Ernie Els Wines: View-Drenched Wine-Tasting + Dining in Stellenbosch

Winding up and up the single-track road towards Ernie Els Wines, dipping through a mountain kloof past indigenous gardens and vines, you emerge on top of the world, with panoramic views towards Table Mountain, False Bay and Stellenbosch. The renowned South African golfer’s nickname, Big Easy, pretty much sums up the vibe at the Stellenbosch winery named after him… big skies, big views, big wines and easy hospitality, with an elevated level of unobtrusive comfort that sets you at your ease and makes you want to stay all day.

The winery is perched high on the slopes of the Helderberg mountains, its vines clustered around it in 45 hectares of mostly north-facing blocks. It’s prime cabernet sauvignon country, what is known as Stellenbosch’s Golden Triangle, ideal for the big-hearted wines that Ernie Els put his name to.

The Chilli Shed

Low down the slopes, surrounded by the winery’s kitchen garden of chillies, herbs and produce, interspersed with fynbos and proteas, you’ll find a charming little espresso bar and café. The Chilli Shed is a place for cyclists and hikers to pause on the scenic eight-kilometre Ernie Els X Alto mountain trail, for wine lovers to enjoy a quick breakfast before a tasting, or just for a relaxed coffee and pastry in a tranquil Helderberg setting surrounded by birdlife. And you can get a cup of the Ernie Els Deluxe Coffee Works Signature Blend as a takeaway, too.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 3pm

Cabernet and cellar tours

“Cabernet sauvignon is the golden thread that runs through our wine,” says winemaker Louis Strydom, who has steered the winery from the maiden vintage in 2000 to today. “It’s about showcasing the different personalities of cabernet sauvignon. We have nine different clones on the farm which we vinify separately.” On a tour through the brick-vaulted cellar, he describes different fermentation and maturation techniques, showing us terracotta amphorae next to French oak barrels and concrete eggs, each of which play a different role in creating the complex cabernet sauvignons and blends that make up the Signature, Proprietor’s, Major Series, and Big Easy ranges. Alongside these award-winning classics, Louis and assistant winemaker Shannon Burger play with lighter contemporary red blends, grenache, and the winery’s first old-vine chenin, small batch bottlings that you’ll also find in the Proprietor’s collection (only available on site).

Wine-tasting on the terrace

With a complimentary welcome glass of rosé in hand, wander through to the ease-filled tasting lounge and long, view-drenched terrace and settle in for an afternoon of wine-tasting. Accompanied perhaps with a cheese and charcuterie platter, or a fire-seared dish from the GrillWorks range in the courtyard, which produces the unapologetically hearty smoky flavours that cabernet sauvignon loves. There’s even a chipping green above the vines (a hole-in-one gets you a free bottle of wine). Browse the trophy room crammed with Ernie memorabilia, photos and awards. Curl up on a couch with a book from the library shelves as you enjoy a glass of wine. Or follow your oenophile antennae into the bottle-lined vinothéque, a treasure trove of aged-to-perfection older vintages.

Cost Players tasting: R185 (three wines)
Terroir Tasting: R285 (four wines)
Signature Tasting: R385 (three wines)

A restaurant with a view

The restaurant channels modern farmhouse simplicity de luxe. With high-beamed ceilings, silky wooden tables and comfortable chairs looking out over the views (or outdoor tables on the terrace or courtyard in summer), it’s a place to linger for lazy lunches, your chosen bottle accompanying a dish or three from the seasonal menu. Chef Eric Bulpitt instinctively celebrates bold flavours in generous dishes that embrace the wines wholeheartedly. A Josper grill and an open fire in the kitchen infuse succulent Bonsmara and Wagyu steaks, fresh fish and earthy vegetables with fire and smoke. Depending on the season there might be a slow-cooked brisket raviolo on a pillow of smokey potato purée with crunchy salami shards, or a grilled yellowtail with a rich prawn, fregola and tomato sauce… punchy flavours served with panache.

Big flavours, full-bodied wines, and views to feed the soul are par for the course.

Opening times Wine-tasting: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm (last tasting 4pm)
Sunday, 10am – 4pm (last tasting 3pm)
Summer sunset service (October – April): Thursday – Saturday, 4pm – 7pm
Restaurant: Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 5pm
Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Summer sunset service (October – April): Thursday – Saturday, 3pm – 8pm
Contact 021 881 3588, [email protected]
Where to find it Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

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