Tulbagh Wine Estates

Doolhof Wine Estate lies in a beautiful valley below the Bainskloof Pass and is surrounded by three dramatic mountain ranges. The award winning wines are available for tasting in the "old wagon house" which has been stylishly restored and captures the essence of understated elegance. Several well marked walks leading past the river, the vineyards, orange groves and fynbos rich areas allow visitors to enjoy magnificent views over the Estate. Light lunches and picnics are available.

Visit one of the most picturesque tasting rooms in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Situated in the incredibly scenic Paarl Valley, the Laborie Wine Estate is part of a small group of estate brandy producers. The location of the original 18th century pot still was traced through wide-ranging exploration. Today its modern equal is one of the many attractions of the tasting room. Along with pot still brandy, Laborie produces quality white, red, sparkling and fortified wines. Laborie is one of the first members of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative, an independent nature conservation initiative that promotes awareness of the Cape's unique fynbos floral kingdom. Conservation initiatives focus on preserving eco-sensitive vineyard areas and aid the re-establishment of fynbos. Laborie has set aside 10% of the total farm and has reclaimed certain mountainside vineyards for fynbos regeneration. Bordering Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, Laborie’s new fynbos areas attract many species of flora and fauna. Taillefer Street, Main Road, Paarl April to September opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00 Sundays 11:00 – 15:00 October to March opening hours: Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00 For more information please contact 021 807 3390 or email peinaaf@kwv.co.za.

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.

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.

Renowned for its exceptional wines, picturesque setting, historic buildings and rural atmosphere, La Motte is an enchanting destination for visitors to the Cape Winelands. In synchronization with the wine making process, the farm also cultivates flowers and produces ethereal oils.La Motte’s completely redesigned and refurbished tasting centre was unveiled late 2009 and has been praised for the inviting and friendly ambiance it creates for wine lovers. Seated at hand-made tasting tables or in comfortable sofas, visitors look through huge glass windows into the working maturation cellar.Visitors are able to sample La Motte’s range of award-winning wines amid original works of art by acclaimed South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, after whom La Motte’s range of premium wines is named.Knowledgeable staff will not only advise guests on current vintages but also some of the older vintages which can be tasted. Besides wine, guests can also purchase some of La Motte’s beautiful Disas which are available during flowering season.Tasting Room hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00, closed Sundays and Christian Public Holidays.

Solms-Delta offers a unique experience – far more than what you’d expect from a wine estate. Situated 15km outside Franschhoek in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this outstanding estate not only creates celebrated classical wines, it also offers a variety of highlights throughout the seasons. Visitors can picnic all year round in the enchanting forest, enjoy contemporary Cape cuisine at its renowned Fyndraai restaurant and be part of the annual harvest festival. A museum pays homage to the slaves who lived in the area and there are six special interest guided wine farm tours.Wine tasting at Solms-Delta wine estate is open seven days a week and takes place in the Museum van de Caab or under the oaks outside. The museum, which chronicles the social history of the 325-year old estate, is housed in the original wine cellar dating back to 1740.Enjoy a tasting of Solms-Delta and Solms-Astor wines and learn about the way they make their wines by taking one of the Farm Tours that include wine tasting. For more information or to book a tour call 021 874 3937.The tasting room for tasting and sales is open 9am to 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday and 9am to 5pm Sunday and Monday (closed December 25th and January 1st). Tasting is free for individuals. For groups of eight or more a R10 tasting fee per person is levied.

Situated against the Klein Dassenberg mountains, you will find this quaint boutique cellar with its unique character and layout due to its historic origin. Previously a fruit packing shed, the cellar dates back 150 years.The vineyards were first planted in 1994. In 2001 Miko Rwayitare bought the farm and became the first black African to own a wine farm in South Africa.The philosophy is simple, “keep it traditional”. Keeping it traditional allows all the wines to develop as mother nature intended, only when absolutely necessary does the winemaker step in and intervene. This philosophy allows Mont Rochelle to produce wines that are easy drinking, well structured and of high quality that will be fit for any occasion. Quality comes as second nature here and they strive to produce nothing but that.A farm where 16 of the 33 ha is under vine and features sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Included are small blocks of mouvedre, petit verdot, viognier and the newly grafted semillon.The vineyards are situated from 250m to 400m above sea level, which gives a wide range of micro climates.Mediterranean-like conditions found in the western cape means dry summers and high winter rainfalls of 1000mm. The Franschhoek valley also experiences the south-easter which also helps bring in cooler air allowing for a longer ripening period, lending a hand to more physiologically ripe fruit.The 150 year old wine cellar was previously used as a fruit packing shed for the early settlers. Since being converted to a traditional wine cellar they can now process close to 110 tons of grapes in a season, these smaller volumes afford more concentration on quality rather than quantity.Stainless steel tanks aid in the making of the crisp clean whites, while barrels are favoured for the red wine making. There is a winemaker on hand at all times to tend the needs of wine, and often he can be seen crouched in the corner tasting some of the previous vintage.Need to know? Cellar tours: 11h00, 12h30 and 15h00 during the week. For a private tour by the winemaker please make a reservation.Tasting hours:wine tasting is available daily from 09h30 to 18h00. Gourmet tastings:enjoy four of Mont Rochelle’s wines, paired by their chefs as a perfect companion to the daily changing dishes. The tasting staff will explain each pairing to you.

Steeped in history and dating from 1797, this beautiful Boutique Estate is a 'must-visit' destination in Franschhoek. Rickety Bridge offers great wines, superb picnics and light meals in summer and hearty meals in winter as well as luxury accommodation, all amid spectacular mountain views. Leave all your cares behind and cross the bridge for a truly memorable experience.Need to know? Rickety Bridge Wine Tasting Centre Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 19:00 (December - March), Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 (April - November), Sunday 10:00 - 17:00. Closed 25 December and 1 January.Tasting fee: R15.00 per person for five wines, refundable on a purchase of wine. Cellar Tours can be arranged by appointment.

The Franschhoek Valley is one of the top wine destinations in the world. It is here that the Maison Estate produces wines that are honed with skill, care and respect. Each vine is tenderly nurtured, each grape hand selected to give it that personal touch that is always home, always Maison. “While travelling is my passion, the comforting memory of a meal, of intimate moments shared with good friends over good wine, always draws me home.” This is Chris Weylandt’s inspiration behind the name Maison, the French word for house. “We make highly individual wines. We drink them with the people closest to us – and we love drinking them at home, where we can really explore the intimate character of each bottle,” says Weylandt. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 +27 (0) 21 876 2116 www.maisonestate.co.za

Chamonix is located in the rich wine-growing region of the Western Cape, tucked away deep in the Franschhoek Valley. Once a part of the historic La Cotte Farm, granted to the Huguenots in 1688, Chamonix today comprises 300 hectares. Today Chamonix is known for its award-winning wines, German-style Schnapps, Grappa and Spring Water, which can be tasted all year round, seven days a week at their wine tasting room in the Blacksmith’s Cottage. The quaint cottage was built in the 18th century and is decorated with antique saddles and horse memorabilia.Chamonix is known for internationally acclaimed wines, which include a Methode Cap Classique Sparkling Wine, Sauvignon Blanc (a Fume as well as an unwooded), Chardonnay (a cellar master barrel selection), Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux Blend (Troika). Their wines vary from other South African wines due to the advantage of having an altitude variation (250m to 450m). As a result, each variety is planted in optimal position to its suitable microclimate.Taste and purchase any Chamonix product daily from 9:30 am until 16:30 pm in the old Blacksmith’s Cottage.

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.

Glenwood is a very special place. Located in the little-known valley of Robertsvlei, a few kilometres from Franschhoek, the farm and winery are surrounded by aspects of outstanding natural beauty.In this unique environment, it was only natural to plant the very best vines, with cultivars matched to the specific terroir of the valley, and to use sustainable farming practices to produce the best possible quality wines. They have done exactly that over the past twenty years, winning viticultural awards in the process, and their wines are receiving widespread acclaim.All grapes are hand-picked in the early hours of the morning to preserve their natural fruitiness. The wines are fermented in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks using natural and other yeasts, before maturation and bottling. State-of-the art winemaking techniques and personal attention are producing outstanding quality cultivar wines.Glenwood’s Flagship is the Chardonnay Vigneron’s selection, barrel fermented and matured in new French barrels with only wild yeast. Winning numerous awards, this wine features outstanding fruit and oak integration with a lingering aftertaste of smokey peach.Wine Tasting Hours:Mondays to Fridays 11:00 & 16:00Saturdays and Sundays (September to April, excluding Christian religious public holidays) 11:00 & 15:00Closed on weekends from May to AugustJoin their popular cellar and vineyard tours daily at 11:00.

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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