December 13, 2022

Vineyards in South Africa: Which Ones Should I Visit?

South Africa is home to some of the world’s most renowned vineyards, producing some of the most sought-after wines. With a variety of climates and soil types, the country is able to produce a diverse range of wines, from fruity Sauvignon Blancs to full-bodied Shiraz. Whether you’re looking to explore the world of South African wines and take in the stunning countryside along the way, or are a true wine connoisseur looking to find that special bottle, take a look at our picks for the must-visit vineyards in South Africa.

We’ve detailed a total 14 of the best vineyards in South Africa – take a look through our ultimate guide to find out all you need to know.

Stark-Condé

The Jonkershoek Valley is home to the Stark-Condé winery, only 3 kilometres near the town of Stellenbosch. What was the tasting room is now a cafe linked to the winery itself. This is a family-run winery with a German father, Japanese-German daughter and Cuban-American husband co-owning. The family winemaking goes back to 1998 with a Cabernet Sauvignon. Cellar Master Jose Conde switched from graphic design to brewing, helped by soil that is perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon.

By 2013, his Old Mutual won him awards including Most Successful Producer in South Africa. The local terrain is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Syrah and Pinotage. Jose favours traditional techniques which means only 6000 cases are produced annually. There are three different brands: Three Blends, Field Blend, and the Postcard Series.

The land has high elevation, plenty of winter rainfalls and is located in a breezy valley, all conditions for the production of excellent grapes. The area is grown organically and is close to the Jonkershoek National Park which is a  Unesco World Heritage Site. The production is really back to basics with natural yeasts fermenting the pressed juice. Then the wines are aged for up to 22 months in French oak barrels to produce hand-crafted wine of much excellence. The Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of blackcurrant and red berries with hints of oak and spice.

Springfontein

The farmhouse at Springfontein is around 200 years old and is now a restaurant. It takes its name from  (Afrikaans: “Spring”) well (Afrikaans: “Fontein”) and was barely used for anything but small-scale farming. However, in 1996 Johst Weber came across the place that he thought would make a winery and purchased the farm. Now, Springfontein is a wine estate and produces wine that is both nationally and internationally recognised.

It was very much a family-run outfit, naming the company “Someeno” (= South-meets-North), and straight away set out to find the market potential for South African wine in Europe. While at first facing a multitude of difficulties by 2000, the first crop was produced and in 2004 the first vintage was bottled.

The business operated with only its own grapes producing the unique Springfontein Rim which today stands up to national and international excellence. The Springfontein Terroir Pinotage is described as: ‘Red fruits and berries on the nose with hints of wild herbs and savoury notes. On the palate, the wine has a medium body with well-structured, and well-rounded tannins, finishing off with a touch of earthy and spicy notes.

Delaire Graff

Here you will find 20 hectares of vineyards positioned on the slopes of Botmaskop Mountain where Bordeaux reds are grown and Chardonnay grapes. The product is so superb that it is listed in one of the Top 50 wineries by the World’s Best Vineyards and is proud to be first in Africa.

The Wine Lounge is luscious and includes some extremely beautiful fine art. The wine tasting here is tutored and benefits from the addition of gorgeous food platters. Some of the wines here are only available at Delaire Graff. And to top it all off there are astounding views across Simonsberg Mountain. Delaire Graff Botmaskop possesses ‘rich aromas of cassis and spice with intense liquorice and blackberry flavours on the palate and fine, lingering tannins.

Ataraxia Wines

Greek for “a serene state of mind, free from worry and preoccupation”, Ataraxia is truly at the top of its game. Known as The Skyfields in the exquisite Hemel-en-Aarde (Afrikaans for “heaven and earth”) and near to the coastal village of Hermanus, this is perfect wine-growing territory.

The product is described as possessing ‘ incredible finesse, balance and depth’. The weather here is mild and perfect for nurturing cooler climate-loving grapes and all this with some of the greatest soils known to man. Ataraxia‘s Sauvignon Blanc consists of a ‘cool-climate, alchemy-free unwooded white wine that celebrates the virtues of elegance, vivacity and finesse’. Most importantly, the Sauvignon Blanc grape is merely the chosen vehicle to express the free-draining Table Mountain Sandstone and Cape Granite soils on which the vines are planted.’

Gabriëlskloof

Here, you will find three ranges creating an impressive wine portfolio: Gabriëlskloof, Landscape and Projects Ranges. Together these present what such a unique terroir is capable of when farmed sustainably and matched with exacting winemaking.

Peter-Allan, winemaker comments: “We favour minimal intervention, only taking action where absolutely necessary. We believe this best reflects and expresses the terroir of the fantastic vineyards we work with. Our use of new oak is also kept to a minimum; when called for, we use only the lightest toast and finest grain French oak.”

They aim to produce fine wines that reflect the complexity, richness and diversity of the region. And there is an emphasis on being environmentally friendly in every way possible. So all work in the vineyard is done by hand and they have awards as Biodiversity and Wine Champions. This is also a family run business, also welcoming local residents to get involved.

Their Cabernet Franc is revealed as ‘a foody’s wine, spicy but clean and fresh at the same time with useful acidity, it works well with rich, succulent meaty dishes, lamb or pork shoulder (we had it with pulled pork shoulder), not overly seasoned sausage (like Lincolnshire) or bean casserole with paprika (unsmoked).’

La Vierge Wines

La Vierge Wines prides itself in being a lovingly crafted wine farm that has developed in both its vineyards and its name since its humble beginnings in a most picturesque corner of the world. Meaning ‘The Virgin’ in French, La Vierge is inspired by its environs of  Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Overberg region, which is also a great place to watch whales.

A visit here involves wine tasting while overlooking the very earth that the grapes are grown on. Throw in art, architecture and cuisine and you have an entirely sublime and unique experience. The grape harvesting is done by hand and the emphasis is on letting nature take its course. They explain: ‘The emphasis should be on the succulent & wonderful fruit – not the processes thereafter.’

Robertson Wine Valley

Here you will find a blend of wine tasting, superb food, local hospitality and some stunning scenery. You are invited to travel in a Safari vehicle to visit a range of wine and olive estates. You can partake in a whole host of activities from wine-tasting to trying out craft beer, whiskey or gin.

Pass through the enticing vineyards and astounding mountain vistas with the safari vehicle allowing you to hop on or hop off as you delight. At the town of McGregor, you can find some fascinating artists and craftsmen well away from the hubbub and crowds allowing you to chill and relax your time away.

You are also invited to ‘discover the story inside the bottle’ visiting wine estates in the beautiful Bonnievale and Robertson Wine Valley.

Robertson Winery released Shiraz and Chardonnay in 2004 to commemorate ten years of democracy in South Africa under the new constitution. It is described as: ‘rich interlaced aromas of citrus, buttered toast, marmalade and vanilla are prominent on the nose. Zesty acidity cuts the creamy texture on the palate followed by layers of citrus, pear and butterscotch that lingers on the finish.’

Leipzig Winery

Positioned perfectly in the Nuy Valley at the start of the exciting Route 62, Leipzig Country House and Winery offers the peace of nature. The food is tasty and relies on traditional recipes all from local produce. The adventures include mountain biking, wine tasting or taking the tractor out in the vineyards.

The whole ethos is one of family, with visitors invited to join in the communal living with a warm welcome. And remember this is a  200-year-old working wine farm with a value to uphold with some resplendence. Everything from freshly picked figs to the olive oil is made with love and tender care. And this spills over into the hospitality you will receive, a special and unique greeting.

The Leipzig Cabernet Sauvignon ‘exhibits the classic flavours associated with the cultivar, with notes of tobacco, leather, plums and dark berries.’

Hazendal Wine Estate

Only 30 minutes from Cape Town, Hazendal Wine Estate takes its place in the Stellenbosch winelands with culture, cuisine, golf and entertainment to boast global talents. The aim is to “create beautiful shared experiences” by celebrating difference as well as collectivism. Here, the customer is king and service is top-notch. The past of its heritage and the present of its outlook that then looks forward to the future.

Christoffel Hazenwinkel range is a perfect introduction to Hazendal’s output paying tribute to the founder of the estate. While  Hazendal Range has Bacchus as its emblem, the god of drunken debauchery. And  Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noir Cap Classiques are aimed at the connoisseur with its sparkling zeal.

The Chardonnay has ‘a nose that is complex, yet subtle and refined. Floral notes of elderflower and citrus blossom are followed by pineapple, mango, Cape gooseberry, fresh nutmeg, almond, vanilla, and honey. A medium-bodied wine with a refreshing acidity. Buttery brioche precedes a creamy texture with an enduring finish.’

Nederburg Wine Estate

Nederburg prides itself in the excellence of every bottle it produces. The Private Bin range is made from the cream of the crop resulting in exceptional vintages. Then the Heritage Heroes collection salutes the outstanding individuals who have formed Nederburg’s winning formula. The Winemasters range is the result of a bonding with nature to produce popular premium wines. While the Classic range is both food-friendly and fruity, treasuring the very nature of the grapes.

Nederburg goes back to 1791 as 49 hectares of land in the Paarl Valley. Since then, there have been generations of superb winemakers who make the place so sought after and truly special. You could pick one of many fine reserves such as the Double Barrel reserve which is described as ‘a silky-smooth Bordeaux-style red blend of skillfully selected noble varieties, led by Cabernet Sauvignon. Classically styled, full-bodied and food-friendly, each component of this velvety blend is first aged independently in oak before blending.’

Durbanville Hills

Located just 20 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, Durbanville Hills boasts beautiful vistas of Table Mountain and Table Bay. The terroir maintains constant temperatures for both cool and warmer climes: so this is great for both Sauvignon Blanc and red wines too. Winemaking here goes back to the 17^th century and now seven members share a cellar to produce some outstanding results.

The actual hills are really known as Tygerberg or “Leopard Mountain” going back to the mid-1600s where the settlers christened it Gevlekte Luipaartsberg (Spotted Leopard Mountain).

The state-of-the-art cellar is to be compared with any world-class rival and the modernity of the technique gives great value to the wine produced. This includes The Collector’s Reserve – is an entirely original range using only the premium grapes from Cape Town’s top quality vineyards all specially crafted by expert winemakers. And for those of us who are keeping an eye on our alcohol consumption there is the Durbanville Hills Light which has lower alcohol content whilst maintaining a delightful taste and flavour.

Avontuur Estate

Avontuur is particularly noteworthy for its situation between Stellenbosch and Somerset West where you can gaze across to the Helderberg Mountain Range as well as False Bay and Table Mountain. The estate produces two wine ranges – Methode Cap and Classique Brut – as well as the top quality  Estate Range and the limited edition Premiere Range, the very best class of wine available that year.

There are 3 white grape varietals, namely Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, as well as 7 red varietals, namely Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot. This comes from 17 hectares for the white and 34 for the red grapes. As well as award-winning vino Avontuur also breeds thoroughbred horses which add to the idyllic surroundings. For the connoisseur, there are wine pairings with biltong, chocolate cupcakes and even ice cream. As you would expect the hospitality is second to none and so many visitors report having a truly special and authentic experience.

Peter Bayly Wines

If you want to discover the magical world of Peter Bayly‘s winery start at the hamlet of Calitzdorp and follow a winding dirt road out of town and into the Groenfontein Valley. Eventually, you will come across signage depicting a fat golden flying pig and so you are at the winery. Seclusion may be a key to Bayly’s success and you will find  1.2 hectares of Touriga Naçional, Tinta Barroca and Souzão. The conditions here are ideal for producing brilliant fruit quality and the Bayly’s artisinal techniques makes their produce quite astonishing in both taste and flavour. The Peter Bayly III is described as ‘an elegant wine with low alcohol, good acidity, superb structure, great for accompanying hearty dishes and most importantly, a good glass to enjoy and share with friends, family or passers-by’. Here it is clearly the case that ‘dreams can come true’ and this is one reverie you won’t want to come out of.

Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate

Lola and Bernard Nicholls’ boutique winery at Mitre’s Edge is totally committed to delighting wine connoisseurs who relish the flavours and aromas of their carefully produced offerings. At the base of  Simonsberg Mountain, between Paarl and Stellenbosch, this is a beautiful setting to produce high-quality award-winning wines, admittedly in small quantities but all the better for it.

Their vineyards are planted with  Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot for hearty reds plus Chenin Blanc and Viognier to add some whites into the mix. Their classical manor house is the place for wine tastings to happen as well as the olde worlde cellar that exudes the heritage of wine. The annual crop is some 150 tons, with 80% sold to wine-producing cellars and the balance delivered to Mitre’s Edge’s boutique cellar, resulting in about 25 to 30 thousand bottles of boutique wine produced annually. They are proud of their sustainability and green farming techniques that have been internationally recognised.

Make the Most of Your Trip in South Africa by Hiring a Car

Whether you’re in South Africa for a holiday or otherwise, there is of course plenty to see across this stunning country, though make sure you stop off at a vineyard during your travels. South Africa is a massively vast country, and the best way to get around is to hire a car. Whether you’re coming in from Cape Town, Johannesburg or elsewhere, take a look at our car hire offers in South Africa to make your trip as hassle-free as possible (just make sure you’ve got a designated driver!)

Continue reading for further inspiration on South Africa:

• Cape Town the City of Table Mountain
• Top 10 Winter Sun Locations In The World