What is Vineyard?
A vineyard is a plantation of grape-bearing vines, grown mainly for winemaking, but also raisins, table grapes, and non-alcoholic grape juice. The science, practice, and study of vineyard production is known as viticulture.
Best Vineyards In South Africa
Waterford Estate
On the outdoor patio at Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch, guests can relax while tasting South African wines with help from the knowledgeable staff. For those with a sweet tooth, the “Wine & Chocolate Experience” is particularly appealing.
Created by Waterford founder Kevin Arnold in partnership with chocolatier Richard von Geusau, the tasting pairs shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and sweet wine with a series of dark and milk chocolates for a delicious adventure.
Delheim
One of the founding members of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Delheim is a must-visit estate in the Cape Winelands. The experience here is very down-to-earth, providing a nice contrast to the more modern, gallery-esque tasting rooms you’ll likely visit on your tour.
Located at the base of the mountains in the Simonsberg Nature Preserve, Delheim is surrounded by sandy soil that’s best for growing red varietals like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and pinotage.
Delaire Graff Estate
While most travelers visit the Cape Winelands in the spring or fall, Delaire Graff is a year-round destination.
At the estate’s Wine Lounge, guests can enjoy a glass of wine on the outdoor terrace during the summer, or cozy up by the crackling fire in winter, enjoying the famous view through floor-to-ceiling windows. The wines here range from elegant reds with soft tannins to white wines that capture the freshness of the harvest.
La Petite Ferme
There are several good reasons to make a special trip to this winery, not least that its sauvignon, pinot noir, and Shiraz regularly win major awards.
The most obvious, however, hits you as soon as you walk through the restaurant and onto the sunbaked lawn, with its extraordinary view out over the beautiful valley of Franschhoek.
Take a tour with the vineyard’s owner, John, who will narrate the story of the farm (it burned down in 1984) and his relationship with the vines.
Boschendal
Boschendal is right on the edge of Stellenbosch, about an hour’s drive from Cape Town through the beautiful hills and valleys of the Winelands.
The owners transformed several farm laborers’ cottages into luxury accommodations, should you wish to spend the night after a day of vineyard tours, wine tastings, and dining at the estate’s several restaurants.
Warwick Estate
If you’re seeking a quirky yet educational wine-tasting experience in South Africa, look no further than Warwick Estate’s “Big Five Wine Safari.” While you won’t see any lions in Stellenbosch, your guide may help you spot a falcon or two while you cruise around the vineyard.
Here, the Big Five refers to the five types of wine grapes planted on Warwick’s farm, from cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc to pinotage, merlot, and cabernet franc.
Board Warwick’s safari-style vehicle and leave the driving to your guide as you enjoy the views—and the wine. Advance bookings are recommended.
Spier Wine Farm
Around 1692, Spier is one of the oldest and best-known wineries in Stellenbosch. Not only does this historic estate continue to receive accolades for its wine, but it’s also become a hot spot for travelers thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere.
Visitors can easily spend anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire day enjoying all the activities Spier has to offer, from picnics on the lawn overlooking the Eerste River to self-guided walking tours of the property.
What is the best wine route in South Africa?
At 850 kilometers, Route 62 in South Africa is considered to be the longest wine route in the world. It is the historic inland route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, connecting the east and west coasts of the country.
Where are most wine farms in South Africa?
The most diverse South African Wine regions are found in The Western Cape, especially the Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek regions as well as along the famous Route 62 and in the Klein Karoo.
Wine Routes include Constantia, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Worcester, Wellington, Robertson, Swartland and Route 62.