Skip to main content

The top 11 vineyards in South Africa you need to visit

Stellenbosch vineyards in South Africa Photo: Matthias Wesselmann / unsplash

Let’s be real – South Africa knows how to bring the drama. From epic safari landscapes to buzzing cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, this country serves culture, coastlines, and… yep, wine.

The vineyards in South Africa are some of the best in the world (and not just because the tasting rooms come with mountain views and cheese boards). Whether you’re a full-on wine nerd or just here for the vibes, these 11 vineyards need a spot on your itinerary. Ranked. Reviewed. Ready for your next South Africa trip.

11. Middelvlei Wine Estate – Stellenbosch

Fine wines, fine views – more than fine by me. Middelvlei isn’t your average vineyard stop. We’re talking a full-on Stellenbosch experience: vineyard views, a student town buzz, and all the sips. Think wine, beer, gin and then there’s the local food market, piled high with flavour, and a proper South African braai (BBQ) to end the day – grilled over open flames, just the way it should be. It’s the perfect stop on our Garden Route and Addo trip.

10. Steenberg Estate – Constantia, Cape Town

South Africa’s OG wine farm? Say less. Steenberg has been crushing grapes since 1682, which means it’s basically the grandparent of all vineyards in South Africa. But don’t let the history fool you – this place is cool, calm, and classy. Set just outside Cape Town, it’s all about luxury with a modern twist. Think: manicured gardens, an art-forward tasting room, and unforgettable bubbles. Their MCC (AKA Méthode Cap Classique – South Africa’s version of Champagne) will have you feeling royal before noon. Bonus: The estate has won awards for both its sparkling and Sauvignon Blanc ranges!

10 of the best dishes when it comes to Cape Town food

10 of the best dishes when it comes to Cape Town food

Sara Yamba
by Sara Yamba Sep 11, 2023

9. Babylonstoren – Franschhoek

A vineyard? A farm? A botanical wonderland? Babylonstoren is all in one. Located in the dreamy Franschhoek valley (about an hour from Cape Town), Babylonstoren is the place for garden-to-glass living. Sip organic wines surrounded by lush gardens, free-range chickens, and architecture so chic you’ll want to move in.

Their Rosé is summer-in-a-bottle, and their cellar tours are educational, and there’s even a spa, if you need a break from wine tastings (unlikely, but hey). AND they have an on-site restaurant that is pure farm-to-fork goodness. Shall I count you in then?

8. Waterford Estate – Stellenbosch

Chocolate + wine = Oh. Yes. Waterford Estate doesn’t just hand you a glass and call it a day. This Stellenbosch beauty is all about the experience. Their famous chocolate and wine pairing is reason enough to visit, but the estate itself is all Tuscan courtyards, citrus trees, and mountain views. Their Kevin Arnold Shiraz and The Jem (a red blend masterpiece) regularly win wine awards, so your tastebuds are in for a treat. Oh, and if you’re the outdoorsy type, their 4×4 “Wine Drive Safari” takes you into the surrounding scenery. A safari… but make it grapes. 

7. La Motte – Franschhoek

La Motte is all about elegance with a capital E. It’s nestled in Franschhoek and the estate oozes Cape Dutch charm with art galleries, classical concerts, and wines that bring the drama (in a good way). Their Pierneef range is a standout (it’s literally made to be sipped slowly in a sun-drenched garden). Fun fact: they’ve won multiple accolades for sustainability and innovation, so you’re also helping to do your bit for the planet!

6. Spier Wine Farm – Stellenbosch

You know that overachiever friend who does everything and makes it look easy? Yeah, Spier is that friend. Art galleries? Check. River picnics? Yup. Organic farming? You bet. Oh, and the wine? Award-winning. You’ll find it just outside Cape Town, nestled in the classic Stellenbosch wine region.

It’s also one of the oldest vineyards in South Africa, dating back to 1692. Their wine range is massive. and they’re leading the way in ethical farming and community projects. Plus, there’s an Eagle Encounters centre on-site. So yes, your wine tasting might be interrupted by an actual owl. What a hoot (sorry).

5. Tokara – Stellenbosch

High-altitude views? Check. Sleek architecture? Yep. Estate olive oil you’ll end up smuggling home? Ummm….yeah, check. Tokaras is perched in Helshoogte Pass and is the definition of “sip with a view” . Their Chardonnay and Elgin Sauvignon Blancs are multi-award-winning, and their flagship Telos Bordeaux-style blend? Chef’s kiss. The tasting room doubles as a modern art space, and a fine-dining restaurant.

4. Benguela Cove – Bot River

Want vineyard views and water vibes? Yeah you do. And Benguela Cove (a coastal wine daydream) will give you just that. Located near Hermanus – about 90 minutes from Cape Town – this estate sits on the edge of a lagoon! Think: wine tastings with a side of paddleboarding, pontoon cruises, or even a vineyard-themed safari (yep, there’s wildlife on-site).

15 best places to visit in South Africa

15 best places to visit in South Africa

by Steve Powdrill Jan 28, 2022

3. Delaire Graff Estate – Stellenbosch

Delaire Graff isn’t just a vineyard, it’s a flex. This ultra-luxe estate is what happens when fine wine, fine art, and fine dining form a supergroup. Perched high in the mountains, it offers some of the most Instagrammable views in all of South Africa. It was even ranked #30 in the World’s Best Vineyards in recent years.

Oh, and they have a Diamond store? And a gallery of contemporary African art. But let’s not forget the wine: their Cabernet Franc Rosé and Botmaskop red blend are straight-up icons. Pair that with a next-level tasting menu and you have yourself a wine tour of your dreams. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Delaire Graff Estate (@delairegraff)

2. Klein Constantia – Constantia Valley, Cape Town

Welcome to the Taylor Swift of vineyards in South Africa – iconic, legendary, and always delivering. Klein Constantia is best known for its Vin de Constance, a legendary dessert wine that’s been enjoyed by royalty, writers, and wine nerds since the 1700s. It even shows up in Jane Austen novels. No big deal.

It sits just outside Cape Town, in the Constantia Valley (the oldest wine-producing region in South Africa). The vibe? Understated elegance, mountain views, and wines that wine critics love. The estate itself is a dream: whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings, oak trees, and glasses full of heritage.

1. Creation Wines – Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Drumroll, please… At #1, we’ve got Creation Wines, crowned #3 on the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 list and #1 in Africa. Yep – this isn’t just hype, it’s confirmed by the wine big dogs. Located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (translation: Heaven on Earth), Creation is where award-winning Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay meet unmatched hospitality.

It’s not just about the wine (though it really is good). It’s the curated pairings, the epic scenery, the innovation. Their food and wine experiences are built around flavour science, and even their non-alcoholic pairings are 10/10. Expect a feast for all senses.

A Guide to Sustainable Tourism in South Africa

A Guide to Sustainable Tourism in South Africa

Janine Magnin
by Janine Magnin Dec 20, 2023

Ready to go from Safari to Sauvignon?

South Africa’s got some amazing vineyards (like, sip-straight-from-heaven levels of amazing). Come tick off the Big 5 on a South Africa trip, then switch gears from safari to sauvignon. Whether you’re catching sunsets in Cape Town, road-tripping out of Johannesburg, or chasing your next Instagrammable glass of red, the vineyards in South Africa are where the real magic happens.

Up next

Recommended by us

Stop dreaming and make sh*t happen!