You don’t have to leave the Mother City to experience world-class wine farms…
South Africa’s first wine was created in Cape Town over three-and-a-half centuries ago, and the Mother City is still proudly producing wine. From heritage estates in Constantia (where the country’s first wine farm was established in 1685) to modern wineries in Durbanville, the Wine of Origin Cape Town district includes 30 wine farms, scattered north and south of Table Mountain. Bound together by great similarities in terroir, and cool coastal winds, the furthest is a mere 36km from the centre of Cape Town. Whether you head for the Southern Suburbs or the Northern Suburbs, you don’t have to travel far for an authentic wine-tasting experience!
De Grendel
This scenic wine estate on the slopes of the Tygerberg Hills has been in the Graaff family for four generations. While its agricultural roots date back to the 1890s, its evolution into wine is relatively recent, with new vines planted in 2000 and the first vintages sold in 2003. Its wines have since garnered several high-profile accolades, while its restaurant continues to live up to its reputation as the World Luxury Restaurant Award winner in 2017.
Wine-tasting Drink in the views from the vineyards towards Table Mountain as you enjoy your tasting in the glass-encased patio, or inside the cosy lounge adorned with plush ottomans and couches.
Good to know Its popular farm tour shows off resident springbok, eland, red hartebeest and bontebok, as well as iconic views of Table Mountain. There’s also the option to include a picnic. Pre-booking is essential.
Cost Premium tasting: R120 (6 wines)
Flagship tasting: R140 (6 wines)
Farm tour: R620 (for 2 people); R1 250 (with picnic for 2)
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 021 558 6280, tasting@degrendel.co.za
Where to find it Plattekloof Road, Panorama
Klein Constantia
One of the oldest (dating back to 1685) – and arguably one of the most beautiful – wine estates in the Cape, Klein Constantia is home to a scattering of heritage buildings tucked under ancient oak trees, perched on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg mountains.
Wine-tasting The indoor tasting room and cellar is warm and contemporary, offering a lovely environment to enjoy a selection of estate wines. The most iconic of these is the famed Vin de Constance, the natural sweet wine beloved of royalty, Napoleon, George Washington and Jane Austen. To learn more about this wine’s rich history and the unique terroir that creates it, take a guided tour through the Vin de Constance cellar followed by a tasting of three vintages.
Good to know Booking is essential. Last tasting one hour before closing.
Cost Signature Tasting: R150 (5 wines)
Anwilka Signature Tasting: R150 (5 red wines from its Stellenbosch property)
Sauvignon Blanc Tasting: R150 (3 wines)
Vin de Constance Experience: R1 000 (includes a tour of the cellar and a tasting of 3 vintages)
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Contact 021 794 5188, info@kleinconstantia.com
Where to find it End of Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
Diemersdal
In the heart of Durbanville wine country, Diemersdal has been brought to life by the Louw family (six generations deep). With an outdoor seating area and view-drenched interior, this historic wine estate boasts a relaxed, country atmosphere with the added appeal of panoramic vistas of hill-top farmlands.
Wine-tasting Pull up a seat inside the cosy tasting room or outside on the sun-soaked terrace and enjoy an array of award-winning wines. Top off the experience with a Dalewood cheese platter or vegetable crisps.
Good to know The Diemersdal Farm Eatery is open for lunch, Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm – 3pm.
Cost Estate tasting: R50 (6 wines from Estate range)
Reserve tasting: R70 (6 wines from Estate and Reserve ranges)
Flagship tasting: R100 (any 6 available wines)
Cheese platter: R170
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 021 976 3361, info@diemersdal.co.za
Where to find it Koeberg Road, Durbanville
Buitenverwachting
Founded by the Cape’s first governor, this wine farm is rich in history and bucolic charm. Home to Peter Tempelhoff’s restaurant, Beyond, the estate is surrounded by sweeping vineyards and expansive lawns shaded by ancient oaks, making it a coveted destination for families, couples and those seeking an authentic wine-farm experience without venturing too far.
Wine-tasting Housed in the original 250-year-old wine cellar, with its traditional white-washed walls and thatch roof, the tasting centre is casual and generously furnished with leather couches. In summer, though, the sheltered terrace or the wide, lush lawns are the spot to be. Choose a selection of five wines to taste (Hussey’s Vlei, an elegant sauvignon blanc is always a favourite), order a platter (a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, bread, tapenades, pâtés, jams and other yummy titbits) and settle in for a relaxed afternoon (bring your own picnic blanket if you’re planning to chill on the lawns).
Cost Tasting: R100 (choice of 5 wines)
Platters: From R240 for 2
Opening times Wine-tasting: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Platters: 10am – 3.30pm
Contact 021 794 5190, info@buitenverwachting.com
Where to find it 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia