
Images and Words by Craig Howes // SoCoMunity
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