The Best Wine Farms in Cape Town

This year marks 366 years of winemaking in Cape Town! Let’s explore the best wine farms in Cape Town, highlighting picnic spots, family-friendly locations, and well-loved restaurants. But first, how did Cape Town become a winemaking destination?

366 Years of Winemaking

The story of winemaking in Cape Town began in 1655 when Dutch navigator Jan van Riebeeck planted a vineyard. In 1659, the first wine from Cape grapes was made. From these humble beginnings, Cape Town has grown into a world-class wine region. It stands out due to the Cape’s fertile terroir, coastal landscapes, and passionate winemakers. A shining star in the New World wine scene, Cape Town wineries produce exceptional vintages that rival the wine world’s heavyweights.

The wine scene has further cemented Cape Town’s appeal as a top-tier, luxurious holiday destination, offering experiences like sipping award-winning wines amidst rolling vineyards under the warm African sun.

This blog will be your guide to some of the top wine farms in Cape Town, each offering a unique and luxurious experience.

Best Picnic Wine Farms in Cape Town

Picture this: a gourmet picnic basket overflowing with local cheeses, artisanal breads, and, of course, a bottle of perfectly chilled sauvignon blanc. These wine farms offer idyllic settings for a luxurious picnic experience:

Boschendal Wine Farm

Boschendal is a historic Stellenbosch wine farm with sprawling lawns and gourmet picnic offerings, perfect for a romantic afternoon or a relaxed family gathering. These Werf Picnic baskets are filled with seasonal produce. Think free-range roast chicken, a range of salads, pâté and other sumptuous spreads for bread, and dessert. There are vegetarian and kids’ picnic options.

Boschendal Wine Farm focuses on regenerative farming methods, grows a seasonal vegetable garden, has a robust composting programme, and embraces solar energy. This all forms an impressive base from which to produce the award-winning wines this farm is famous for.

Pricing: Standard and vegetarian baskets are available at R850 for 2 people and R450 for one; kids baskets (three to 12 years) are available at R250.

Spier Wine Farm

Beyond its award-winning wines, Spier boasts idyllic picnic spots. Lay down a blanket on the grassy slopes by the dam, open a bottle of Spier wine, and relax, enjoying the breathtaking panoramas.

The picnic baskets are seasonal, with many ingredients coming from the farm and local producers. Baskets include blankets, cutlery, glassware, and an ice bucket to ensure your wine stays chilled.

Pricing: Picnic baskets are R395 per person, and kids baskets (children under 12) are R180.

Best Child-Friendly Wine Farms in Cape Town

Luxury and family-friendly can absolutely coexist! These wine farms offer activities and amenities that will keep the little ones entertained while you savour the fruits of the vine:

Vergelegen

With its expansive gardens, a dedicated children’s play area, and a rich history, Vergelegen offers something for everyone. Here, the whole family will be enchanted by the array of gardens and forests. The Children’s Adventure Garden is the perfect place for families with little ones.

Choose one of the wine tastings to get to know the Vergelegen vintages and enjoy lunch at the bistro-style Sable restaurant. This family-friendly eatery impresses with fresh seafood as well as grills and salads. Wood-fired pizzas and burgers are also on offer.

Pricing: Wine tastings start at R85 for their Heritage range.

Morgenhof Wine Estate

Known for its relaxed atmosphere and open spaces, Morgenhof provides a welcoming environment for families. Morgenhof’s dedicated children’s area is the perfect space for families to relax and play.

The rolling vineyards and mountain vistas create a relaxing atmosphere for wine tasting. Guests can also enjoy a cellar wine tasting experience.

Pricing: You can purchase a wine tasting voucher on the Morgenhof website for R95.

Best Wine Farm Restaurants in Cape Town

While wine tasting is definitely a highlight of a wine farm visit, the on-site eateries should never be overlooked. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey at these exceptional wine farm restaurants:

Rust en Vrede

Savour award-winning wines paired with exquisite cuisine at this Stellenbosch icon. The restaurant, located in the estate’s original cellar, offers relaxed fine dining. Expect French cuisine with added Brazilian and Italian touches. Elevate your dining experience with expertly paired wines.

Pricing: R120 for wine tasting. The six-course menu is R1,190; the added wine pairing is R990.

Tokara Restaurant

This renowned Stellenbosch restaurant offers innovative dishes alongside sweeping views of Stellenbosch and False Bay, complemented by William Kentridge tapestries. Be sure to sample their award-winning cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc wines. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with dishes focusing on home-grown vegetables and seasonal ingredients.

Pricing: The five-course dinner menu is R950 per person; wine pairing is R650 per person.

Ernie Els Wine Farm

Hearty, farm-style cuisine reigns supreme at this Stellenbosch wine farm. Wine bottle décor, exposed brick, and wooden finishes create a warm and inviting atmosphere.The outdoor area is ideal for al fresco dining in the summer, with views of the estate and mountains. The Tasting Room offers visitors a variety of wine tastings, including a canapé pairing.

Pricing: The Player’s Wine Tasting is R185 per person, the Major Wine Tasting is R265 per person, and the Signature Canapé Tasting is R395 per person.

More Must-Visit Wine Farms in Cape Town

No trip to the Cape Winelands is complete without visiting these Constantia wine farms:

• Groot Constantia, one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, where you can enjoy picnics under ancient oak trees. Wine tasting is R155 per person and chocolate and wine pairing is R230 per person.
• Klein Constantia, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Constantia Valley as well as delicious sauvignon blancs. Wine tasting is R250 per person, and booking in advance is advised.
• Buitenverwachting, where you can purchase a bottle of award-winning wine before relaxing on the picturesque grounds to enjoy. Wine tasting is R100 per person.

A Toast to Cape Town: 366 Years of Winemaking Excellence

Whether you want to spend the afternoon learning the intricacies of Cape Town winemaking in a wine cellar, relax outdoors for a wine tasting and then picnic, or bring your family for a day out, Cape Town’s wine farms won’t disappoint.

Over the past 366 years, the Cape Winelands have evolved into a world-class wine destination for holidaymakers and oenophiles alike. We’re excited to see Cape Town continue to develop and cement its place as one of the best winemaking regions in the world.