Hello, Bonjour and Molo from Cape Town, Western province in South Africa. As I get often asked, „Janine, which wine farms do you recommend in the Cape Winelands?„, I thought I will put my current favorite ones into this blog post.
Cape Town is the door to the best wine regions in South Africa and the Cape Winelands are just a short drive from Cape Town. It is one of the most picturesque and celebrated wine regions in the world. It spans from the coastal region at the Cape Point to the northern west coast as far as Tulbagh and into the succulent karoo with towns named Montagu or Bonnievale. With rolling vineyards, historic estates, and a perfect Mediterranean climate, it’s no wonder that wine lovers from across the globe flock here to experience its diverse offerings. Here are my top favorite wine farms in the area, each offering a unique experience and their own specific highlights.
1. Thelema Mountain Vineyards
I recently discovered this hidden gem nestled in the mountains of the Banhoek area, surrounded by the Hottentots-Holland Mountain Catchment area on one side and the Simonsberg Nature Reserve on the other side. The little dirt road passing by Tokara wine farm that will lead you to this estate, sets the scene and makes sure you know something marvelous is waiting for you: a modern farm sourrounded by mountains and vineyards far away from traffic. This is an idyllic place combined with exceptional wines. My personal favorite is the Thelema Grenache but also the Thelema Sauvignon Blanc is wonderful. The first Thelema labeled wines were released in 1988 and since then established themselves as one of the most-sought after wines from the region. The estate is family-run and offers a serene and intimate experience, especially the wine tastings are a highlight, presented by knowledgable staff with breathtaking views onto the mountain ranges. My personal must-visit for any wine and nature lover. Enjoy!
2. Simonsig Wine Estate
One of my first wine farms that I have visited when I lived in Cape Town and until today it remains a favorite of mine is Simonsig. It is situated just outside Stellenbosch with uninterrupted views onto the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and the Simonsberg. This family-owned estate belongs to one of the old farms in the region, being established in 1688. It is well known for its Kaapse Vonkel – the exceptional Methode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wine, which has a reputation for high quality bubbly. The wine tastings here are laid-back, classy and make for a relaxing day in nature. My absolut favorite wine at Simonsig is the Chenin Blanc 2021 along with the Kaapse Vonkel MCC. One note to remember is to not come too hungry as there is not a wide variety of food but more a delicious little cheese platter. If you do get hungry Beyerskloof Wine Estate, the home of Pinotage, is close by and has amazing Pinotage home-made burgers.
3. Haute Cabrière
In the heart of Franschhoek, surrounded by the Haweqwa Nature Reserve at the backside and the Hottentots-Hollandberge in front of it, this place has won my heart from the get go when I first visited it in 2018. Until today, I love returning and enjoy the epic mountain views as well as their bubblies. Haute-Cabrière is the home of Pierre Jourdan MCC range and my personal favorite MCC – Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose. If I am in Franschhoek you will surely find me here at some point, enjoying a bubbles tasting on the veranda overlooking the mountains. The farm was originally established in 1694 by the French Hugenot, Pierre Jourdan and was bought in 1982 by German descendants von Arnims to awaken the sleeping beauty of the estate. Pop in for a Friday lunch hosted by second generation Cellar Master, Takuan, enjoy a cellar tour or just marvel at the epic landscape while tasting through the different wines and MCCs.
4. Ernie Els Wines
This winery was officially opened in 2005 and recent renovations have transformed the winery into an iconic symbol of the Helderberg region. It is situated high on the mountain slopes of the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve offering panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain to the west as well as Stellenbosch and the Helderberg mountains to the east. It is a super stylish wine farm with huge wooden farmhouse-style doors leading onto the expansive tasting room. The estate is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and its blends. The ambiance is not as laid-back as in other estates but the views are just incredible and honestly, I come here to mostly enjoy the spectacular panorama and views of Table Mountain. If you look for a more relaxed, laid-back setting for families and friends with similar views, you can just drive down the road and stop at Stellenzicht Wines offering wine tastings in their lovely wine pod.
5. Buitenverwachting Wine Farm
The name explains it all: Buitenverwachting means beyond expectations in Afrikaans. And this beautiful farm truly surpasses expectations. It is situated on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg in the Constantia Valley just outside of Cape Town. The farm was established in 1796 and originally formed part of the Constantia Estate, founded by Simon van der Stel. It changed hands from thereon all too often, bursting with history. And yet it flourished as a wine farm since 1825 when Ryk Arnoldus Cloete planted 90,000 vines. On its coldest most south facing vineyards, the wine farm produces its outstanding Sauvignon Blancs that are rich in flavours similar to green peppers. Of course you can come and join for a wine tasting in the historic wine cellar with its traditional thatched roof but Buitenverwachting has much more to offer. I personally love their picnics on the lawn by the magnificent 250 year old Norfolk pine. Platters on the lawn works on a first come first served basis, so be sure to arrive early in time to reserve your private spot. If you are into fine dining, then Buitenverwachting won’t disappoint you with Peter Tempelhoff’s creation being served at the Beyond Restaurant on site. A remarkable place just outside of Cape Town that will take you into the tranquility of nature and well-composed wines.
6. Badsberg Wine Cellar
Situated at the foot of the Badsberg Mountain, close to Rawsonville in the Breede Valley you will find an absolut amazingly tasting Chening Blanc. To get here you will drive over the Du Toitskloof pass offering breathtaking mountain views right up until you almost reach Slanghoek area. The wine farm is a rather small estate situated between the Hawequas Mountain Catchment Area and Bain’s Kloof, about 20km from Worcester and about 80km from Cape Town. It was established in 1951 and produces amazing wines while offering unique food platters such as the mini soup platter. As you can gather from my entry sentence, I am a big fan of their Badsberg Chenin Blanc – the long drive is definitely worth it. And if you don’t feel like driving all the way back to Cape Town stay in the Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway in the mountains, I can highly recommend it!
May your feet take you where your heart wants to go!
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I hope you enjoy my current favorite wine farm list and whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking for a peaceful getaway, these different wine farms offer you a range of unforgettable experiences! So get ready to take a scenic drive through the Winelands and indulge in some of South Africa’s finest wines – and don’t forget to please let me know which ones are your favorite ones.
My latest lessons learned during my wine farm experiences:
- Thelema Mountain Vineyards – follow the dirt pad, you are on the right way;
- Badsberg Wine Cellar – the longest drive might lead you to the best Chenin Blanc and
- Buitenverwachting – come early as no reservations are taken for picnics, the food might be gone by the time you pitch up!
Cheers to wandering the world and exploring the beautiful Cape Winelands – bye bye, salut and bhayibhayi ∞
