The 13 Best Wine-Tasting Experiences in Cape Town

Wine Tasting Feature

You don’t have to leave the Mother City to experience world-class wine farms…

South Africa’s first wine was created in Cape Town over three-and-a-half centuries ago, and the Mother City is still proudly producing wine. From heritage estates in Constantia (where the country’s first wine farm was established in 1685) to modern wineries in Durbanville, the Wine of Origin Cape Town district includes 30 wine farms, scattered north and south of Table Mountain. Bound together by great similarities in terroir, and cool coastal winds, the furthest is a mere 36km from the centre of Cape Town. Whether you head for the Southern Suburbs or the Northern Suburbs, you don’t have to travel far for an authentic wine-tasting experience!

Beau Constantia

Wine Tasting: Beau Constantia

Although the entrance may sneak up on you, you’ll be glad you made the sharp turn into this breathtaking estate, famously home to Chefs Warehouse. On steep slopes near the top of Constantia Nek, it boasts spectacular views – over the Constantia Valley as far as the eye can see.
Wine-tasting Encased in oversized glass windows, offering unobstructed views over False Bay, the tasting room is where you get to sample the beautiful wines, made from grapes planted to an elevation of 350 metres above sea-level, on some of the steepest agricultural slopes in the Cape. When the sun is out, pull up a seat at one of the outdoor wooden tables, order a platter of cheese, charcuterie and seasonal fruit and settle back to let the views do their thing.
Good to know The tasting room only accommodates 30 guests at a time, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Cost Tastings: R110 – R150 (four wines)
Platters: From R300 for 2
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 11am – 7pm
Friday – Sunday, 11am – 8pm (last tastings commence 90 minutes before closing time)
Contact 021 794 8632, reservations@beauconstantia.com
Where to find it Constantia Main Road, Constantia
Book through DinePlan

De Grendel

Wine Tasting: De Grendal

This scenic wine estate on the slopes of the Tygerberg Hills has been in the Graaff family for four generations. While its agricultural roots date back to the 1890s, its evolution into wine is relatively recent, with new vines planted in 2000 and the first vintages sold in 2003. Its wines have since garnered several high-profile accolades, while its restaurant continues to live up to its reputation as the World Luxury Restaurant Award winner in 2017.
Wine-tasting Drink in the views from the vineyards towards Table Mountain as you enjoy your tasting in the glass-encased patio, or inside the cosy lounge adorned with plush ottomans and couches.
Good to know Its popular farm tour shows off resident springbok, eland, red hartebeest and bontebok, as well as iconic views of Table Mountain. There’s also the option to include a picnic. Pre-booking is essential.
Cost Premium tasting: R120 (6 wines)
Flagship tasting: R140 (6 wines)
Farm tour: R620 (for 2 people); R1 250 (with picnic for 2)
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 021 558 6280, tasting@degrendel.co.za
Where to find it Plattekloof Road, Panorama
Book through DinePlan

Steenberg Farm

Wine Tasting: Steenberg Farm

The oldest farm in the Constantia Valley (registered in 1682), Steenberg produces award-winning wines with a spectacular setting to match: verdant vineyards, mesmerising mountains, and an indigenous garden boasting dazzling water features and intriguing metal sculptures.
Wine-tasting Steenberg offers guests a selection of wine-tasting experiences, with a wine tasting bar and tasting lounge in a stylish contemporary space adjoining the wine cellars, and an outdoor terrace looking out over the gardens. A sister winery to Graham Beck, the estate is known for its sauvignon blanc and range of cap classiques, but if reds are more your thing, try the merlot, nebbiolo and Catharina red blend. After your tasting, head next door to Bistro 1682 for a selection of flavourful dishes that complement the estate’s fine wines.
Good to know Booking is essential. Tastings are limited to 90 minutes per booking.
Cost Bubbly tasting: R120 (3 wines)
Classic tasting: R130 (chardonnay cap classique + 4 wines from Classic range)
Sauvignon Blanc tasting: R180 (full range of estate’s sauvignon blancs)
Flagship tasting: R220 (pinot noir cap classique + 4 wines from Flagship range)
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (last tasting is at 4.30pm)
Contact 021 713 2211, winetasting@steenbergfarm.com
Booking is essential.
Where to find it Steenberg Road, Tokai
Book through DinePlan

Cape Point Vineyards

Wine Tasting: Cape Point

An unexpected slice of vineyards climbs the mountain slopes above the easy-breezy seaside village of Noordhoek. Looking over the valley towards the Atlantic Ocean, and backed by the dramatic mountains of Chapmans Peak, family-owned Cape Point Vineyards is a dream setting for wine-tastings and picnics (especially at sundown). Wide lawns dotted with picnic tables flow down to a fynbos-fringed dam, which has an irresistible jetty leading out to an island deck.
Wine tasting Unique terroir like this (it’s the only wine estate on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula and just 1.2km from the ocean) produces some fascinating wines, and the spotlight here is on producing world-class sauvignon blanc. A tasting of the three single varietals – Cape Point, Noordhoek and Reserve – offers delicious insight into different styles of sauvignon blanc, from fresh acidity and minerality to gently oaked depth and complexity. Pair your wine with the tasting room sushi menu or go for the structured oyster pairing – freshly shucked Saldanha Bay oysters with different toppings to reflect the characteristics of each wine.
Cost Sauvignon blanc tasting: R50
Wine and oyster pairing: R120
Opening times Thursday – Tuesday, 12pm – 6pm
Wednesday, 12pm – 3.30pm
Contact 021 789 0900; info@cape-point.com
Where to find it Silvermine Road, Noordhoek
Book through DinePlan

Klein Constantia

Wine Tasting: Klein Constantia

One of the oldest (dating back to 1685) – and arguably one of the most beautiful – wine estates in the Cape, Klein Constantia is home to a scattering of heritage buildings tucked under ancient oak trees, perched on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg mountains.
Wine-tasting The indoor tasting room and cellar is warm and contemporary, offering a lovely environment to enjoy a selection of estate wines. The most iconic of these is the famed Vin de Constance, the natural sweet wine beloved of royalty, Napoleon, George Washington and Jane Austen. To learn more about this wine’s rich history and the unique terroir that creates it, take a guided tour through the Vin de Constance cellar followed by a tasting of three vintages.
Good to know Booking is essential. Last tasting one hour before closing.
Cost Signature Tasting: R150 (5 wines)
Anwilka Signature Tasting: R150 (5 red wines from its Stellenbosch property)
Sauvignon Blanc Tasting: R150 (3 wines)
Vin de Constance Experience: R1 000 (includes a tour of the cellar and a tasting of 3 vintages)
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Contact 021 794 5188, info@kleinconstantia.com
Where to find it End of Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
Book through DinePlan

Klein Roosboom

Wine Tasting : Klein Roosboom

A boutique winery in the foothills of the Durbanville Wine Valley, Klein Roosboom provides an intimate wine-tasting experience in a series of cosy “caves”.
Wine-tasting Eight caves (seating groups of 4 to 6 people) are fashioned from old concrete wine tanks, and each is quirkily decorated according to a theme (from “Versailles” to “The Pantry”), with comfy seating, trinkets, vintage furniture and bits and bobs. Wine-tasting doesn’t get more atmospheric than this. Pair the award-winning wines (many of which are named after family members) with nibbles, such as farm bread with delicious toppings and veggie crisps, or with hearty farmhouse platters.
Good to know Jéan Restaurant serves farm-style seasonal dishes if you want a full meal afterwards.
If you purchase six or more bottles of wine, tastings are free.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost White tasting: R75 (4 wines)
Red tasting: R85 (4 wines)
Estate tasting: R100 (2 whites, rosé, 3 reds)
Farmhouse platters: From R220
Contact 0860 572 572, tastingroom@kleinroosboom.co.za
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville
Book through DinePlan

Diemersdal

Wine Tasting: Diemersdal

In the heart of Durbanville wine country, Diemersdal has been brought to life by the Louw family (six generations deep). With an outdoor seating area and view-drenched interior, this historic wine estate boasts a relaxed, country atmosphere with the added appeal of panoramic vistas of hill-top farmlands.
Wine-tasting Pull up a seat inside the cosy tasting room or outside on the sun-soaked terrace and enjoy an array of award-winning wines. Top off the experience with a Dalewood cheese platter or vegetable crisps.
Good to know The Diemersdal Farm Eatery is open for lunch, Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm – 3pm.
Cost Estate tasting: R50 (6 wines from Estate range)
Reserve tasting: R70 (6 wines from Estate and Reserve ranges)
Flagship tasting: R100 (any 6 available wines)
Cheese platter: R170
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 021 976 3361, info@diemersdal.co.za
Where to find it Koeberg Road, Durbanville
Book through DinePlan

Groot Constantia

Wine Tasting: Groot Constantia

The very first wine-producing farm in South Africa (it dates back to 1685), Groot Constantia’s proximity to the city centre makes it an appealing outing. Cape-Dutch architecture, magnificent valley views and walking trails that snake through the vineyards imbue it with character, while the food and wine guarantee sensory pleasure.
Wine-tasting Although it produces red and white wines, Groot Constantia is perhaps most famous for its Grand Constance sweet wine (Napoleon’s favourite tipple). There are daily tastings and cellar tours, as well as chocolate-and-wine pairings. The two estate restaurants, Jonkershuis or Simon’s Restaurant, are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Good to know The Visitors Route Experience is a self-guided tour that takes in the Manor House and historic Cloete Cellar, a wine tasting and a souvenir crystal glass.
Cost R150 (5 wines)
Chocolate and wine pairing: R200 (5 wines + chocolates)
Visitors Route Experience: R155
Opening Times Bottom Cellar: 9am – 5pm
Production Cellar + Top Cellar: 10am – 4pm
Contact 021 794 5128, enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za
Where to find it Groot Constantia Road, Constantia
Book Through DinePlan

Buitenverwachting

Wine Tasting: Buitenverwachting

Founded by the Cape’s first governor, this wine farm is rich in history and bucolic charm. Home to Peter Tempelhoff’s restaurant, Beyond, the estate is surrounded by sweeping vineyards and expansive lawns shaded by ancient oaks, making it a coveted destination for families, couples and those seeking an authentic wine-farm experience without venturing too far.
Wine-tasting Housed in the original 250-year-old wine cellar, with its traditional white-washed walls and thatch roof, the tasting centre is casual and generously furnished with leather couches. In summer, though, the sheltered terrace or the wide, lush lawns are the spot to be. Choose a selection of five wines to taste (Hussey’s Vlei, an elegant sauvignon blanc is always a favourite), order a platter (a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, bread, tapenades, pâtés, jams and other yummy titbits) and settle in for a relaxed afternoon (bring your own picnic blanket if you’re planning to chill on the lawns).
Cost Tasting: R100 (choice of 5 wines)
Platters: From R240 for 2
Opening times Wine-tasting: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Platters: 10am – 3.30pm
Contact 021 794 5190, info@buitenverwachting.com
Where to find it 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
Book through DinePlan

Durbanville Hills

Wine Tasting: Durbanville Hills

The vineyards of this well-known estate stretch out towards Table Bay, creating a postcard-perfect environment that feels far removed from city life, despite being only a short drive away from the city centre. Unobstructed views of Table Mountain rising above the lush landscape enhance the experience.
Wine-tasting Guests can enjoy a range of pairings, such as wine with cheese, chocolate or biltong. These take place in the comfortable lounge area of the estate’s cellar, or outdoors under the olive grove. A new visitor centre also offers an insight into the estate’s wine-making journey and cellar.
Good to know The Tangram Restaurant, an elegant glass-walled space serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, was voted South Africa’s Best Restaurant at the 2023 Restaurant Week by Cape Town diners, who gave it an average of 10 out of 10 for service, cuisine and ambience.
Cost Awards tasting: R135 (6 wines)
Crystal tasting: R100 (4 wines from Durbanville Hills range and 1 from Collectors Reserve range)
Cellar Door Exclusive tasting: R160 (5 wines from Collectors Reserve and Cellar Door ranges)
Wine pairings: R130
Opening times Monday, 12pm – 6pm
Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday + public holidays, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Contact 021 558 1300, info@durbanvillehills.co.za
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Nitída

Wine Tasting: Nitida

Perched on the side of a serene dam, surrounded by trees and meadows, Nitida Wine Farm is the picture of countryside tranquillity. The family-owned winery produces boutique wines that reflect its philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the wines to show off the area’s micro-climate.
Wine-tasting The intimate tasting room is situated inside the barrel maturation cellar, in a space cut out of the hill that gives guests a glimpse of the farm’s soil profile. In a region famed for its sauvignon blanc, it’s no surprise that the standout tasting is a sensory sauvignon blanc experience, presenting four of the cellar’s current offerings.
Good to know The farm has two restaurants: Cassia and Tables at Nitida.
Cost Classical tasting: R80 (4 wines)
Artisanal tasting: R100 (4 wines)
Sensory sauvignon blanc: R140
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Sunday + public holidays, 11am – 3pm
Contact 021 976 1467, info@nitida.co.za
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville
Enquire Now

Groot Phesantekraal

Wine Tasting: Groot Phesantekraal

With expansive meadows populated by wild geese and roaming sheep, and vineyards stretching out in all directions, this picturesque farm epitomises the freedom of the countryside. Explore the estate’s colourful history (it was founded in 1698) through its award-winning wines while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a working farm (besides wine, the Brink family cultivate grains, and rear cattle, sheep and even game).
Wine-tasting The indoor wine-tasting venue is adjacent to the restaurant, but guests can opt to enjoy tastings on the terrace outside. The award-winning Anna de Koning Chenin Blanc 2023 (named for the celebrated wife of the farm’s first owner) was awarded 4.5 stars in Platter’s 2024, as was the Marizanne Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Berliet Pinotage 2022 and the Cabernet Sauvignon 2021.
Good to know Housed in the farm’s refurbished mule stables, the restaurant offers contemporary country cuisine with a wonderfully rustic atmosphere.
Cost Estate tasting: R100 (5 wines)
Reserve tasting: R120 (5 wines)
Opening times Monday – Friday, 11am – 6pm
Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Last tasting 30 minutes before closing.
Contact 021 825 0060, wines@phesantekraal.co.za
Where to find it Klipheuwel Way (R302), Durbanville
Book Through DinePlan

Constantia Glen

Wine Tasting: Constantia Glen

Surrounded by 360-degree panoramas of towering mountains and sloping vineyards, this 60-hectare estate was first registered in 1813. The Austrian Waibel family bought the overgrown property in 1960 and farmed Angus cattle there for a while in the late 1990s, before returning the farm to its grape-growing roots in 2000. In 2007, the first wine was produced in the reincarnated winery, which now produces premium cool-climate whites and Bordeaux-style reds from the dry-farmed, estate-grown grapes.
Wine-tasting Meander up the fynbos-lined driveway, past paddocks and generous stretches of treed lawns, to the large tasting venue, divided into a series of intimate spaces around the perimeter of the building, maximising what are some of the best views in Cape Town. Sample the wines and tuck into a delicious selection of cheese and charcuterie platters, Flammkuchen, gourmet main dishes, salads and desserts.
Cost Flagship tasting: R150 (4 wines)
Full house tasting: R190 (7 wines)
Van Wyk Family Wines tasting: R150 (6 wines)
White wine tasting: R160 (7 wines)
Red wine tasting: R170 (5 wines)
Opening times Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 6pm
Friday + Saturday, 10am – 8pm
Contact 021 795 5639, enquiries@constantiaglen.com
Where to find it Constantia Main Road, Constantia
Book Through DinePlan

What are your favourite Cape Town wine farms? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

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Disclaimer:

The Inside Guide has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 31 January 2024

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11 Responses to “The 13 Best Wine-Tasting Experiences in Cape Town”

  1. Tracey-Leigh Lawson

    How could you not include Babylonstoren in this – their cellar tour is professional yet convivial, educational and the pairings are perfect! I truly thought this money well spent.

    Reply
    • Inside Guide

      Hi Tracey-Lee
      For this post, we focused on the Cape Town district only, not Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Hemel-en-Aarde and so on.

      Reply
  2. Michael McCartney

    Great list, but sorely missing Delaire Graaf, Vergelegen and Oak Valley in my opinion.

    Reply
    • Inside Guide

      Hi Michael
      This post only focuses on the Cape Town district, ie NOT Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Somerset West, Paarl or Wellington. But stay tuned for those.

      Reply
      • Mike Froud

        Good to hear that when Inside Guide focuses on Stellenbosch wine-tasting experiences it will not include Somerset West, even though Somerset West is included in the Stellenbosch district according to the Wine of Origin scheme – even though IG’s Cape Town recommendations include Durbanville wine farms that are far from the Mother City.

        Reply
  3. Mike Froud

    Diemersdal and Groot Phesantekraal in Cape Town? Please! 30km outside, a 45 minute drive… Nice detours though.

    Reply
    • Inside Guide

      Hi Mike
      Believe it or not, the Wine of Origin Cape Town district includes Constantia, Noordhoek and Durbanville.

      Reply
      • Mike Froud

        Wine of Origin is one thing, common sense quite another… Diemersdal and Groot Phesantekraal so far from Cape Town that Table Mountain looks pretty small from out there.

        Reply
        • Unknown

          Oh Mike, Aren’t you a sad old grouch!! Everything in Cape Town is a drive away. Really not necessary to put people down like this. Did you get the satisfaction you were looking for?

          Love the list! Thank you! It’s hard to make a choice when you’re there are about a million farms nearby

          Reply
  4. Zelda Rheeder

    Visited each and every of 12 listed wine farms (except for Groot Phesante which is due) !
    Each and everyone of them is truly amazing. We are so blessed in Cape Town.

    Reply
  5. Zelda Rheeder

    360 Bloemendal is a must visit – with lovely wines – GREAT platters and stunning views.
    Going to try their breadfast in February and soon their Sunday Buffet.

    Reply