The 15 Best Wine Farm Destinations in the Cape

We live in a city that not only has its own designated wine valley, it’s also bordered by four other venerable viticultural regions – all under an hour’s drive away. Hundreds of wineries beckon, promising wide-open spaces, world-class wine and superb local cuisine.

From Constantia and Durbanville to Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, we went in search of the top destination wine estates that – in addition to wining and dining – offer added attractions (spas, outdoor adventures, boutiques, art galleries, museums and hotels, to mention a few). Most notably, all have something to keep the kids amused while the grown-ups attend to the important business of sipping wine.

La Motte

With glorious mountain and vineyard vistas on all sides, the dilemma when arriving here is where to begin… This historic Rupert family farm has long been known for a next-level experience; now that the meticulous redesign of the main courtyard complex is complete, there’s a cornucopia of riches to explore. The Wine Centre beckons for tastings (four options, including a Riedel-glass-specific one) in the cellar or out in the garden.

L’Ami Family Brasserie, led by open-fire cooking, is the place to linger over seasonal dishes and small plates (alongside a farmyard-inspired playground for the kids), while the Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café does fresh-out-the-oven bakes and light meals (like panuozzo – pizza sandwiches). Or be whisked off to JAN Franschhoek, a seasonal pop-up in a cottage in a lavender field headed by a Michelin-starred chef.

Pop into the Farm Shop or Spens for a winelands shopping experience. There are also art exhibitions in the Ateljee (studio), where you can join a workshop; or stretch your legs on the 5km Sustainable Hike (with a guided option).
Good to know The estate is closed on Mondays. Photo ID required for entry.
Contact 021 876 8000, info@la-motte.co.za
Where to find it Main Road (R45), Franschhoek

Spier

It’s the archetypal Stellenbosch wine farm – think age-old trees, Cape Dutch buildings, vineyards and a river running through it – but here it’s all about ethical farming and creativity. Enjoy a wine tasting (including organic wines) and pairings on the deck beside the dam; there’s a “Garden Mixologist” tasting of cordials for kids. Explore the farm on a Segway, mountain bike or self-guided walk (including an Art Walk and through the new Wilds section); relax in the spa’s unique Cape Herbal Bath House; or browse artisanal lifestyle goods in the Cowshed Shop while the kids play in the Elemental Garden.

As for dining (all making excellent use of the farm’s fresh produce), choose between a Picknickery basket or a hearty meal and prized pastéis de nata at Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery; there’s also the Bubbles & Braai pop-up on fine-weather weekends, and seasonal monthly winemakers’ dinners in Spier Manor. The hotel’s new restaurants – the Garden Room (lunch) and Veld (dinner) – serve seasonal menus highlighting South African flavours.

Also look out for shows and concerts in the amphitheatre or on the Werf, the annual Light Art exhibition and other events.
Stay The reimagined Spier Hotel has art-filled suites, a heated pool, wine library, three bars (including a rooftop one), a kids’ club, plus two new private villas.
Contact 021 809 1100, info@spier.co.za
Where to find it Baden Powell Drive (R310), Stellenbosch
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Boschendal

This regenerative farm gives visitors an idyllic taste of country life. Founded in 1685, the estate’s past is palpable; ancient oaks and sprawling gardens (both manicured and wild) enhance its bucolic appeal. A pioneer of cap classique, the Cellar Door wine-tastings come with platters, chocolate, cheese, charcuterie, bubbly and oysters, or even breakfast canapé pairings. Or sip wines at The Viewpoint on the Simonsberg (after a drive up in an open vehicle on the Wine & Wander Safari).

The Werf Deli does breakfasts, casual fare like pizzas, and lovely picnics on the lawns (Thursday to Sunday), while The Retreat Restaurant (3.5km from the Werf) serves small plates, comfort classics and season-inspired Sunday brunch and cocktails. Highly anticipated is chef Peter Tempelhoff’s farm-to-fire restaurant, Arum, in the former 1812 cellar (opening December 2025).

To explore more, head to the Trail Centre for mountain-biking (bikes for hire), hiking trails and horse-riding, or enjoy food-garden tours, the farm shops and bakery, Norval Gallery in the manor house, and magical Friday night markets in summer. Plus, kids get to play on the best jungle gym in the Cape (the Tree House).
Stay Take your pick! Garden suites, cottages in private nooks of the farm, four new farmhouses, or splash out on the historic villa.
Contact 021 870 4200, enquiries@boschendal.co.za
Where to find it Helshoogte Road (R310), Pniel, Franschhoek
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Babylonstoren

With its world-famous, five-hectare food garden, this farm is an extraordinary encounter with (and coming together of) past and present, and a celebration of nature’s bounty. Every beautiful detail is an impeccable curation of heritage and modern style – from the Farm Shop (boasting a cheesery, butchery, roastery, bakery, scented room and homeware space) and gorgeous Garden Spa (complete with authentic hammam) to the olive-oil tour and wine-tastings in a glass-walled room next to the old wine cellar and wine museum. Lose yourself in the gardens – kids will love the animals, mazes, water features and Porky Hefer’s “nest” chairs, plus the chance to travel back to the “olden days” at Soetmelksvlei, a recreation of a 19th-century farmstead with artisan workshops. And where there’s such a magnificent garden, you must eat: elevated farm-to-fork fare at Babel (in the old cow shed) or picnic-ish meals and great scones at the Greenhouse. There are also Italian dinners and “carnivore evenings” (braais) on selected nights in the Old Bakery.
Stay Guests in the hotel, farmhouse suites, cottages or family houses enjoy full farm-life immersion, from joining a morning harvest to exploring on bikes.
Good to know There is a R150 entry fee for adults (valid for a year).
Contact 021 863 3852, enquiries@babylonstoren.com
Where to find it Klapmuts-Simondium Road, between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
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Delaire Graff

At the top of the Helshoogte Pass, this estate (owned by international jeweller Laurence Graff) is the ultimate luxury package, offering incredible views, sophisticated interiors and superb cuisine. There’s exquisitely elegant Japanese dining at Hōseki, Italian classics at Lorenzo’s – with tables under a pergola and the most eye-catching pizza oven you’re likely to encounter – while Delaire Graff Restaurant does modern, seasonal bistro dishes with a local twist, best enjoyed on the view-drenched, oak-shaded terrace.

Head to the chic, art-filled (freshly redesigned) Wine Lounge for tutored tastings or wines by the glass, including renowned Banhoek chardonnays and Stellenbosch cabernets, with various platters and snacks.

There are also gardens to explore, filled with sculptures, water features and indigenous flora, as well as a sumptuous day spa and two designer boutiques. A 2025 Best of Wine Tourism Global Award winner, expect a deluxe ambience and art everywhere you look – don’t miss Tretchikoff’s iconic “Chinese Girl” painting.
Stay The Delaire Lodges are luxury designer retreats (with private pools), or splash out on the double-level Owner’s Villa.
Contact 021 885 8160, info@delaire.co.za
Where to find it Helshoogte Road (R310), Stellenbosch
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Steenberg

The oldest farm in the Constantia Valley, Steenberg produces award-winning wines with a spectacular setting to match: verdant vineyards, mesmerising mountains, Cape Dutch buildings, and an indigenous garden with water features and intriguing sculptures. Five tasting journeys can be enjoyed on the scenic terrace (when the weather is good), at the wine bar, in the tasting lounge or in the cellar (for larger groups); no walk-ins, so booking is essential. The cap classiques, sauvignon blanc and merlot should not be missed!

Chef Kerry Kilpin’s bold, modern fusion flavours shine at Bistro Sixteen82, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and tasty tapas (evenings only), or at Tryn, for a more refined contemporary dining experience – preceded by drinks in the bar-lounge.

There’s also a championship golf course (with equipment for hire); walking and cycling trails across the 300-hectare estate; and a lovely spa offering treatments in the Scented Garden, a Nordic-style outdoor thermal suite and divine Pool House (where you can relax and sip cocktails).
Stay The five-star hotel has spacious, beautifully appointed rooms and suites spread across the property, and two private villas.
Contact 021 713 2222, info@steenbergfarm.com
Where to find it Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Tokai
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Lanzerac

Established in 1692 (and the first to put a pinotage label on a bottle, in 1961), this estate is a magnificent slice of history and idyllic Jonkershoek Valley scenery. There are manicured gardens, cellar tours, an exquisite hydrotherapy spa and a smorgasbord of culinary choices.

The Tasting Room & Deli serves casual daytime meals, platters and gourmet sandwiches and milkshakes; the atmospheric Taphuis does sharing plates and classy pub grub. (Both have kids’ menus and the option of alfresco terrace tables.) Or head to the opulent Manor Kitchen for Sunday lunch, Saturday afternoon tea or a gourmet fine-dining dinner (with a seven-course experience on Friday and Saturday nights). The Craven Lounge offers tapas, whisky tastings and cocktails (plus a Gentleman’s Tea with whisky or gin). There’s even a “fine water” tasting in the elegant Library with a water sommelier. As for the wine, the tastings or a wine-and-chocolate pairing can be enjoyed indoors or on the verandah beside the vines.
Stay The five-star boutique hotel in the historic Manor House is filled with magnificent antiques and art.
Contact 021 887 1132, info@lanzerac.co.za
Where to find it Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch
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Quoin Rock

In the Knorhoek Valley, framed by the Simonsberg mountain, this boutique estate wows visitors with its sheer sophistication. Over the past decade, the Gaiduk family has transformed an old farm into a state-of-the-art destination that combines striking art, architecture and ambience. Soak up the beauty of the gardens, then enjoy a personalised sommelier-led wine-tasting (a choice of six) in the Tasting Room or on the scenic terrace, paired with a cheese and charcuterie platter, bubbly and oysters, or macarons.

The fine-dining side of things happens at Quartz (formerly Gåte), inspired by the farm’s quartz-rich terroir. Expect a modernist, innovative approach in the three- or four-course set menus, with each dish crafted around one of Quoin Rock’s award-winning wines.
Stay The exclusive-use Manor House sits a lofty 400m above sea level, with unparalleled views, manicured gardens, a pool and sauna, and seven rooms.
Good to know The estate opens at 11am daily.
Contact 021 888 4740, info@quoinrock.co.za
Where to find it Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
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Vergenoegd Low

The meticulously restored Cape Dutch manor house, werf and farm buildings of this estate (hidden in plain sight between Cape Town and Somerset West) have a Sleeping Beauty appeal. The expanse of regeneratively farmed vines – famously patrolled by Indian runner ducks and Dexter cattle – and conserved wetlands alive with birds hardly seem to have changed since the farm was founded in 1696. Wine-tastings are now enjoyed in the Wine Lounge at Geuwels restaurant, and can include an inspired pairing platter of indigenous flavours – spekboom, bokkoms, amasi, biltong, etc.

The two restaurants, now under the helm of chef Michelle Theron, are also a proud celebration of Cape heritage cuisine: Clara’s Barn (a beautiful reimagining of one of the oldest barns in the country) will reopen in 2026 with a bistro-style, à la carte menu for lunch and a fine-dining set menu for dinner; Geuwels (reopening on 1 December 2025) serves up farm-to-table food that brings community heritage to life with contemporary expression.

The estate also has a gorgeous boutique spa, and an art walk – follow the blue cobblestones through the gardens to discover sculptures, a labyrinth and maze.
Stay Choose from luxury suites in The Farm Lodge (with jacuzzis), vineyard suites and two-bedroom cottages (all with plunge pools) or the Owners’ Villa.
Contact 021 843 3248, info@vergenoegd.co.za
Where to find it 1 Vergenoegd Road, off Old Faure Road (M49), Stellenbosch
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Jordan

A secluded family estate at the end of a winding single-track road, Jordan is peaceful, rich with birdlife and looks out over a willow-fringed dam to the Stellenbosch mountains. With such nature-infused tranquillity and glorious views, it feels like a soul-restoring escape.

You’ll want to linger over the wine-tastings on the terrace or deck next to the dam, and your meal – whether it’s a brunch or easy lunch at The Cellar Door, a gourmet picnic in a secluded pod by the dam, or stellar fine-dining (with wine pairings) courtesy of chef Marthinus Ferreira at The Jordan Restaurant.

To immerse yourself even further in the surroundings, there’s a vineyard tour in the safari-style Land Rover (which also includes a cellar tour and wine-tasting), a private sunset wine drive and mountain-bike trails that connect to the Bottelary MTB network.
Stay There are 13 modern luxury rooms and suites hidden in indigenous gardens, sharing a swimming pool, and a private villa (with pool) high up on the slopes.
Good to know All bills include a 2% conservation levy, which helps sustain critical biodiversity management practices.
Contact 021 881 3441, info@jordanwines.com
Where to find it Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Stellenbosch
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Durbanville Hills

At this award-winning winery, vineyards and meadows stretch out towards Table Bay, creating a postcard-perfect setting (complete with an iconic, unobstructed view of Table Mountain) that feels far removed from urban life, despite being only a short drive from the city centre. Visitors can enjoy a range of wine pairings – with cheese, chocolate or biltong and dried fruit – in the comfortable lounge area of the cellar, or under the trees at Olive Grove Bistro, which also serves platters, light meals and sandwiches. (There’s a kids’ menu, too, and a play area alongside.) For a special meal any time of day, there’s The Tangram Restaurant, where glass-panelled walls bring the majestic scenery in and a creative menu celebrates South African flavours and ingredients. Or enjoy the best of both with a Collectors Reserve pairing of tasting portions from the restaurant menu with seven wines (weekdays only), which includes a cellar tour too.
Good to know Look out for a range of events, from themed cocktail nights, DJs or live music sundowner sessions and creative workshops to blend-your-own wine and bingo & bubbles.
Contact 021 558 1300, info_durbanvillehills@heineken.com
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville

Groot Constantia

The place where wine-making began in South Africa, Groot Constantia (dating back to 1685) is steeped in Cape Dutch architecture, glorious gardens and magnificent valley views. There are wine-tastings and a chocolate-and-wine pairing, and you can buy a bottle of its famous Grand Constance muscat wine (known to 18th- and 19th-century kings, emperors and novelists). Step back into the past in the beautifully furnished Manor House, the wine museum and historic Cloete Cellar, and explore the grounds and vineyards.

Relax at Simon’s Restaurant, which has an upmarket à la carte menu, or the Jonkershuis for Cape Malay-style bistro fare. Both are popular spots for breakfasts, and provide pre-booked picnic baskets too. Nab a table under the oaks and let the kids roam free… for them, it’s like having your own fantastical secret garden to explore: a duck pond, rolling lawns to tumble down, trees to climb…
Good to know The Visitors Route Experience is a self-guided tour that includes access to the Manor House, Cloete Cellar, a guided cellar tour, wine-tasting and a take-home crystal glass.
Contact 021 794 5128, enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za
Where to find it Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town

Vergelegen

Reminiscent of a fairytale land, Vergelegen is as expansive as its “far away” moniker suggests. Apart from sweeping vineyards, it has 17 award-winning themed gardens, forests, fynbos and wetland, and a nature reserve. Plus, there’s the estate’s 325-year heritage, seen in the Cape Dutch homestead, beautiful library, mill ruins and slave lodge. The vineyard and gravity-flow cellar tour includes magnificent Helderberg views from the roof, followed by a wine-tasting. The alien-clearing and restoration project can be seen on a guided eco drive or the full-day Vergelegen Trail hike (spotting Nguni cattle, wildebeest, quaggas and more).

For dining, there’s the family-friendly Stables bistro, with a menu of comfort classics (and an adventure playground for the kids); or discover the baked delights of the Rose Terrace Tea Room – in a cute thatched cottage right next to The Potting Shed gift shop – or a fancy summertime picnic in the camphor forest, complete with a white tablecloth and silver cutlery.
Good to know There is a R20 entry fee to the estate (R10 pensioners/children).
Contact 021 847 2111, info@vergelegen.co.za
Where to find it Lourensford Road, Somerset West

Brookdale Estate

In a remote valley just outside Paarl, this mountain-hugged boutique wine estate is a place to slow down and enjoy the pastoral rhythms of the seasons, big African skies, birdsong and serenity. Until recently, it’s been a secret shared only by overnight guests – a Cape Dutch-style manor house and private villa sit at the heart of the property. On another hillside, there’s a comfortably chic bistro, tasting room and wine cellar. Enjoy a wine-tasting of the estate’s two ranges, or a sip & dip pairing (with delectable hummus, pâté, tapenade, etc), and order from the tasty small-plates menu, or for a more substantial meal, take a seat in the Bistro at Brookdale, which serves up creative and deliciously approachable dishes with stunning views from the deck; on Thursdays, it’s Fire & Wine Evening.
Stay The Manor House (booked by the room or as an exclusive-use villa) and The Lodge offer full immersion in a working farm (harvesting, vineyard walks, trail running, etc), wonderful meals and a glorious pool.
Good to know The estate is closed to the public on Mondays.
Contact 087 183 3939, info@brookdale-estate.com
Where to find it Hawequa Bos Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl
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Bosjes

Photo: Claire Gunn (left), Adam Letch (right)

Off the beaten track in the majestic Breedekloof Valley, this farm is famed for its Chapel, a modern architectural marvel that “floats” above a pond. Landscaped gardens feature a tapestry of diverse flora, water sculptures, a canopy walk and labyrinthine paths leading to the chapel. (Kids will love the climbable structures and ziplines.)

Work up an appetite, then head to either of the two daytime restaurants offering delicious food in designer spaces: The Kombuis (kitchen) is more sophisticated and overlooks foothills where game roams; The Spens (pantry) does casual, deli-style fare, cakes and pastries, and picnic baskets. There are no wine-tastings, but the farm’s wines can be enjoyed with a meal or purchased at the vinoteque.

Other attractions include The Winkel (shop) for bespoke handcrafted items; a gorgeous spa in the former stables; plus vineyards, orchards, fields of proteas and wilder, fynbos-filled landscapes to enjoy on hiking paths, in bird hides and on two mountain-bike trails.
Stay The 1790 Cape Dutch Herehuis (manor house) has seven luxury suites, with guests-only dinners in The Eetkamer.
Good to know The estate occasionally closes for weddings on Saturdays, so be sure to check before heading out.
Contact 023 004 0496, hello@bosjes.co.za
Where to find it R43, near Worcester
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