The sun sets over a spectacular backdrop. Towering mountains and rolling vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. The light glints off the sea in the distance while birds call overhead and the scent of fynbos fills the air. It feels like a scene from a movie. Glass of wine in hand, you capture this mental picture—a perfect moment.
This is Stellenbosch, South Africa’s wine capital, where every vineyard offers a unique experience. But with over 150 wine farms, choosing where to go can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a local wanting a weekend escape or a global traveler prepping for a safari, we’ve handpicked the top 10 wine farms in Stellenbosch for every occasion.
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Our Pick: Best Wine Farms in Stellenbosch
- Best historical wine farm: Meerlust
- Best modern wine farm: Thelema
- Best wine farm for wine tasting: Rustenberg
- Best wine farm for outdoor activities: Alluvia
- Best wine farm for nature-lovers: Vergelegen
- Best wine farm for lunch: Jordan
- Best wine farm for red wine: Beyerskloof
- Best sustainable wine farm: Neethlingshof
- Best rustic wine farm: Annandale
- Best family-friendly wine farm: Spier
| Did you know? Stellenbosch boasts a winemaking history dating to the 17th century. Its mountainous terrain, frequent rainfall, well-drained soils, and varied terroir make it one of the world’s top wine regions. |
When is the Best Time to Visit Stellenbosch?
Stellenbosch is a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Expect a vibrant, bustling atmosphere with long, sunny days perfect for picnics and outdoor tastings.
- Autumn (Mar-May): The vineyards turn stunning shades of gold and red, making it a photographer’s dream. The weather is mild, and the harvest buzz is in the air.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Enjoy fewer crowds, lower prices, and the perfect excuse to cozy up next to a crackling fireplace with a bold red wine.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): The valleys come alive with blooming flowers and new vine growth. The weather is beautiful and it’s a great time for outdoor activities.
1. Best historical wine farm: Meerlust
One of the oldest farms in Stellenbosch and now a National Monument, Meerlust offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and viticultural heritage. Visitors can book guided tours to explore the manor house, wine cellar, rose gardens, family cemetery, dovecote, and bird sanctuary.
While the cellar still has its original exterior, its state-of-the-art interior blends modern winemaking with centuries-old tradition. Wines are made exclusively with estate-grown grapes, delivering bold flavors and exceptional depth. Book a classic tasting or opt for a private tasting with a wine specialist for a more intimate experience.
| Top tip: Don’t miss the Rubicon, Meerlust’s iconic Bordeaux blend. |
2. Best modern wine farm: Thelema
Thelema Wine Estate proves that great winemaking isn’t about centuries of tradition, but about passion and innovation. Founded in 1983 by Gyles Webb on a neglected fruit farm, Thelema quickly rose to fame as a celebrated winery. Within a decade of its first vintage, the estate’s wines were in such high demand that they sold out within months of release!
Nestled in one of the region’s coolest climates, Thelema’s 21-wine range highlights the distinctive flavors of its unique terroir. All grapes are estate-grown, and wines are bottled on-site with minimal intervention, prioritizing grape quality to capture each vineyard’s pure essence.
| Did you know? On the drive in, you’ll notice vineyards flanked by towering eucalyptus trees. These trees lend refreshing minty notes to ‘The Mint Cab,’ a must-try during your tasting. |
3. Best wine farm for wine tasting: Rustenberg
Tucked away in the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain, Rustenberg Wine Farm offers wine lovers a unique tasting experience with its diverse portfolio of nearly 20 different wines across three distinct ranges. Under the Barlow family’s care for over 60 years, the estate produces everything from Sauvignon Blanc to Malbec and fortified Muscats.
Guests are invited to explore the grounds, taking in the Schoongezicht Manor House Garden, rose garden, and outdoor labyrinth. Views of grazing cattle and diverse birds from the tasting room make for a relaxing atmosphere. Rustenberg’s commitment to traditional and innovative winemaking techniques ensures something distinctive for every palate and preference.
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4. Best wine farm for outdoor activities: Alluvia
Located at the center of what is known as the “mecca of outdoor adventures”, Alluvia Wine Farm transforms the typical wine tasting experience. The estate offers direct access to premier mountain biking routes—including a private 4km track and gateway to the extensive Banhoek Conservatory trail network. It also features hiking trails, road cycling along the iconic Helshoogte Pass, and freshwater fishing surrounded by majestic mountains.
Visitors can complement their outdoor adventures with a tranquil spa to soothe active muscles or picnics under ancient oaks or next to peaceful dams.
Alluvia’s commitment to exceptional experiences is reflected in its wines, including the internationally acclaimed ‘ilka’ Cabernet Sauvignon and their renowned Cabernet Franc. For those seeking the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and quality wines, make sure to add Alluvia to your itinerary.
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5. Best wine farm for nature-lovers: Vergelegen
Vergelegen, meaning “far away”, may be a short drive from Stellenbosch, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. Steeped in over 300 years of history, the estate boasts an impressive 17 themed gardens! Here, you can see a towering 400-year-old Yellowwood, tranquil Bamboo Garden, and spectacular display of 14,000 Agapanthus plants across 21 varieties–to name a few.
Beyond the gardens is the 2,200-hectare nature reserve, South Africa’s largest privately funded alien clearing project that has dramatically increased indigenous flora and fauna. Guests are welcome to explore on their own or can book a guided tour.
Wine lovers can sample Vergelegen’s portfolio of four distinctive ranges: the every-day Heritage wines, sophisticated Reserve selections, barrel-fermented Estate Range, or the exclusive V Icon Range. Complete your visit with fine dining at Camphors Restaurant or a casual meal at Stables Bistro.
| Did you know? At the end of the East Garden, you’ll find two ginkgo tree saplings. These were grown from seeds of a 300-year-old tree that survived the 1945 Hiroshima bombing, planted as part of the Green Legacy Hiroshima initiative and protected by two simple wooden sculptures. |
6. Best wine farm for lunch: Jordan
Perched on 146-hectare slopes with spectacular views of Table Mountain and False Bay, Jordan Wine Farm has the perfect backdrop for unforgettable dining experiences catering to all preferences.
The Jordan Restaurant features contemporary farm-style cuisine highlighting seasonal local produce. The Cellar Door offers relaxed dining with Jordan’s award-winning wines at cellar prices paired with fresh, seasonal dishes. Or, you can enjoy a gourmet basket filled with artisanal breads, local charcuterie, and handcrafted treats in a private picnic next to the estate dam.
Jordan’s reputation extends to its impressive wine selection. Offering everything from a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, their portfolio includes approachable wines for immediate enjoyment and complex vintages designed for future savoring.
7. Best wine farm for red wine: Beyerskloof
For thirty years, Beyerskloof has championed South Africa’s signature wine—Pinotage. Their approach favors traditional bush vines, which produce smaller, more concentrated grapes with rich color and complexity.
Using grapes from three Stellenbosch farms, Beyerskloof’s award-winning wines showcase Pinotage’s extraordinary versatility. From accessible everyday wines to sophisticated reserves and Cape Blends, red-wine lovers will certainly appreciate these uniquely South African wines.
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8. Best sustainable wine farm: Neethlingshof
Although it’s one of the region’s oldest farms, Neethlingshof has been at the forefront of sustainability since the 2000s. Some of their efforts include restoring endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld, creating biodiversity corridors, and planting over 50 indigenous trees!
Their eco-conscious approach extends to their vineyards and winemaking, with innovations like drip irrigation, biological vineyard management, and comprehensive waste recycling. The result is a portfolio of exceptional vegan-friendly wines in three categories: the terroir-expressive Estate Range, heritage-inspired Short Story Collection, and limited-release premium 1802 Collection.
The tasting room at Neethlingshof caters to every preference, from classic wine tastings to indulgent food and chocolate pairings. Even kids can join in the fun with a specially curated non-alcoholic tasting experience, making it a delightful outing for the whole family.
| Did you know? Neethlingshof’s sustainable farming practices have successfully restored natural habitats, attracting wild species like spotted eagle-owls and caracals to the estate. This is beautifully captured in their wines “The Owl Post” and “The Caracal”. |
9. Best rustic wine farm: Annandale
Simple, natural, honest—three words that capture the essence of Annandale. Hempies du Toit, a fifth-generation winemaker and Springbok rugby legend, is the heart of the farm. He often joins guests for casual chats as animals roam before stunning mountain views.
Surrounded by ancient oaks and a gentle river, the farm’s natural approach—using stream-cooled tanks and no commercial yeasts—produces outstanding wines.
Unlike most wine farms, tastings at Annandale can include vintages from as early as 2004! Tastings are free with wine purchases of over ZAR 500. For those wanting to experience South African culture, you can even book a braai—complete with all essentials for an authentic outdoor feast.
10. Best family-friendly wine farm: Spier
Who says wine farms are just for grown-ups? Spier Wine Farm offers the perfect balance of adult enjoyment and children’s entertainment. Little ones can play in the Elemental Play Garden with nature-inspired slides, bridges, and water features while parents sample award-winning wines.
Kids can enjoy their own grape juice tastings, sharing in the adult experience. Family picnics under ancient oaks provide relaxation with pre-packed baskets or custom selections from the Picnickery.
Owned by the Enthoven family since 1993, Spier is built on values of family togetherness and community spirit, ensuring memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
From The Winelands to The Wilderness: Your African Adventure
A visit to Stellenbosch is an essential South African experience, but for many of our travelers, it’s just the beginning. The beauty of a trip to this continent is combining its diverse landscapes—from the rolling vineyards of the Cape to the wild savannas of Kruger.
The challenge is piecing it all together. How do you seamlessly connect a world-class wine tasting with an epic safari? That’s what our experts do best.
Whether you would like to add-on a winelands experience to your tour, or prefer a perfectly curated itinerary that already includes this sort of adventure, then you’ve come to the right place on the internet.
Here’s how a visit to the Winelands can be part of your dream trip:
- For the All-in-One Explorer: A tour like the 14-Day South African Adventure perfectly combines Cape Town, the Garden Route, a trip through the Winelands, and a safari in Kruger National Park.
- For the Culture & Safari Seeker: The 14-Day Best of South Africa tour dedicates quality time to the Cape and its Winelands before flying you north for an immersive safari experience.
- For the Grand Expedition: If you want to see it all, a journey like the 15-Day Grand Southern African Expedition uses Cape Town as a launchpad for an epic adventure that includes Namibia’s deserts and Botswana’s delta.
Stop Researching, Start Dreaming
There is no need to spend hours trying to connect the dots, let us do the work for you. We’ll listen to what you want from your African adventure and match you with the perfect vetted tour that fits your style and pocket.
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