This Epic Wine Region Could Be One of Cape Town’s Best Daytrips

Come for the chenin blanc and stay for the mountains and wine walks – all just a daytrip from Cape Town.

About 45 minutes’ drive east from the bustle of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s best-known wine regions and is home to more than 150 wineries. Centred on the university town of the same name – the country’s second-oldest settlement – its wine origins date back to the 17th century when Hugenot Protestants fled France for the Western Cape and began planting vines here. The region is characterised by gentle hills, mountain ranges and a warm Mediterranean climate, while granite and sandstone soils create prime conditions for cabernet sauvignon, syrah and chenin blanc. For car-free tastings, board the Vine Hopper minibus, which offers three routes visiting up to six vineyards each.

Stellenbosch wine region in South Africa

The wineries

Delaire Graff Estate

Set on the slopes of Botmaskop mountain, Delaire Graff Estate, owned by Graff Diamonds founder Laurence Graff, provides more reasons to visit than award-winning wines. The buildings are a lesson in Cape Dutch architecture, while art from Graff’s own collection, handcrafted chandeliers and woven rugs provide charming interiors and an opulent setting to try winemaker Morné Vrey’s signature single-block chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc rosé. Renovations will see the wine room closed until late September but the estate’s elegant lodges, spa and Japanese restaurant Hōseki will remain open throughout.

Blaauwklippen

Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is one of the oldest wine estates in Stellenbosch yet this family-friendly winery is anything but dated. It offers experiences for wine novices and experts alike, including the eight-kilometre guided Blouklip Trail walking tour that takes you through Blaauwklippen’s vineyards as well as to neighbouring Dornier and its modern art-inspired tasting area. Here you can enjoy caprese bagels with merlot and syrah, followed by a short walk to the scenic Stellenzicht Wine Pod for wine and chocolate tastings. The tour ends with a tractor and wagon ride, which transports you to your final reward: a relaxed wine and food pairing (such as malbec or cabernet sauvignon with beef carpaccio and oxtail ravioli) back where you began.

Waterford Estate

This 120-hectare property in the idyllic Blaauwklippen Valley has Tuscan-style architecture but a distinctly Provençal feel thanks to its archways, citrus groves and lavender beds. Founded in 1998, it also has a strong commitment to regenerative farming for the 11 red varietals and one white it produces. For example, the vineyard uses cows to “mow” between vine rows to avoid soil compaction from tractors and introduced ladybugs as natural pest control. Guests can book a three-hour Wine Drive Safari, exploring the estate in an open safari-style vehicle with wine-tasting stops along the way. If time is tight, indulge in a 30-minute wine and chocolate pairing, featuring local handcrafted chocolates by Richard Von Geusau, whose creations include masala chai dark chocolate and rose geranium truffles.

The eateries

Helena’s Restaurant

Indulge in a fine-dining experience at this elegant old-world establishment located in the Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa in the heart of Stellenbosch. Here you can try South African specialties with a twist that reflect the bounty of the region, such as Cape Malay bobotie filo parcel, coriander-crusted ostrich fan fillet and malva pudding with rooibos apricot compote.

Tokara Restaurant

This contemporary eatery on the Tokara wine estate features dramatic views over Stellenbosch and False Bay, as well as arresting tapestries by renowned artist William Kentridge. The kitchen is helmed by award-winning chef Carolize Coetzee, known for her farm-to-table approach and focus on South African flavours. Try the Springbok tartare with apricot gel and pickled radish or miso-glazed pork belly with cauliflower purée (paired with Tokara wines). The olive oil cake with vanilla meringue shards is not to be missed.

The stay

Lanzerac

A five-minute drive from Stellenbosch town in the idyllic Jonkershoek Valley, Lanzerac winery was founded in 1692 and now offers 54 luxurious rooms and suites decorated with works by local artists and windows overlooking the surrounding vineyards and mountains. The estate has all the trimmings of a five-star stay, including a modern spa with steam, sauna and signature therapies, multiple pools and a range of dining options including the Lanzerac Deli that offers South African delicacies (try the bobotie bunny chow or strawberry and biltong salad). After your complimentary breakfast, take a cellar tour (included in your stay) then finish your day with a nightcap in the clubby Craven Lounge, complete with leather chesterfields and an open fire.