13 BEST Stellenbosch Wineries To Visit In 2024 By A Local

By Richard Hoskisson – 20 June 2024

Looking for the best Stellenbosch Wineries? I’ve got your ultimate list!

I have been visiting South Africa for over 20 years. Being married to a South African whose family and friends live in and around Cape Town, mean that we visit the region several times a year. Visiting the wineries of the Western Cape is up there as one of our favourite things to do whenever we are in South Africa.

South Africa has a rich and vibrant wine scene and Stellenbosch is at the very heart of the South African industry. These ‘New World’ wines are amongst some of the best in the world.

I have done the hard research and planning for you so that you can simply choose from the 13 Stellenbosch wineries listed below that I come back to time and again.

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13 BEST Stellenbosch Wineries

In the list below I have picked my favourites that are all found within the areas of Simonsberg, Pniel and Helshoogte – (numbers 1-9). It is easy to navigate between these wineries.

Additionally I have chosen 4 more (numbers 10-13) that offer a great experience in Stellenbosch, though not all located in the same area.

I personally feel that these Stellenbosch wineries offer the best experience and variety of wines for tasting. The scenery and ambiance of these estates make for a wonderfully dramatic day out.

Numbers 1-9 are in order starting at the furthest point from Stellenbosch (Babylonstoren). Then travelling back towards Stellenbosch through Pniel and Hellshoogte you will find each winery every few kilometres. Your itinerary will be simple to plan using my guide below.

⚠️ Please note that all prices listed for wine tasting are current for 2024.

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1. Babylonstoren

For a ‘big’ experience you cannot go wrong with a day out at Babylonstoren. As one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, this estate is exceptional. One can spend hours wondering the gardens. Moreover, choose from one of its superb eateries or even stay the night at its Farm Hotel. Babylonstoren must be at the top of your list for a visit to the Stellenbosch wineries.

The restaurant of Babel has a ‘farm to fork’ philosophy. Serving seasonal food, predominantly grown on the farm or sourced locally and set in the old cow shed. Reservations in advance are essential and can be made by clicking here.

A great alternative for a bite to eat is The Greenhouse, which is a more casual eatery. It is easier to secure a table here without a reservation.

There is a charge of R100 per person for entry to the Babylonstoren estate. You can download their Babylonstoren App to plan your visit in advance.

💡 Insider Tip – Babylonstoren has an outstanding farm shop. If you are staying in a self-catering accommodation, I recommend placing an order with them. Their online store offers next day delivery to Cape Town and its surrounding areas. They even offer next day delivery as far away as Johannesburg.

Wine Tasting

Adjacent to the wine cellar, the tasting room in Babylonstoren is a beautiful modern glass building set amongst the vines.

Wine tasting prices are as follows;

• R160 – Seven wines from the Babylonstoren range | Candide Blend, Chenin Blanc, Mourvèdre Rosé, Viognier, Babel Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
• R65 – Express tasting | Chenin Blanc, Mourvèdre Rosé & Babel Red
• R60 – White Wine Tasting | Candide Blend, Chenin Blanc, Viognier
• R85 Red Wine Tasting | Babel Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

From my experience tastings are very flexible and the staff working here are so knowledgeable. Opt for one of their divine platters to accompany the tasting.

A wine cellar tour is also possible for R465 per person. Advance booking is required.

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2. Noble Hill

Adjacent to Babylonstoren, this smaller neighbour is often overlooked. Set in the foothills of the Simonsberg mountains where wine has been produced for over 300 years, their wines are delicate and fresh with a mineral structure.

Noble Hill is open daily from 9am until 5:00pm – the last wine tasting begins at 4:30pm. No advanced booking is required for wine tasting.

For superb Spanish/Mexican food reserve in advance at the Cosecha restaurant.

The restaurant is open from Wednesday until Sunday between 9am and 5pm.

💡 Insider Tip – Try the Fish Tacos 🌮 – the best I have tasted outside of North America.

Wine Tasting

Their tasting room is casual and I like the simplicity of the place.

• R80 – Estate Tasting – 5 wines (one charge waived for each R400 spent)
• R100 – Reserve Tasting – Try the Estate Reserves (Red and White) and Méthode Cap Classique
• R189 – Cheese board – Dalewood cheese board with mushroom pâté and lavash crackers

As a smaller wine farm, there is flexibility in the tasting. If you are going to buy a particular wine, you will most likely be allowed to sample the wine without doing a formal tasting. Don’t be afraid to ask to try just a sample of a particular wine that interests you.

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3. Rupert & Rothschild

A visit here is truly an upmarket treat. With a winemaking history rooted in France from the 1800s, Baron Edmond de Rothschild acquired the estate in 1997 along with the late Dr Anton Rupert. This successful partnership married together two heritages, cultures, countries and dreams of South Africa and France.

Wine tastings and sales run between 10am and 4:30pm during the week and until 4pm at the weekends. As mentioned earlier, advance booking is required. However, if you would like to visit just to view the estate, you will be welcomed and allowed to roam freely in the gardens.

The Rupert and Rothschild restaurant is open from Wednesday – Sunday each week and offers a fine dining experience combining the culinary delights of France and South Africa. Reservations several days in advance are required.

💡 Insider Tip – When I was there I asked about their options for vegetarians; they can adapt their menu to your requirements. However, do mention in advance when making a reservation of your dietary requirements if you are not a meat eater.

Wine Tasting

The tasting prices are a little different here to other wineries – tasting is paid per sample. They only offer one white wine from South Africa since their production is mainly focused on red wines.

• R35 – white wine – Baroness Nadine Chardonnay
• R30 – R60 – red wines (South African and French)
• R90 – R100 – French champagnes

Advance booking is required for the tasting, which can be done here.

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4. Vrede en Lust

Located directly on the tram line from Franschhoek, Vrede en Lust is a popular stop. (On my last visit in May 2024, I was there at 10am and it was already quite busy in the tasting room).

I have placed Vrede en Lust in my top list because of their position on sustainability, a leader amongst the Stellenbosch wineries. In 2013 they installed over 1000 solar panels on the estate. Consequently the farm runs completely independently of the national grid during sunlight hours. This has cut their carbon footprint by half. A first for South Africa.

The tasting room is open Monday to Sunday – 10am to 5pm (last tastings poured 4:30pm).

The Lust Bistro and Bakery is a great stop early morning for a lovely breakfast or a casual lunch. If you fancy something more special the Savoye restaurant is open all week. Reservations in advance are essential and can be made here.

Wine Tasting

For groups of less than 8 people, advance booking is not required.

• R90.00 Premium Tasting – five pre-selected wines
• R120.00 Black Label Tasting – 5 pre-selected Flagship wines

A nice alternative that you may not find elsewhere is that you can also pair your tasting with Dalewood cheeses or Swiss Lindt Chocolates.

💡 Insider Tip – the tasting fee is waived with a purchase of R300 of Premium wines and R600 of Black Label wines. Always ask for the tasting fee to be waived for all guests if buying in bulk.

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5. Boschendal

Another of my favourite, larger estates, Boschendal is where you could spend several hours. Established in 1685, Boschendal is one of South Africa’s oldest wineries. With a rich history, including ownership by Cecil John Rhodes, Boschendal was fully renovated and opened to the public in 1976. Bonschedal is one of the most visited wine farms of the Stellenbosch wineries. After a visit there you will see why.

Boschendal is a resort style winery with restaurants, hotel rooms a farm shop and trails for mountain biking and horse riding.

Boschendal is Open for Wine Tastings & Sales from Monday – Sunday
10am – 5:30pm (last seating at 5pm).

Werf restaurant has a ‘soil to fork’ philosophy, serving only produce sourced on the farm or locally. With a terrace overlooking the gardens, it is a beautiful setting. Advance booking is usually necessary – click here to book.

My favourite at Boschendal is to take one of the Werf Picnic baskets and relax on the estate under the oak trees. Savouring their cheeses, preserves and breads with a chilled bottle of MCC Brut Rosé is an idyllic afternoon. Again advance booking is advisable – click here to reserve your picnic basket.

The Deli Restaurant and Farm Shop offer more informal dining options. The Boschendal Farm Shop also has an incredible online store with delivery available across the Western Cape; a great option if self-catering in the area.

Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is offered at two location on the estate; Werf restaurant (turn left when you enter from the road) or at the Cellar Door (turn right when you enter). Both are superb, however I prefer the cellar door, sitting below the magnificent oak trees taking in the Cape Dutch architecture and the magnificent mountains of Simonsberg in the distance.

Tasting prices are the same at The Cellar Door and Werf Restaurant and are as follows;

• R150 – 1685 Range Tasting 1685 Sauvignon Blanc | 1685 Chenin Blanc | 1685 Chardonnay | 1685 Merlot | 1685 Shiraz | 1685 Pinotage
• R200 – White Wine Tasting | Chardonnay Pinot Noir | Elgin Sauvignon Blanc | Suzanne | Elgin Chardonnay
• R200 – Red Wine Tasting | Nicolas | Black Angus | Elgin Merlot | Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon
• R200 – MCC Tasting |Brut NV | Brut Rosé NV | Demi Sec NV | Grande Cuvée Brut

💡 Insider Tip – The MCC tasting is a real treat and I thoroughly recommend opting for that tasting menu at Boschendal.

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6. Rainbow’s End

This is my favourite ‘off the beaten track’ winery. Follow the signs from the main road towards Stellenbosch from Pniel and you will not be disappointed. With high-quality wines, unforgettable views and exceptional service, you will not be disappointed. I strongly recommend adding Rainbow’s End to your list. Even my local South African friends that I recommended this winery to were blown away.

With only 23 hectares of land this is a small scale enterprise focusing on high quality wines and exports of the South African national flower – the King Protea.

Rainbow’s End is a few kilometres off the main road and in a spectacular setting. The drive up there is a highlight of the experience.

Whilst they do not have a restaurant at Rainbow’s End, they will prepare cheese and charcuterie platters to accompany your wine tasting experience.

No advance booking is necessary and Rainbow’s End is open daily from 09:00 until 17:30 (slightly later during Summer weekends).

💡 Insider Tip – Pick up a beautiful bunch of Proteas to brighten up your Airbnb for around R60.

Wine Tasting

Fennel, who is usually on duty in the tasting room is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his wines. He always takes the time to get to know his clients, in fact, the last time I visited he remembered what my preferred wine was from my previous visit. Obviously, this is a man who cares deeply about his profession.

• R150 tasting fee for 5 wines, waived upon purchase of R450.

Do note that all their wines are usually available for tasting – even the more premium ones.

At weekends, during the summer months, the tasting room is open until around 7pm. Having sundowners as the mountains in the valley before you dramatically change colour with the departing sun is one of my most memorable South African experiences.

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7. Tokara

Tokara is a beautifully designed and landscaped winery. Set amongst vineyards and olive groves, a wander through the gardens to marvel at the sculptures is an experience. It is no wonder that Tokara has been popular with tourists and locals for years.

The tasting room at Tokara is open daily from 10am to 6pm, last tasting is at 5:30pm.

Tokara has a lovely family friendly bistro – The Delicatessen. With a selection of hearty options for young and old, this is the perfect venue for a day out with the kids. A kids’ playground also means you can enjoy some food and a glass of wine whilst the children play in safety. Note that the Deli is closed on Monday.

At the Tokara Restaurant, award winning South African chef, Carolize Coetzee has crafted menus for each season. Offering lunch and dinner menus, in a setting with stunning views over Stellenbosch and False Bay, it is easy to see why this continues to rank as one of the best. Reservations in advance are essential and can be made here. The restaurant opens from Wednesday to Sunday each week.

Wine Tasting

The tasting lounge has stunning views over False Bay towards Table Mountain. Tokara has a vast array of wines and one can also sample their XO Potstill Brandy.

Tasting is charged by the glass at Tokara and prices are as follows;

• R100 – Flagship Tasting
• R150 – Reserve Tasting
• R140 – Premium Tasting

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8. Delaire Graff

A stone’s throw from Tokara is the ultra swanky winery of Delaire Graff. Acquired in 2003 by Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International, opulence abounds inside this estate.

Delaire is open daily between 10m and 5:30pm with the last seating at 5pm. The tasting room closes half an hour earlier on Sundays.

For something completely different, Hôseki restaurant is a Japanese contemporary restaurant. They offer a sushi-tasting menu or an Eight-Course Omakase Tasting Experience, with an optional wine or sake pairing curated by their sommelier to complement your experience. A truly exceptional experience. Hôseki is open daily for lunch and dinner.

💡 Insider Tip – Spend some time touring the botanical gardens which showcase Laurence Graff’s personal collection of works of art by South Africa’s finest contemporary artists.

Wine Tasting

The Tasting Room at Delaire is beautifully appointed with stunning views across the Simonsberg mountains. Reservations for wine tasting are not necessary.

Explore your choice of wines from the Delaire Graff Luxury & Premium ranges.

• R 120 – 3 wines
• R 160 – 4 wines
• R 220 – 5 wines
• R200 – Red Wine Selection (4 wines)
• R200 – Icon Wine Tasting (2 wines)

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9. Glenelly

Dating back to 1682 Glenelly was established by French Huguenot, Francois Villion. In 2003, the estate was acquired by May de Lencquesaing, who comes from a renowned wine-making family in Bordeaux, France. Her immediate goal was to replace existing fruit trees with vines in order to create a winery that supported local economics and the local community.

At the age of 99, Madame de Lencquesaing maintains ownership of the estate.

The tasting room at Glenelly is open Tuesdays – Saturdays between 10am– 5pm and Sundays between 10am – 3pm.

The Vine Bistro is a stunning restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Open for dinner serving classic French bistro food with a modern twist and distinctive, award-winning wines from Glenelly Estate, a lunch or dinner here will not disappoint. As always, advance booking is recommended.

Wine Tasting

The tasting room of the winery overlooks the lower slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. The last time I visited in May 2024, we were the only guests and enjoyed a super tasting experience.

• R100 – 4 Wines – The Glass Collection Tasting
• R200 – 4 Wines – The Premium Tasting

💡 Insider Tip – Take the Premium Tasting option as the Lady May 2018 and 2019 signature wines are included. These are exceptional red wines.

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10. Uva Mira

Off the beaten track and located at the top of Stellenbosch’s hidden valley, Uva Mira (Hidden Grape) is a gem that will not disappoint. As high as 620 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain Range, you will have spectacular views towards False Bay and Table Bay.

As I mentioned earlier, Uva Mira is in a different area of Stellenbosch to the other wineries in my top 10. (There are other wineries in Hidden Valley that are worthy of a visit). However, a trip out here is really a treat, simply for the view and their exquisite wines.

Uva Mira is open daily from 10am until 6pm.

💡 Insider Tip – Uva Mira does not have a restaurant, so if heading out this way and in need of lunch, The Deck at Hidden Valley Wines offer hearty options.

Wine Tasting

Whilst the wine tasting here is more expensive of the Stellenbosch wineries, for pure luxury, it is worth splashing out for the Icon tasting option.

• R225 – The Mira Collection Tasting -featuring all six wines from The Mira Collection
• R650 – The Icon Tasting – featuring all six wines from The Icon Collection
• R850 – The Icon Tasting – featuring all six wines from The Icon Collection plus a curated individual cheese board.

As in many of the wineries, charcuterie and cheese platters can be arranged to accompany your tasting experience.

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11. Hidden Valley Wines

I love visiting here because The Deck overlooking the lake is so picturesque. Good value food and wine makes Hidden Valley a great complement to a visit to the more upmarket Uva Mira – (they are located close to one another).

Hidden Valley is open form 9am-6pm (April-October) and until 5pm (November-March).

As mentioned above The Deck is a great restaurant for groups and families, offering hearty food and superb value for money.

Additionally, there is a beautiful Bush Lodge that is available for holiday rentals on the estate.

Wine Tasting

There are some great pairing recommendations here – why not try the ‘Bubbles and Dessert Pairing Experience’.

• R 125 – 5 wines
• R195 – Chocolate & Wine Pairing Experience
• R225 – Bubbles & Dessert Pairing Experience

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12. Kanonkop

Kanonkop is one of the more well-known Stellenbosch wineries of South Africa. Four generations of winemakers here have refined their processes to make some of the finest Stellenbosch reds.

💡Insider Tip – South African Pinotages are truly exceptional wines – I would really recommend the Pinotage tasting option here at Kanonkop.

Open daily between 9am-5pm (3pm at weekends), Kanonkop is an estate that is easily accessible from central Stellenbosch. Do note that with advance warning, private group tastings can be arranged.

Wine Tasting

• R110 – Complete Range Tasting
• R400 – Pinotage Tasting

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13. Spier

Spier was the first winery that I visited on my first trip to South Africa in 2004. 20 years later, it still maintains its charm. Voted one of the World’s 100 Top Vineyards in 2021, Spier is a winery suitable for families, they even offer a grape juice tasting experience for children and a wine blending workshop for adults.

Spier has a huge range of activities to offer beyond the tasting room. There are self guided walking tours of the estate, mountain bike trails, Segway adventure tours, a craft market and Eagle encounters (for the kids). Adults may choose to unwind in their spa. A visit here will cater to the whole family.

Choose to eat at the Farm Café or Vada’s Smokehouse and Bakery

Open daily between 9am and 6pm.

Wine Tasting

• R100 – Winemaker Selection
• R70- Spier Tasting – choose 3 wines from the Signature Range
• R330 (per couple) – 330 Birthday Wine Tasting Offering
• R30 – Children’s Grape Juice Tasting
• R300 – Wine Blending Experience

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Planning a Route & Insider Tips for Your Stellenbosch Tour

I advise making make a circuitous tour, choosing 2-4 farms from my list for a superb day out.

💡 Don’t be over ambitious on how many Stellenbosch wineries to visit. Choose 2-4 from the list above and plan your route accordingly.

💡 Make reservations for lunch or dinner in advance to avoid disappointment.

💡 Do not be afraid to ask to sample just one wine – in most cases you will not need to pay.

💡 Talk to the people working in the wineries, they always love to impart their knowledge and understanding of the region and wines that they are so proud of.

My Quick Plan Itineraries

I know how hard it can be to sift through information and make a decision about where to actually visit. If this sounds like you, simply choose one of my pre-prepared itineraries below.

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For Spectacular View Seekers

📍 Uva Mira
📍 Tokara
📍 Rainbow’s End (head here at the end of the day for sunset vibes)

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For Red Wine Lovers

🍷 Rupert & Rothschild
🍷 Glenelly
🍷 Kanonkop

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For Garden Enthusiasts

⛲️ Babylontsoren
⛲️ Boschendal
⛲️ Tokara

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For Luxury Seekers

💎 Delaire Graff
💎 Spier
💎 Uva Mira

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For Foodies

🍴 Babylonstoren – Babel
🍴 Noble Hill – Cosecha
🍴 Rupert & Rothschild – The Restaurant

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My Favourites

You probably have an idea of my favourites from reading the post but if I had to choose three;
💚 Babylonstoren – for the gardens
💚 Boschendal – for the MCC Brut Rosé
💚 Rainbow’s End – for the views

Where To Stay In Stellenbosch

📍Budget Option: Stellenbosch Hotel – Located in a historic building classed as a national monument, this central hotel has charm and elegance. Offering boutique individual rooms, or self catering acommodation prices range from approximately R1800 (low season) to R4000 (high season). Click here to book.

📍Mid-Range Option: Oude Werf Hotel – South Africa’s oldest running hotel set in the heart of Stellenbosch. Marrying antique style with modern amenities creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. Rates range from approximately R2800 in low season to R4600 in high season. Click here to book.

📍Luxury Option: The Jordan Suites, Stellenbosch – Tucked away on Jordan Wine Estate, these luxury suites have panoramic views of the vineyards and Stellenbosch mountains. Each suite is individually designed and uniquely appointed. Prices range from R3600 in low season R5300 in high season. Click here to book.

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FAQs

How many wineries are there in Stellenbosch?

There are over 150 wineries in Stellenbosch, therefore it can feel overwhelming to choose which ones to visit.

💡 Insider Tip – Choose 2-4 wineries from my list and planning a route in order from one to the next will be easy.

What is the most popular wine in Stellenbosch?

I have recommendations on specific wines to try in each winery. Specifically the types of wines to look out for wherever you visit Stellenbosch and South Africa are the following;

• White Wines – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (Unwooded)
• Red Wines – Pinotage, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
• Sparkling – Méthode Cap Classique (MCC)

Are Stellenbosch wines good?

Yes – the wines are world class (and often very cheap when comparing to prices back home).

What is the difference between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek?

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are the closest wine regions to Cape Town (besides Constantia). Often referred to as ‘The Winelands’ these three towns are the powerhouses of the South African wine industry.

Stellenbosch and Paarl are located closest to Cape Town. Franschhoek is a further 20-25 minuted drive from Stellenbosch.

How many days do you need to visit Stellenbosch?

I recommend staying in the region for at least 2-3 days and devoting a day to each town of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Each has its own unique charm.

When is the Best Time to Visit Stellenbosch and its Wineries?

It is worth noting that the seasons in South Africa are the inverse of the northern hemisphere.

🌼 Spring – September, October, November

🌻 Summer – December, January, February

🍁 Autumn – March, April, May

❄️ Winter – June, July, August

I recommend Spring and early Summer as you will have perfect warm days, longer nights and see the vineyards in growth. A visit in early Autumn is also fun, as you could be lucky enough to see the grape harvest in action.

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The Wrap Up

The Stellenbosch wineries showcase world class wines, beautiful estates and spectacular scenery and should be at the top of your list when visiting South Africa. The people are exceptionally welcoming and genuinely delight in sharing the pride that they have for their wines. You will have a wonderful time.