When you’re in the Western Cape, it’s almost a crime not to stop in at one of our lavish wine estates or tasting venues to enjoy a day of sophisticated fun with someone special, or with a group of friends.
The following tasting venues and wine farms come highly recommended for the outstanding wines, facilities, and experiences available.
1. Groot Constantia, Cape Town
Where: Constantia Wine Valley
Times: Monday – Saturday, 09:00 – 17:30; Sunday, 09:00 – 16:30
Contact: +27 (0)21 794 5128 or Facebook
Groot Constantia is the oldest wine estate in South Africa, and has the distinction of being a heritage site with an Iziko museum to boot. With two restaurants, a gorgeous tasting room, and an art gallery which visitors can browse, they’re an ideal outing if you’re after a classy experience in the Mother City.
2. Signal Hill Winery, Cape Town
Where: Heritage Square
Times: Monday – Friday,08:00am – 20:00; Saturday 08:00 – 17:00
Contact: +27 (0)21 424 5820 or Facebook
Signal Hill winery can be found in the beating metropolitan heart of Cape Town. It is a unique little gem run with personal love and hands-on care which truly shows in the outstanding wines available. Stop in for lunch and sample their various vintages – especially the Grenache Blanc and Malbec 2014 which are absolutely divine!
3. Lanzerac, Stellenbosch
Where: Lanzerac Road
Times: Monday to Saturday, 9am – 5pm (tastings) and 9am – 6pm (sales)
Contact: +27 (0)21 886 5641 or visit their website
Lanzerac is a sophisticated venue with a 300 year history of wine making. They have 3 impressive restaurants, a lounge and deli, as well as a taphuis bar and whiskey and cigar bar (open only from 17:00). With a new range of wine-inspired ice-creams to try, along with non-alcoholic options, they’re a fantastic family-friendly destination for summer, and visitors can spend a day sniffing, sipping, and dining in absolute comfort.
4. J.C Le Roux, Stellenbosch
Where: Devon Valley Road
Times: Open daily 10:00 – 15:00
Contact: +27 (0)21 865 8200 or Twitter
Less of a wine tasting, and more of a sparkling wine experience, J.C Le Roux is a venue known for its trendy atmosphere and sparkling wines which are paired with sweet treats like nougat, meringues and marshmallows. They also offer a non-alcoholic tasting paired with fudge. Tour their sparkling wine history room before taking a seat on the plush couches to await your tantalizing tastings.
5. Allée Bleue, Franschhoek
Where: R45 and R310 intersection
Times: Monday – Sunday, 08:00 – 17:00
Contact: +27 (0)21 874 1021 or Facebook
The outdoor scenery of Allée Bleue alone make it a worthwhile visit, with the lush French and English styled gardens, a hydroponic herb tour, and numerous shady spots that beg to be picnicked at. Their three wine ranges are exquisitely crafted, their food is freshly made with local produce, and their picnic menu is incredibly extensive. The children’s playground is an added bonus for families.
6. Fairview Wine and Cheese Farm, Paarl
Where: Suid- Agter-Paarl Road
Times: Open daily from 09:00 – 17:00
Contact: +27 (0)21 863 2450, or Facebook
Fairview is a cheese lover’s paradise and is home to the iconic goat’s tower, which set them apart from other dairy farms. With a shop & deli that sell freshly baked goods and produce, a restaurant with an outstanding menu, as well as a wine tasting room & cheese tasting room, you’re guaranteed an experience to remember.
7. OverHex Wines, Worcester
Where: On the R60 between Worcester and Robertson
Times: Monday – Thursday, 08:00 – 17:00; Friday, 08:00 – 16:00; Weekend, 10:00 – 16:00
Contact: +27 (0)23 347 5012 or visit their website
OverHex Wines and Balance Café are a worthwhile stop if you’re heading to Worcester. The elegant interior and laid back courtyard with a benodine tent offer a lovely setting for a brunch, and there is a large a childrens playground to entertain the little ones. Their 2014 Balance Eco Sauvignon Blanc won a silver medal in the international Michelangelo Awards, while their 2014 Pino Noir has won a gold medal, both wines offer outstanding value for money.
8. Robertson Winery, Robertson
Where: Constitution Street
Times: Monday – Friday, 09h00 – 17h30; Saturday, 09:00 – 15:00; Sunday, 09:00 – 15:00
Contact: +27 (0)23 626 3059, or Facebook
With sweeping views of the mountains and vineyards, and a Shiraz that has been voted 3rd best in the world, Robertson Winery is a winner when it comes to wine tasting in the Robertson valley. Hand-made chocolates paired with 5 of their wines make them ideal for those after a touch of decadence.
9. Van Loveren, Robertson
Where: Outside of Robertson on the R317
Times: Monday – Friday, 08h30-17h00; Saturday, 09h30-15h30; Sunday, 11h00-15h00
Contact: +27 (0)23 615 1505, or Twitter
With sprawling grounds that encompass a hiking trail and a mountain bike trail (with bicycles available for rental), a bistro that serves mouth-watering burgers and pizzas, and a garden and cellar tour, along with wine tasting, you could easily spend a weekend indulging in all the delights that Van Loveren offers.
There are so many great wine venues to choose from, it would be a crime to not add on Spier and the myriad wine farms with fantastic pairing options too.
We’d love to know which of these wine estates have you been to?
