When planning your trip to South Africa you should definitely include a day of wine tasting! The wine lands are only 1 hour driving from Cape Town and are the perfect place to relax and unwind. I listed the 6 best wine tastings that I experienced myself (you’re welcome ;)).
There are 3 main regions that are definitely worth the visit:
- Franschhoek
- Stellenbosch
- Paarl
In this blogpost I will discuss my 6 favourites from the first 2 regions, what prices to expect and why this winery is so special.
1. Haute Cabriere
Why should you visit?
Located more uphill the view over the Franschhoek valley from their wine tasting terrace is one of a kind. If you decide to pay this winery a visit make sure to ask for Courtney. She served us during our wine tasting and was so helpful in giving us a lot of insider tips on which places certainly to visit.
You can also make dinner reservations and enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace while watching the sunset before you go inside for dinner.
Average price – €7 for a wine tasting including 4 different wines
Do you need a reservation?
I visited during high season and didn’t have to make a reservation from before. The place was buzzing with people but everyone that arrived was seated.
2. Waterford Estate
Why should you visit?
It’s the best winery to visit for a pairing of wine and chocolate! The Waterford Estate is located in the most stunning domain and exudes a feeling of old luxury. With their wine & chocolate pairing you will get to try 3 different wines, all combined with a piece of either dark or milk chocolate. My personal favourites are the combination of the Cabernet Sauvignon together with the dark chocolate with rock salt and their desert wine “Heatherleigh” combined with a splendid milk chocolate.
Average price – €5.5 for the wine and choclate experience.
Do you need a reservation?
The two times I went (yes I am sneaky, sorry not sorry :p), it wasn’t necessary to make a reservation. They have seating options either outside on a beautiful courtyard or inside as pictured below. This is another plus cause on the second visit is actually pouring rain outside.
3. Boschendal
Why should you visit?
Boschendal is one of those estates where you can wander around for hours. The wine tasting itself is open until 5pm but there is also a restaurant where you can enjoy the rest of your evening.
There are plenty of other activities to enjoy while visiting Boschendal: go on a farm tour or go for a horse ride. If you want to experience one of these activities it’s necessary to make a reservation.
Another favourite? You can picnic on the grass around a beautiful pond.
Average price – €15 for a Manor House wine tasting. This included 5 wines that you may choose yourself out of a certain selection. very good option if you prefer to stick to either red of white wine.
Do you need a reservation?
For the regular wine tasting, as mentioned above, it isn’t necessary to make a prior reservation.
They do offer special food & wine pairings, which are only served at specific days and times and that most certainly require a reservation. Think of an Angus beef & Shiraz pairing or a MCC (bubbles) & oyster tasting.
Also visiting Cape Town? Make sure not to miss these places!
4. Tokara
Why should you visit?
Tokara is definitely worth the visit thanks to it’s modern day look and feel. Hidden away in the Stellenbosch mountains it offers a stunning view over the vineyard.
You can either stay inside or enjoy your wine tasting outside on the terrace overlooking the mountains.
Average price – €8 for a regular wine tasting
Do you need a reservation?
No, I went during high season and there was even a group of 30 people present and we were still seated right away. The time in between wine servings was pretty long but the view made up for that.
5. Middelvlei Wine Estate
Why should you visit?
If you are looking for an authentic Cape Winelands experience then Middelvlei Wine Estate is the winery for you! The setting isn’t as high-end as the other wineries but their wines are absolutely divine. It has a very familiar feeling and the staff is very friendly.
Not to miss is their daily braai ( a typical South African barbacue) during lunchtime.
Average price – € 15 for the barbecue and €4 for the wine tasting including a culinary treat.
Do you need a reservation?
If you want to take part in the braai you definitely need to book in advance.
6. Babylonstoren
Why should you visit?
Last but most certainly not least, Babylonstoren offers the best of the best and you should at least take half a day to discover this gorgeous winery and garden.
You can freely roam the garden and try the different herbs, fruits and plants that you encounter. If you want an amazing experience you should book your tour with “Not in the Guide Books” which also includes a lunch, wine tasting and a guided tour of the wine cellar.
Read more about my total experience at Babylonstoren here.
Average Price – Their wine tasting starts at €4 per person.
Do you need a reservation?
You don’t need a reservation to visit Babylonstoren but it’s a very frequently visited place so if you want to enjoy a wine tasting I wouldn’t take my chances!
For my detailed experience at Babylonstoren click here.
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