Constantia Wine Estates

Situated on the foothills of Steenberg Mountains after which it is named, this historic estate is the oldest wine farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, one of South Africa's premier wine growing regions. Steenberg is the southern-most wine farm in the Constantia Valley, the vines benefiting greatly from the cooling influence of summer sea breezes from nearby False Bay. Vineyards have been planted with a number of cultivars chosen to suit the soils, microclimate and altitude of the slopes of Steenberg. These include their flagship cultivar Sauvignon Blanc as well as Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Nebbiolo. Their most renowned wines, Sauvignon Blanc Reserve and Catharina’s, a red Bordeaux blend named after the founder of Steenberg, have won many awards under the expertise of winemaker John Loubser. The state-of-the-art cellar has the capacity to produce around 70 000 cases. A major feature of the cellar is the vinotheque, where bottled wines are kept under ideal conditions until ready to be enjoyed. Need to know? The wine tasting room is open seven days a week from 10:00 – 16:15.

Tucked just below the entrance to Chapman's Peak, Cape Point Vineyards is worth a visit. The enormous tasting room is sumptuously furnished with comfy couches, polished tables, a giant a 300-year old tapestry and crystal chandelier. Knowledgeable staff carry out the various wine sampling menus with great poise – try their award-winning flagship or premium tastings with a cheese platter of handcrafted Camembert, Huguenot, Gorgonzola, Mont Vere and Emmentaler.

Bloemendal Wine Estate is situated in the heart of the picturesque Durbanville Wine Route, producing top quality grapes for the wine industry in the region. The estate is known for its multiple award-winning Bloemendal Sauvignon Blanc, "Suider Terras". Other notables include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Semillon, Natural Sweet, Chardonnay, Pinotage, and Bloemenblanc. Bloemendal is also home to some of the best festivals and concerts in Cape Town. Festivals to diarise include Feast of the Grape in March, Oyster and Champagne Festival over Easter, Soup Sip and Bread in June, Spring Fest in September, Seasons of Sauvignon in October, and the Table Mountain Blues Summit in November.

This lovely little boutique winery is situated just outside Durbanville. Personal attention is the motto of the tiny vineyard of Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo and Viognier on Kronendal smallholding. Magdaleen’s Rhône blend is named “Mirari”, Latin for "to wonder at" – in honour of passionate friends and family members who assist with each harvest. Westerdale Road, Durbanville, Cape Town Closed Sundays, call before visiting – Magdaleen Kroon 082 499 0198

The tale of Meerendal's wine started in 1702 in the fertile slopes of the Tygerberg Hills. Today the legend continues with visiting families and friends enjoying superb wine and food. Meerendal’s award-winning wines are lovingly created by cellar-master Liza Goodwin. Hand-tended vineyards are planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Gorgeous panoramic views over the vineyards and Boland Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for special occasions and Meerendal has become a favourite venue for weddings, launches, private functions, meetings and events. +27 (0) 21 975 1655 Vissershok Road, Durbanville, Cape Town. Cellar Tastings and Sales: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 to 18:00 (Sun until 17:00).

Wine, food, art, culture, nature and conservation Spier is more than an innovative and iconic destination. It is a place of hope that delivers experiences that rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Visitors to the estate are given a sensory encounter – here you can see, smell, hear, feel and taste a variety of unexpected experiences.Situated in the heart of South Africa's Cape Winelands, Spier Wines produce award-winning wines that have won global recognition. Guests and visitors can experience the art of fine wine through tasting opportunities.Spier has long believed that the arts have a crucial role to play in the African Renaissance as art, in all its forms, has the power to transform societies. As such, Spier launched the Spier Arts Summer Season 11 years ago as a way to express their passion for the arts.A fine collection of African art is showcased throughout the estate. It draws guests into exploring the vibrancy, energy and life of the diverse heritage of the Cape and the African continent, embodying multiple cultures and traditions. Visitors can absorb the power of this collection with ease as they stroll around Spier.The fabric of Spier's rich history was created out of a journey that began in 1692 and has been embroidered for over three centuries. The original Manor House and slave bell, as well as the oldest dated wine cellar in South Africa, have been impeccably restored for future generations to stay in touch with the past.Take a stroll through the lovely estate. There are walks through the rose gardens at the back of Moyo, by the riverside, by the lakeside. There is an abundance of birdlife on the estate for bird watchers and the opportunity to roam around freely. Take a walk to the Africa Centre meeting spaces on the south bank, or visit their nursery where plants are propagated to landscape the gardens or check out the Adobe brick-making works.Need to know? Spier Wine Shop is open seven days a week from 09h00 to 17h00.Tastings between 10h00 and 16h30.

LovanE is one of the smallest wine estates near Stellenbosch, producing 20 000 bottles of wine per year. Situated in the picturesque Polkadraai Hills, its famous neighbours are Neethlingshof Wine Estate and Overgaauw Wine Estate. Vineyard plantings consist of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Their first wine was produced in 2006. Wine tasting times: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00. Closed on Public Holidays.

Situated in Stellenboschkloof and flanked by the Bottelary Hills and Papegaaiberg Mountain, Neethlingshof is just outside Stellenbosch and is well worth a visit. Driving up the imposing stone pine avenue, a stunning vista unfolds complete with pristine Cape Dutch buildings, rolling green vineyards and a cosy cellar where the full range of wines may be tasted and purchased. Wine Tasting and Sales: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 16:00. The estate closes two hours later in the summer months. Individual and group tastings are available for a fee. Charge for cellar tours – prior booking is required. For estate tours, contact Katrin Cross on +27 (0) 21 883 8988.

Situated on the slopes of the Papegaaiberg, Oude Libertas overlooks the magnificent Stellenbosch mountain range. Here you can experience three centuries of Cape hospitality under the ancient oak trees with views that stretch over the surrounding scenery and vineyards. Every Saturday morning the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market is hosted in the amphitheatre. Here truly organic suppliers and shoppers get together in a laid back atmosphere to do their trading and often share lazy breakfasts together. Facilities at Oude Libertas include an amphitheatre, restaurant, wine tasting centre, and event and conference facilities.

Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is one of the oldest working wine farms in South Africa. This gorgeous wine farm is situated 50 km from Cape Town and 4 km south of Stellenbosch on the R44 Stellenbosch Wine Route. Visitors are welcome to taste a variety of wines from their Vineyard, Cultivar and Landau selections ranging from Bordeaux blends, varietals to unique red dessert wines. Their flagship wines are the Zinfandel Trio – Red, White and Noble Late Harvest. Open Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00, Sunday 09:00 – 16:00.

Named after its dramatic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, the estate is ideally situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s premier wine region, 45 km east of Cape Town. Celebrating four decades of quality winemaking through innovation, Simonsig Estate, remains as dedicated about wine excellence as they are passionate about the tradition of wine enjoyment.A legendary landmark, Simonsig is one of the country’s most awarded cellars, fostering acclaimed accomplishments including South Africa’s Top Shiraz, Woman Winemaker of the Year 2005 and four ABSA Top Ten Pinotage triumphs. A visit to this unique working cellar, enhanced by daily wine tastings, its newly launched Cuvée restaurant and true Stellenbosch hospitality, make for an authentic wine experience.As founder member of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Simonsig enjoys widespread popularity, receiving thousands of visitors. In winter a cosy fire welcomes you to the tasting room, which is managed by the irrepressible Maureen Basson. A cool, shady veranda and flutes of ice cold Kaapse Vonkel await you in summer. Informative tastings, cellar tours and a ceremonial sabrage make for a memorable visit.Need to know? Tasting & Wine Sales: Monday to Friday 08h30 to 17h00, Saturdays and Public Holidays 08h30 to 16h00. Cellar tours: Monday to Friday 10h00 & 15h00, Saturdays 10h00. Closed Sunday, Easter Fri, Dec 25 & Jan 1.

Morgenster Estate is a thriving olive and wine farm, producing Bordeaux-style wines and award-winning extra virgin olive oil and olive products. The vineyard specialises in four red wine cultivars and our forte is blending. More recently, this winery has also planted small quantities of Italian varieties Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. Morgenster has a host of olive products from the olives themselves to extra virgin olive oil and olive pastes for sale. The olive farm was named "Mill of the Year 2007" – the highest credential for olive producers.

Officially part of the Helderberg Wine Route, Vergelegen is undeniably the best reason to visit the town of Somerset West. Not only are the Cape Dutch buildings national treasures, but the estate produces a range of South Africa's best wines.A notorious history precedes the grandiose estate, primarily built by Dutch East India Company slaves brought by the governor Simon van der Stel. Today the farm is owned by a subsidiary of the large mining company Anglo American, who restored the farmhouse to its original magnificence.Stroll through the massive grounds planted with chestnut and camphor trees. Beautiful ponds and streams make this one of the most tranquil places to picnic or chill out in. The interpretative centre provides an interesting overview of the history and environment of Vergelegen.Open daily 9:30am – 4pmLady Phillips Restaurant: 021 847 1346.

Steeped in early Cape history, Muratie is one of the most authentic treasures of the Cape Winelands. This working wine farm in the Stellenbosch wine region offers an experience of farm life against a backdrop of grandiose views of Simonsberg and Table Mountain. Enormous shady old oak trees line the grounds and set the stage for what lies inside the historic buildings. The old fermentation tanks in the cellar are characterised by tartaric encrusted walls, old carpets, wooden furniture and original art. This is where you will find honest farm food, good wine and great company. Muratie’s wines, in the words of the late Ronnie Melck, are ‘humble, honest and full of integrity, with quality being the only answer’. Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 Closed Good Friday & Christmas Cellar tours daily at 10:30 & 14:30.

Lourensford Estate offers a lot more than just wine – you can embark on a unique sensory and tasting experience. Nibble delicious nougat, chomp truffles and over 40 different types of chocolates or eyeball, sniff and sip at the wine tasting and more. There’s also a world class cheesery, coffee roastery, charming River Garden Deli & Eatery as well as an art gallery. At Lourensford there’s something for every connoisseur.

The West Coast village of Darling – only one hour’s drive from Cape Town – is home to artists, actors, retired financiers, farmers and other interesting people (Cloof proprietors count themselves amongst those).Even if the region geographically and demographically is more than a little off-centre, Darling’s annual wild flower show – showcasing a selection of the 1 200 flowering species to be found here – makes it the focal point of the Cape Floral Kingdom.Cloof Vineyards, situated on the eastern slopes of Dassenberg, 70 kilometres north of Cape Town, are surrounded by wheat fields. In winter the most brilliant of greens, these fields ripen in early summer to earthy golden when the vineyards have burst into vibrant green leaf.Late in 2006 Cloof were named Champions under the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, in recognition of the steps they’ve taken to conserve pristine natural vegetation, and to rehabilitate previously cultivated areas. The programme also sets extremely strict standards in terms of the potential environmental impact of vineyard and cellar activities.Darling’s unique combination of soils and climate give rise to the trademark bold-flavoured richness of Cloof wines, which ultimately is the real reason for visiting Cloof.Their passion for bold, well-defined flavours is expressed also in various food events at Cloof. Celebrating the best of country produce and simplicity in preparation, their wines are considered as being the ideal complement.Afrikaans has a word, gesellig, which best describes the happy mood that settles on a group when hospitality, good company, wine and food are brought together. That is the Cloof life and you are invited to share it with them.Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm

Groote Post is a beautiful historic wine farm dating back to 1706, situated in the Darling area on the West Coast. Many of the buildings (including the Manor House and cellar) are National Monuments. Part of a family owned, 4 000 hectare working farm the winery produces award winning wines (Double Gold Veritas for Shiraz 2004 and Gold for Sauvignon Blanc 2007).The farm incorporates a game camp, offering game drives and a bird hide. The views of the Atlantic Coast and Table Mountain are spectacular. The restaurant (housed in the Manor House) is very popular preparing modern country cuisine daily.In Spring the farm is covered in wild flowers. Along with these attractions the compelling feature of the farm is its membership of the Biodiversity Wine Initiative with a commitment made to preserving thousands of hectares of endangered fynbos.Need to know? Opening Hours Monday to Friday: 09h00 - 17h00, Saturday to Sunday: 10h00 - 14h30, Public Holidays: 10h00 - 16h00. Closed: Easter Friday, Christmas and New Years Day. Tasting fee: R15 per person for groups of 10 or more people.

Vrede en Lust offers a Cape Winelands experience unlike any other. Here you can enjoy everything from award winning wines, historic Cape Dutch architecture, undulating vineyards, breathtaking scenery and world class facilities.Taste award winning wines by winemaker Susan Wessels (Erasmus) in the Vrede en Lust Tasting Room. Open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.Cotage Fromage Country Restaurant, Deli & Bakery is open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm.Vrede en Lust is also one of the most desired destinations for weddings, lavish birthday parties, high profile product launches, conferences and corporate events.

The huge, sprawling Boschendal Wine Estate outside Stellenbosch is one of the oldest wine producers in the New World with a French viticulture heritage dating back to 1685. Experience Boschendal's wide range of exquisite wines by visiting the Wine Tasting Centre, situated in the oldest building on the property. Here you can taste and buy wines under the shade of the huge oak tree. Don’t miss the Exhibition Vineyard and Cellar where you can find out how the Boschendal vineyard operates and explore their state of the art cellar. The impressive Manor House is definitely worth a visit if you want to see an outstanding example of Cape Dutch architecture. Built in 1812, it is one of the few authentically furnished farmhouses open to the public at the Cape. And if all that wine tasting and exploring has given you a rumbling tummy, then choose from one of Boschendal's three world-renowned dining experiences. Visit the newly renovated Boschendal Restaurant that serves delicious, extensive Cape-French buffet luncheons, seven days a week. If the weather is fine then treat yourself to Le Pique Nique - an elegant French-style picnic beneath the fragrant pines. For light lunches and teas served under shady oak trees head straight to Le Café.

When owners Elke and Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin originally bought the farm, they invested substantially in staff, infrastructure and cellar technology to create a world-class winery that today produces an acclaimed range of wines. The red wines, with aromas of juicy dark berries such as blackberries and plums, are typically accompanied by spicy notes and pleasant mineral components. Allowed to develop in American and French oak barrels for a year, the reds are characterised by powerful tannins to ensure an opulent finish. In contrast, the white wines surprise with their refreshing, fine acidity and aromas of peaches and tropical fruits and they are fermented in stainless-steel tanks for nine months.Visitors to Allée Bleue may enjoy a wine tasting either in the delightfully relaxed courtyard of the Tasting Centre – conveniently located at the entrance to the Estate or by special arrangement with the winemaker. Alternatively, Bistro Allée Bleue, the Estate’s stylishly appointed restaurant set in a restored Cape Dutch building opposite the Tasting Centre, is the perfect setting in which to enjoy any of the Estate’s delicious wines either by the glass or by the bottle at cellar-door prices.