The Cape Winelands hold an unique place in my heart. First, for its natural appeal. This area of South Africa is scenically sensational with towns nestled into lavish valleys surrounded by large mountainous nature reserves. Second, for its vineyards. In my simple viewpoint, the Cape Winelands is one of the best white wine regions in the world! With customs covering more than 300 years, it’s a white wine lovers paradise. Both Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, two of the most popular towns, use guests a truly unforgettable experience and be worthy of a see when preparing a trip to South Africa.
Franschhoek
The word Franschhoek equates to “French corner,” its name honoring the Huguenot refugees who were given land here when leaving from 17th century persecution in France. It has a small-town feel, with the majority of the shops, dining establishments, and accommodations living within minutes of the primary street. It boasts some world class restaurants and of course, world class wine.
Le Lude Estate
In the heart of Franschhoek, Le Lude is renowned for producing remarkable Cap Classique– South Africa’s premium méthode champagne. With a focus on elegance and refinement, their vintages often feature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blends. A visit to Le Lude is both advanced and captivating, providing a peaceful tasting space, perfectly manicured gardens, and the alternative to match their bubbly with fragile canapés or a French-inspired meal at the on-site Orangerie Dining establishment. It’s a must-visit for champagne lovers!
Boschendal One of the earliest wine farms in the nation, Boschendal has actually been producing farm-to-table food and award-winning vintages because 1685. It’s a gorgeous winery whose buildings showcase Cape Dutch architecture and with sensational grounds home to over 200,000 deciduous fruit trees. Here, they specialize in Chardonnay, Shiraz & Méthode Cap Classique Sparkling Red wines. Order a picnic lunch and a bottle of red wine from their dining establishment and take both into the gardens to delight in the beautiful environments.
Boekenhoutskloof Developed in 1776 and located in the outermost corner of the Franschhoek wine valley, the farm’s name indicates “ravine of the Boekenhout,” an indigenous Cape Beech tree considerably valued for furniture making and which surrounds the white wine farm. Their tasting space is unique, warm, and intimate with only 12 areas, so it’s best for those looking for a special experience. They focus on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon, and Viognier and each tasting is normally hosted by Bockenhoutskloof’s head-wine maker. You can likewise get a preview into their wine cellar and red wine making procedure.
Mullineux & Leeu Although not an old winery, having actually opened in 2007, Mullineux & Leeu has shown that it can produce exceptional wines. In reality, the home has received thirty 5-star rankings from Platter’s South African Wine Guide and won Plate’s Winery of the Year Award an unmatched 4 times, in 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2020. The Mullineux range consists of a Chenin mix, a Syrah, and a Chenin sweet wine. The extraordinary vintages that they produce are terroir-specific white wines based upon Chenin and Syrah. (Terroiris how a particular area’s environment, soils and terrain impact the taste of wine.) To further the white wine experience here, have supper at La Petite Colombe, situated on the residential or commercial property, and take pleasure in a white wine coupling with your meal.
La Motte Regardless of its modern-day look, La Motte is among the area’s earliest farms, having actually been founded in the late 17th century. Today it’s run by Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, a world-renowned mezzo-soprano singer after whom their Hanneli R; 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Petit Syrah is named. This winery concentrates on Methode Cap Classique, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. While here, visitors can also take pleasure in a walk through their sensational premises and cute shop filled with local items.
Babylonstoren Found at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains, Babylonstoren is another among the earliest red wine farms in South Africa. The winery has eight-acres of beautiful gardens through which you can meander before or after a red wine tasting. Visitors can schedule lunch or dinner at Babel, the highly well-known onsite dining establishment, or delight in among their beautiful platters to couple with red wine in their tasting space. They produce Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Candide, Mourvèdre Rosé, Babel Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay’s.
Stellenbosch About 20 miles west of Franschhoek sits Stellenbosch, a lively university town. Its oak-shaded streets are lined with cafes, stores, and art galleries, all of which deserve exploring. It is home to gorgeous Cape Colonial architecture and an abundance of wine farms, making it the perfect escape from Cape Town and an excellent location from where to get a peek into the larger Cape Winelands.
Oldenburg Vineyards
Located in the Banghoek Valley simply outside Stellenbosch, Oldenburg is a boutique estate known for producing elegant, terroir-driven white wines with a strong concentrate on Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. A visit to Oldenburg is as much about the setting as it is the white wine: sensational views, modern architecture, and a warm, intimate tasting experience make it a standout in the region.
Delaire Graff Delaire Graff Estate is the epitome of high-end and one of the most well-known wine estates in Stellenbosch. Besides being ranked among the best wineries in Africa, it boasts an extraordinary African art collection, world class restaurants, and spectacular gardens. Delaire Graff provides visitors a variety of white wines including Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, not to mention their award-winning Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc mix. Lunch or dinner at one of their dining facilities is a must!
Waterford Estate The premises of the Waterford Estate are second-to-none, with old citrus groves, rolling yards, water functions and fragrant lavender and rosemary beds. In the beginning glimpse, as you take in this enchanting world, you might believe yourself in the heart of Provence or the Spanish countryside. The winery provides different ranges from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Red Wine, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Barbera, Sangiovese, and the Kevin Arnold Shiraz. A highlight here is the red wine and chocolate pairing, a treat you, and your taste, merely can not miss out on.
Jordan White Wine Estate From this hillside vineyard, one has amazing panoramic views of Table Mountain, False Bay, and Stellenbosch. The outside tasting deck also has unbelievable views of the surrounding gardens and dam. The Estate makes a range of modern-day red wines from a variety of classic South African grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Red wine, and Chardonnay. Lunch at Jordan Restaurant is unbelievable, with the steamed Saldanha mussels, Chalmar sirloin, and honey and poppyseed soufflé being the signature dishes.
Tokara It’s a picture-perfect winery that provides a distinct mix of acclaimed wines, brandy, and olive oils. The property likewise has a gallery of fine art, a dining establishment featuring one of South Africa’s leading chefs, along with a delicatessen. Guests can take in the unrivaled views of False Bay and Table Mountain from the winery, all while tasting some amazing red wines. They focus on 2 of the best grape ranges on the planet, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Warwick Located in the foothills of Stellenbosch’s renowned Simonsberg Mountain, Warwick provides a really authentic and friendly experience. Delight in a red wine tasting while unwinding on the lawns or shaded beneath the trees of their forest courtyard. Here, the focus is on the traditional Bordeaux ranges: Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Although, they also produce extremely ranked white wines like their exceptional estate Chardonnay. It’s a very family friendly winery with something for everybody.
There’s no doubt that Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the most widely known red wine regions around Cape Town, and well worth a go to. But you may likewise think about time in Constantia, Paarl, and Durbanville. They all, integrated or individually, are ideal locations to unwind following a safari or city expedition.