Discover the 5 best located wineries in South Africa

Five wineries in the South African wine region

I'm not a specialist in wine, but we love it Wine regions on our travels to visit. They are not only interesting because of their wines, but usually also special places for connoisseurs. In the wine region of South Africa are five of the most renowned wineries in the country. You can find these wine farms in South Africa in the Cape Winelands. These South Africa wine growing regions near Cape Town include the wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. The regions around Robertson, Constantia, Walker Bay, Tulbagh and Swartland are also included, although they are not as well known as the three largest wine-growing regions. In four of these wine regions there are wine farms that we particularly like. A visit to the South African wine region is worth a longer stay.

 

 

Jan van Riebeek, the founder of Cape Town as a supply station on the sea route to India, planted the first vines in 1655. His company garden still exists in Cape Town today. However, his successor, Simon van der Stel, was even more important for viticulture. He founded South Africa's first winery in Constantia and was also the namesake of Stellenbosch, a town he built. He also brought Huguenots from France into the country, who settled around Franschhoek and significantly advanced viticulture. The French were also among the first Europeans to appreciate the wines from South Africa. Napoleon even had thirty bottles of Groot Constantia wine delivered to his exile in St. Helena every month.

 

 

Cape Town wine region

I got to know and appreciate the Cape Town wine region on my travels through the country. The region north of Cape Town is one of the most scenic areas in the country. Here gentle hills alternate with mountain peaks, sandy beaches and the sea. South Africa's wine region begins below Table Mountain in Groot Constantia, home to one of South Africa's oldest wineries. If you drive further north, you reach the Winelands of South Africa, whose vineyards extend around Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl. Here you will find the best located wine farms in South Africa. (Map)

 

 

Actually, these geographical areas are far too warm for wine growing, right? You don't normally find vineyards at such latitudes anywhere else in the world. But South Africa's wine region has an exception, and it owes it to the cold Benguela Current that flows from Antarctica. This ocean current cools the sea on the west coast of the country and makes it possible for wine to be grown here. The closer the wineries are to the coast, the easier it becomes for winemakers to produce their wine. As you head inland, temperatures rise and hours of sunshine increase, which in turn means that the wine barrels in which the grape juice ages need to be cooled.

 

 

 

 

South Africa wine region north of Cape Town

Enjoy traveling in the Wine regions of the world are not just an experience for the palate. Beautiful places and locations are also important. These make a visit to wine regions not only a pleasure for the palate, but also for the eyes. In South Africa this is not difficult. On the contrary! The attractiveness and ambience of South Africa's wine region are legendary. However, there are wineries that are particularly beautifully located. We present our top wineries here.

 

 

Constantia wine region - the oldest wine region in South Africa

This is the oldest wine region in South Africa. Dutch traders were already farming and growing wine here.

Groot Constantia – the oldest winery in the wine-growing region of South Africa

Very close to Cape Town you will find the Groot Constantia winery. No wonder it is so famous, as it is the oldest winery in the country. As early as 1685, Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede dead Drakenstein handed over the lands to Simon Van Der Stel, the then governor of the Dutch East India Company at the Cape of Good Hope. Van Der Stel not only built a magnificent house, but also used the site to grow wine, fruit and vegetables. He even raised cattle there. After his death, the estate was divided into three parts: Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet.

 

 

Today Groot Constantia is managed by the Groot Constantia Trust. The mansion, lovingly rebuilt in Cape Dutch style after a devastating fire in 1925, now houses part of the South African Cultural History Museum. The exhibitions focus on the history of slavery in the countryside and the lives of slaves in the early colonial period in the Cape. It's really fascinating how much history comes together in this one place.

For me, Groot Constantia is definitely one of the top 5 wineries in South Africa. Why? Well, it's right in the middle of its own vineyards. It attracts many visitors thanks to its proximity to Cape Town and Table Mountain, so don't expect a quiet retreat here. Nevertheless, it has to be on my list of the top five wineries. On the one hand, because as the oldest winery in the country it has so many exciting stories that are just waiting to be discovered. On the other hand, the location is simply breathtaking - directly below Table Mountain, surrounded by picturesque vineyards.

Groot Constantia

Old Constantia Main Road
Constantia 7806
Cape Town
South Africa

Telephone: +27 (0)21 794 5128
Fax: +27 (0)21 794 1999
Opening hours: 9 am - 6 pm Mon - Sun.
Cellar tours every hour on the hour between 10 am and 4 pm
Website: www.grootconstantia.co.za
Email: enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za

 

 

 

 

Wineries in South Africa in the South Africa wine region near Stellenbosch

If you're ever traveling in South Africa, you can reach the wine region near Stellenbosch in just over half an hour via the N1 motorway. Be sure to take time to visit this charming university town. Incidentally, it is the only one in the country that trains wine specialists. But it's not just the city itself that's worth a stop - the surrounding area also has a lot to offer. There you will find numerous wineries that are definitely worth a visit.

 

 

Spier Wine Farm

Nobody can go past Spiers Wine Farm – and I mean that quite literally. The winery is located directly on the R310, the road that leads from Cape Town to Stellenbosch in South Africa's wine region. Of the five wineries I'm featuring in this article, Spiers was the one that I really thought about including for a long time. Because somehow Spiers Wein Farm doesn't quite correspond to the image that one usually has of a winery. Sure, it offers everything you would hope for from a winery: tastings, a restaurant and even overnight accommodations. But that certain something that I hope for from a visit to a winery is missing here. The cellar for the tastings seems rather sober, and all the hustle and bustle surrounding the wine is a bit reminiscent of Disneyland.

The colorful houses where you can spend the night also play their part. There is also the Adler Hort, the Craft Center and the ceramics workshop. To be honest, it's all a bit too much for me, as it has absolutely nothing to do with wine and the typical winery flair. Nevertheless, I have included the farm in the list of the best located wineries. Why? Quite simply: it is super quick and easy to reach from Cape Town and is also relatively close to the sea, which gives the wines their very own character. You should definitely get to know these to understand what role the location of the vineyards plays in the wines in the Western Cape.

Spier Wine Farm

Annandale Road
Stellenbosch 7600
South Africa

Tastings and sales:
Mo. - Mi .: 9 am - 5 pm
Thu.-Sa .: 9 am - 6 pm
So: 11 am - 6 pm
Website: www.spier.co.za
E-mail: info@spier.co.za

 

 

 

 

Neethlingshof - is beautifully located in the South Africa wine region with a view of the vineyards

Only a few kilometers further, the driveway to the Neethlingshof Wine Estate, lined with stone pines, branches off unmistakably. You shouldn't miss a visit to Neethlingshof because of this avenue alone. The family's former home now serves as a restaurant. Like Groot Constantia, the estate is one of the oldest in the country. In 1692 the house was built in the style of Kapholland. To this day, it gives the winery its ambience. A winery that is part of every visit to the South African wine region.

For me it is one of the best located wineries in South Africa because of its pine avenue that leads through the middle of the vineyards. Combined with a wine tasting and a meal on the Terrace Area of the restaurant, a visit to Neethlingshof is an experience for connoisseurs.

Neethlingshof

Polkadraai Rd,
Stellenbosch, 7600
South Africa

Wine Cellar:

Mo. - Fr.
9 am - 5 pm (last tasting starts at 4.30 pm)

Sat., Sun., holidays
10 am - 4 pm

Closed
1st Christmas holiday & Good Friday

Website: neethlingshof.co.za
Email: info@neethlingshof.co.za

 

 

 

Wineries in the South Africa wine region near Franschhoek

You shouldn't miss the drive to Franschoek, even if the Boschendal winery recommended here is outside the village. Franschoek is - like Stellenbosch - a place for connoisseurs in the South African wine region. A stroll through the town and a visit to the Huguenot monument should definitely be included. The view from there into the Hottentots Holland Mountains is legendary.

Boschendal

This winery is located east of the Simonsberg nature reserve. This means that it is only a few meters away from the junction to Franschoek. Because of this location alone, Boschendal is one of the best situated wineries in the South African wine region. But there is more to this estate that is well worth a visit. In any case, you should plan some time for your visit to Boschendal. It is of course best to spend several days there or to take a whole day for it. However, several hours should definitely be there in order to be able to enjoy the estate, its wines and its surroundings.

Activities in Boschendal

There are many ways you can experience the winery. Wine tasting, vineyard tours or cellar tours are just as much a part of this as hiking or cycling tours through the wine fields. You can also ride through the farm in carriages. Those who are more sporty can also explore the winery on horseback. And if you prefer it quiet, there is wellness enjoyment in the spa. I particularly liked the gardens of Boschendal. The rose garden is definitely worth a visit. You can also stay overnight in Boschendal*.

 

 

Our tip: the wine picnics in Boschendal with a view of the vineyards in South Africa

Boschendal is known for its picnics. The South Africans love them too. It is therefore essential to reserve at least 24 hours in advance. There are even two picnic areas. These depend on the season. There are picnics in the rose garden. You receive a basket filled with specialties directly from the farm. You can then enjoy these delicacies at laid tables or on picnic blankets in the shade of old oak trees. At the Werf Farm Picnic it's more relaxed. There, guests bring their own blankets, tables and chairs. The food is in picnic baskets with products from the farm. You can hardly experience the South Africa wine region more beautifully.

Boschendal Estate

Pniel Road
Groot Drakenstein
Franschoek, 7690
South Africa

Website: www.boschendal.com
E-Mail: enquiries@boschendal.co.za
Wine tastings & pairings daily
Mo. - Sun. 10 am - 5 pm
Wed. - Sun. 11 am - 3 pm (Food pairings)

 

 

 

 

Paarl wine region in the interior of South Africa's wine-growing regions

The fourth wine region that I recommend to you is located northwest of Franschoek. The round rock domes that gave the place its name can be seen from afar. They reminded the first white people in the region of pearls. When Abraham Gabbema came to this area on October 22, 1657, it had recently rained. The rocky dome shone in the morning sun and reminded him of a pearl. And the place already had its name. You shouldn't miss the trip up these rocks, because at the top is the language monument Afrikaanse Taal Monument. From above you have a beautiful view of the wine region in the south and as far as Cape Town.

Nederburg Wines

The Nederburg winery in Paarl follows Boschendal in my ranking of the 5 best located wineries in South Africa. It is not that old, but with the year it was founded in 1791, it can also look back on a long winemaking tradition. Philippus Wolvaart and his wife Margaretha laid the foundation stone for the Nederburg winery. This is one of the wineries where cold fermentation has been introduced because the grapes have too much residual sweetness. This method was developed by Johann Graue, a brewer from Germany who bought the estate in 1937.

 

 

If you visit Nederburg you will see the manor house that Wolvaart completed in 1800. It is surrounded by the estate's vineyards and is used for events. There are wine tastings as well as a cellar tour. It is also one of the top 5 wineries in South Africa for me because of its view of the “pearl” of Paarl.

Nederburg Wines

Sonstraal Road
Daljosafat
Paarl

South Africa

Visitor Center and Old Cellar Museum

Mon - Fri: 9 am - 5 pm (May - Sept.)
Mon - Fri: 9 am - 6 pm (Oct. - Apr.)
Sa. & Su .: 10 am - 4 pm

cellar tours
Mon - Fri: 10.30 am & 3 pm
Sa. & Su .: 11 am

Nederburg is closed on the 1st Christmas Day, New Year and Good Friday.

 

 

This is my list of the 5 best located wineries in South Africa. However, there are numerous other wineries in the region that are worth exploring.

 

 

 

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Travel Arrangements

Parking at the airport

You can book your parking space at the airport here.

How to reach us

Compare and book flights here*. Various airlines fly to Cape Town. From there you will then take a car, as this is the only way you will be flexible enough to get to know the South African wine farms better.

Rental car

Cheap rental cars - book quickly and easily here

Accomodation

Book your accommodation here *

Camping

There are also a number of campsites around Stellenbosch's South African wine farms. A beautifully located campsite in Franschoek in the middle of the wine region is, for example, Franschoek Camping at La Motte Wine Farm & Restaurant, La Motte Station Rd, Heuwelsig Farm, Franschhoek, 7690. What you need for motorhome trips, you can also find it here. You can rent mobile homes here *. With our packing list for campers You'll never forget anything again.

 

 

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You can also find more here Travel tips for the wines and drinks of the world.

Source Wine Farms South Africa: On-site research. Our opinions definitely remain our own.

Updated on 30.05.2024

Text wine farms South Africa: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos wine farms South Africa: © Copyright Tourvital