Private Wine-Tastings: 15 Memorable Experiences in the Cape

To gain access to some of the Cape’s most authentic tasting rooms, you’ll need to make an appointment. Perfect for oenophiles searching for personalised experiences, these private wine-tastings provide an intimate glimpse into the winemaking process, often led by the winemaker or a senior member of the cellar team. You’ll get to savour bespoke tastings of premium wines while gaining insider knowledge and stories directly from the source.

These are the ones that score top marks (listed in alphabetical order below).

Badenhorst Family Wines

Founded by cousins and Swartland raconteurs Adi and Hein Badenhorst in 2008. Together they restored a neglected cellar on the historic Kalmoesfontein farm, where they practise hands-off, traditional winemaking for authentic, characterful wines. AA Badenhorst Wines are particularly well known for their takes on chenin blanc, syrah and grenache, in fact the country’s oldest vineyard of the latter is rooted here, planted in 1952.
The experience Tastings are conducted by the legend Adi Badenhorst himself, or another member of the winemaking team. Wednesday + Friday, 11.30am.
Cost R175 for a tasting of six wines, inclusive of one older vintage.
R250 for the daily farm lunch.
Good to know Also available are tastings on Thursday prior to the weekly pizza night.
Says chef Matt Manning of Culture Wine Bar Kalmoesfontein has to be one of my favourite places to visit. Listen to Adi talk you through what makes his fantastic range of wines so rock ’n roll (perhaps the rock he plays to his wines while in the tank?) then stay for pizza served hot from his proper pizza oven. We love to stay over at Die Koringhuis on the farm, just book well in advance as his cottages are often fully-booked (for good reason!).
Contact 022 125 0116, taste@aabadenhorst.com
Where to find it Jakkalsfontein Road, Malmesbury.
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Arendsig Handcrafted Wines

Arendsig Wines is celebrated for its single-vineyard, handcrafted wines. Family-operated winemaker and owner Lourens van der Westhuizen is passionate about the essence of single-vineyard wine. “My philosophy is to create great single vineyard wines from unique soils, climate and location,” comments Lourens. “The vineyard’s location in relation to the sun and wind direction, as well as a holistically favourable climate, influences the expression of each block.” Located in the scenic Robertson Valley, the farm also offers self-catering farm cottage accommodation, just 100 metres from the Breede River.
The experience Join winemaker Lourens for a “very interactive tasting”. During harvest time see his beloved vineyards, and cellar, in action.
Cost Complimentary.
Good to know Ask to see the old clay cellar.
Says chef Matt Manning of Culture Wine Bar I love visiting winemaker Lourens at Arendsig. He gives you a personal tour of his cellar and if you’re lucky, will even treat you to a barrel tasting. They’ve also recently upgraded their self-catering cottages with wood-fired hot tubs, so it is a firm favourite with my entire family!
Contact 084 200 2163, lourens@arendsig.co.za 
Where to find it R317 Stormsvlei, Wakkerstroom, Robertson
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Atlas Swift

Family-run, Atlas Swift is a hidden gem of Franschhoek. Winemaking couple, Welma and Martin Smith focus on premium expressions of chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Their fascinating chardonnay project spans five different terroirs, and they apply exactly the same winemaking technique to create five unique wines that showcase each. “The range of wines is a culmination of hard work, perseverance and the multiplicity of distinctive origins, cultures, memories and energy,” shares Welma.
The experience Enjoy a deep dive into chardonnay, or the ‘informal tasting’. The wines come served in Riedel glassware. A tea experience is also available as a non-alcoholic option, and they offer cheese and charcuterie platters as well as plant-based platters. Private dinners are also an option; Martin himself will braai for you.
Cost Chardonnay Journey, R190 per person.
Informal tasting, R160 per person.
Good to know While you’re there take a squiz at the Ford car collection on the property.
Contact 071 349 1773, welma@atlasswift.co.za
Where to find it La Vigne Estate, Franschhoek
Win Stand a chance of winning a tasting for four and a case of wine. Enter here.
Book through DinePlan

Boekenhoutskloof

“The whole idea behind our tastings is a generosity of spirit, we want to give people an experience,” says proprietor Marc Kent. Something of a hidden gem in busy Franschhoek, the estate is hidden in the furthest corner of the valley among leafy trees. The interior is modern and welcoming, and the wine cellar itself is one of the most state of the art in the country.
The experience Visits are welcomed at 11am on Tuesday and Thursday (excluding public holidays), limited to 12 guests and hosted by the winemaking team. Older vintages are often shown alongside current ones. Crystal stemware is the order of the day and only wines from the premium range are served.
Cost Complimentary
Good to know There is often a waiting list, so book ahead.
Contact tastings@boekenhoutskloof.co.za
Where to find it Excelsior Road, Franschhoek
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Capensis Wines

Home to the highest vineyards in Stellenbosch, the vines here reach 620 metres above sea level, and offer views right across the Banhoek valley. Capensis, meaning “from the Cape”, are chardonnay specialists and focus solely on the noble grape. The venture is the vision of Barbara Banke of US wine company Jackson Family Wines.
The experience Sip fine chardonnay in hand-blown stemware at the beautifully-appointed Kliphuis, the home of Capensis at Fijnbosch Vineyards. You will be treated to older vintages and special bottlings, too.
Cost R395 per person.
Good to know Lunch at the Kliphuis, catered by a private chef, is available by special request.
Says Tal Aviram of The Wine Agent If you are a chardonnay lover, you have to experience Capensis at least once in a lifetime. The chardonnay is world-class; super fruity, finely balanced and matured in oak. The tasting room is a beautiful open space during summer, and cosy and warm with a fireplace in winter. The hosts are very knowledgeable and welcoming, which adds so much to the experience.
Contact 064 968 7845, kliphuis@capensiswines.com 
Where to find it Fijnbosch Vineyards, Zevenrivieren Road, Banhoek Valley, Stellenbosch
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De Kleine Wijn

Small-batch winemaking and creativity reign supreme for the innovative minds of De Kleine Wijn. The micro-winery is run by winemaker Wynand Grobler and his wife, Anya. They source grapes from prime sites across the Cape for their alternative range. They are dreaming big and have recently acquired a farm in Tulbagh. “The last farm, right against the Witzenberg Mountains just outside of Tulbagh,” confirms Wynand. “It’s an amazing location and we are in the process of developing it for guest accommodation as well as a restaurant.”
The experience Soak in the 360-degree mountain views while tasting through their small batch wines. This will be available from December 2024. Book ahead.
Cost R200 per person
Good to know A new restaurant, in partnership with Michelin-starred chef Peter Gast of Graphite in Amsterdam, is on the cards.
Contact info@driefonteine.com
Where to find it Drie Fonteine, Weltevrede Road, Tulbagh
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De Trafford Wines

De Trafford Winery is set at the top of a dramatic valley above Stellenbosch, 380 metres up between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains. Established in 1992 by architect David Trafford and his artist wife Rita, it is renowned for its high-quality, small-batch wines. “What sets us apart is the hands-on artisanal nature of our production and the fact that either myself, Cisca Louw or Hendry Hess, who has been my cellar assistant since 1995, present the wines and take guests on a vineyard walk,” shares David.
The experience The tasting room is within the cellar. “If we are busy labelling, bottling and so on, the guests can see that happening,” says David. “During harvest, they must weave their way through the action to get to the tasting room!
Cost Current Tasting: R250
Vintage Tasting: R500
Vineyard Walk: R350 (includes a tasting of current vintages)
Good to know De Trafford is open to the public without prior booking on Saturday, 10am – 3pm.
Contact 021 880 161, info@detrafford.co.za
Where to find it Mont Fleur Farm, Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch
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Druk My Niet

At just 24-hectares, Druk-My-Niet, meaning ‘don’t squeeze me’ is a small wine farm located on the foothills of the Hawekwa Mountains. Situated in a biosphere reserve, off the beaten track in Paarl, they are known for their sustainable viticulture practices – and have the surrounding fields of fynbos to prove it. Commanding idyllic valley views, guests can enjoy wine tastings and cellar tours. And should you want to linger a bit longer… Why not book accommodation in one of the charming, self-catering cottages?
The experience Private tasting with the owner, Dorothee Kirchner or winemaker Marcus Milner. Cheese and charcuterie platters are available upon request.
Cost Estate Tasting: R180
Premium Tasting: R350
Good to know Bookings are for a minimum of two. A German eatery in tribute to the Kirchners’ heritage is in the pipeline.
Contact 021 868 2393, info@dmnwines.co.za
Where to find it Bodal Road, Daljosafat, Paarl
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Journey’s End Vineyards

Journey’s End Vineyards commands a prime position in the Schapenberg Hills with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling mountain ranges. Since they took over the vineyard 27 years ago, the Gabb family have been ethically and sustainably producing top-quality wines. The vineyards also benefit from the cooling south-easterly wind, which comes in from nearby False Bay. Winemaker Mike Dawson uses progressive methods in the cellar, including a minimal intervention philosophy, carbonic maceration and fermentation and ageing in amphorae and concrete eggs.
The experience A wide variety of options are available and tastings are conducted by a winemaker. They take place Monday – Friday, 10am – 3pm.
Cost Precision Range: R295 per person (4 wines)
Varietal Range: R195 per person (6 wines)
Tales Range: R125 per person (5 wines)
Cellar Tour: R250 per person (with wine tasting: barrel, tank, and 3 wines)
Good to know Expect to see dramatic views of Cape Point, Hangklip and False Bay, as well as peacocks roaming and fish eagles soaring.
Contact 021 200 2698, info@journeysend.co.za 
Where to find it Farm 25, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West
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Keermont Vineyards

One of Stellenbosch’s best-kept secrets, Keermont is hidden in a naturally-formed amphitheatre between the Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountain ranges. “You will feel lost at first, but eventually you will find us,” laughs longtime winemaker Alex Starey. The estate has a reputation for producing fine, award-winning wines. A member of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) scheme, they farm and produce wine in a sustainable manner with over 100-hectares dedicated to conservation. Keermont is owned by Mark and Monica Wraith who live on the farm with their four children.
The experience Hosted by a member of the small team, tastings are offered Monday – Thursday, and guests can sample a flight of their current releases (7 wines) as well as the site-expressive Single Vineyard Series.
Cost R250 per person, R50 extra to add the Single Vineyard Series to the tasting.
Cost of tasting waived upon purchase of a six-bottle case.
Opening times Friday, 10.30 – 1.30pm; Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Good to know Suitable to visit in any weather, from the outside patio with mountain views, and by the fireplace for cold, rainy days. Cellar tours are available upon request.
Contact 021 880 0397, info@keermont.co.za
Where to find it Keermont Vineyards, Upper Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch
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Luddite Wines

This family-run winery calls pastoral Bot River home. Established in 1999 by Niels and Penny Verburg, daughter Alice has also joined the winemaking team. Known for their commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention philosophy, the winery focuses on producing high-quality, handcrafted wines. Luddite is particularly celebrated for its shiraz. “We like to keep things as personal as possible,” says Alice in reference to the tasting experience.
The experience The tastings are always conducted by one of the family. Picnics and platters are available, too.
Cost On request
Good to know Their slogan, “Technology and mechanisation will never be a substitute for passion” perfectly sums up the spirit of this authentic estate.
Says chef Matt Manning of Culture Wine Bar I always make sure I pop by their warm and cosy tasting room if I am going past Bot River.
Contact details 082 877 4011 (Alice), info@luddite.co.za
Where to find it Van Der Stel Pass Road, Bot River
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Mullineux Wines

Founded in 2007 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Andrea Mullineux, this Swartland icon is renowned for producing fine, terroir-driven wines. The winery particularly excels with syrah and chenin blanc, and employs minimal intervention winemaking practices. The property is in a micro-pocket of the Swartland, the Riebeeksrivier valley, which is often much cooler than the rest of the region with ancient soils of deep schist threaded with veins of quartz, making it prime for quality wine-growing. The vineyards at Roundstone farm are treated organically and are in the process of becoming certified Regenerative Organic.
The experience The Roundstone Room is their new tasting venue. It has been designed for intimate gatherings and can seat 12 people. Tastings take place from April to December, on the first Friday of each month.
Cost Mullineux Signature Tasting: R160 per person.
Mullineux Single Terroir Tasting: R550 per person.
Good to know Subject to accessibility and season, tasting appointments may include a walk in the vineyards.
Contact 021 492 2224, tastings@mlfwines.com
Where to find it Riebeeksrivier Road, Roundstone Farm, Riebeek-Kasteel
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Storm Wines

Tucked in a mountainous corner of the Hemel-en-Aarde, find the intimate Storm Wines cellar. Here Nathalia and Hannes Storm craft their terroir expressive chardonnay and pinot noir. The winery is now over a decade old, before starting out on their own Hannes honed his craft at Hamilton Russell Vineyards. In 2009 the Hemel-en­-Aarde was divided into three separate wards, and Storm Wines are the only producer to make wines across all of them.
The experience A tutored tasting with Nathalia and Hannes Storm.
Cost Information provided on request
Good to know They are the only producer to showcase one pinot noir from each appellation in the Hemel-en-Aarde.
Contact info@stormwines.co.za
Where to find it Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus
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Taaibosch Wines

In the lofty Helderberg, find Taaibosch Wines. They produce just one wine, the Crescendo, a cabernet franc-led blend. Revived in 2018, the wine is based on the famed wine of the same name, made then by Chris Keet in the late 1990s to the 2000s at what was then Cordoba. The property is now owned by the Oddos, a French family with various winemaking ventures.
The experience Wine club members are treated to a vineyard and cellar tour, followed by an intimate tasting with winemaker, Schalk-Willem Joubert.
Cost Join the wine club, or purchase a minimum of 12 bottles to gain access to a tasting.
Good to know Le Chant Wines, the more accessible sibling brand, will soon have a tasting room open to the public.
Contact 021 855 3744, mia@taaiboschwines.com
Where to find it Cordoba Road, Helderberg Rural, Stellenbosch
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Tempel Wines

It’s named for an historic Cape Dutch cottage on the farm, built in 1784, that was known in the community as the Jooden Tempel. Situated between Paarl and Wellington, the farm is owned and operated by Belgian Tom Heeremans, who is very hands-on. The property also plays host to luxurious accommodation that borrows from the Cape Dutch vernacular. “We want to give you a personal experience,” says Tom. Tastings can also take place in other languages too, such as French, Dutch and Russian.
The experience In the vibrant tasting room, experience the estate’s six wines in the company of either Heeremans, or another member of the small team. Cheese and charcuterie platters are available on request. Open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm.
Cost R200 per person.
Good to know Be dazzled by the colourful street art murals in the wine cellar, where you can also taste wine from the barrel, or concrete egg.
Says US wine expert Eric Matkovich, founder of Cellar X There is not a more fun guy to taste with than Tom Heeremans. He’s making some lovely wines and getting noticed.
Contact details 079 833 9617, info@tempelwines.com 
Where to find it Tempel Wines, Nuwedrif Road, northern Paarl
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Other recommended wine-tasting experiences

Avondale Wine

“Avondale offers a by-appointment-only eco-tour, where you can explore their biodynamic approach to winemaking throughout their farm, including their famous duck mobile, followed by a wine-tasting at their gorgeous tasting room. Stay for lunch at Faber!” – Chef Matt Manning
Where Paarl
Contact 021 863 1976, wine@avondalewine.co.za

Sijnn Wines

“Book an appointment with Charla Bosman, one of SA’s best winemakers, and see what makes her wines so special.” – Chef Matt Manning
Where Malgas
Contact 068 769 7661, info@sijinn.co.za

De Toren Wine

Book the by-appointment-only Icon Tour & Tasting, a 1.5-hour tour where a senior member of the team shares De Toren’s unique winemaking philosophy and process, and you get to taste all five of its top wines.
Where Stellenbosch
Contact 021 137 0090, info@de-toren.com

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