South Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful wine estates. Producing world-class wines right on our doorstep, we have an abundance of choices for farm visits and wine tastings. While wine tourists and locals flock to the wineries during summer to take full advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces and breathtaking views, wine farms hold a different kind of charm in winter.
While the vines are bare and lying dormant before spring, many wineries choose to release their new vintages during these quieter months, making it a great time to visit and taste their latest releases.
If you’re looking to experience some of the best wine estates during this time, I’ve put together a list of 10 incredible wineries across different wine routes. These estates can be booked on Dineplan and offer not only wine tastings but also exquisite food pairings and winter-friendly experiences.
Bot River Wine Route
Gabriëlskloof
With Peter-Allan Finlayson, one of South Africa’s leading winemakers, at the helm, Gabriëlskloof is a top destination for wine enthusiasts. They currently have three ranges within their wine portfolio, namely the Gabriëlskloof Range, the premium Landscape Series, which showcases the estate’s top vineyards and some of South Africa’s best old vines, and the more experimental Projects Range.
We favour minimal intervention, only taking action where absolutely necessary. We believe this best reflects and expresses the terroir of the fantastic vineyards we work with. – Peter-Allan Finlayson, Winemaker
Apart from the highly-rated wines, the farm is also home to one of SA’s most-loved restaurants – Farro. What started as a pop-up restaurant in town, Farro now has a (very) loyal following of diners willing to make regular trips out to Bot River. The menu changes regularly, but the chicken liver parfait will be one of the highlights of your meal.
Constantia Wine Route
Steenberg Estate
While the Constantia Valley is celebrated for its crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blancs, there are some great reds to be discovered too. From Merlot and Nebbiolo to the award-winning Catharina red blend, the Steenberg Farm has a selection of reds to choose from when it is “red wine weather”.
Book a table inside at Bistro Sixteen82 for simple but delicious tapas and bistro-style meals. As one of the most-loved restaurants in 2022, it’s a crowd favourite all year round. Or, reserve lunch or dinner at Tryn for a cosy 3-course meal paired with wines from the Steenberg range.
Durbanville Wine Route
De Grendel
With a long list of Platter’s stars and awards, De Grendel is one of South Africa’s top-tier wine producers. In particular, the Syrah/Shiraz bottlings and Rubaiyat Bordeaux-style red blend are worth seeking out. Book a tasting at the farm, choose between their premium or flagship tastings, and then sit back and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Table Mountain and the city.
The Graaff family’s profound passion for winemaking extends beyond the vineyards into the restaurant. Using of fresh, seasonal, and farm-grown produce, their menu undergoes regular changes to showcase the rich heritage of Cape cuisine. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to complement the De Grendel wines. It’s no surprise that this is one of the top 20 restaurants on Dineplan.
You can also book farm and cellar tours via their website.
Elgin Wine Route
Paul Cluver
Paul Cluver has played a pioneering role in establishing Elgin as one of South Africa’s premier Chardonnay and Pinot Noir-producing regions. Perfect for winter food pairing, the top-rated Paul Culver Chardonnays and Pinots are finely crafted, complex, and beautiful.
The much-loved restaurant celebrates all things local and embodies simplistic country living and farm-style eating. The small and seasonal menu features wholesome and comforting dishes with wine pairing suggestions for each option.
Franschhoek Wine Route
Boschendal
Since it was first founded in 1685, Boschendal Farm in the Cape Winelands has become world-famous for its food, wine and generous country hospitality. After a decade of rejuvenation and refinement, this iconic Cape farm has evolved into a landmark wine-tasting destination.
In summer, you can book a tasting outside at the Boschendal Cellar Door, but in winter, we suggest reserving a table at The Werf Restaurant and tasting through the wines within the comfort of the cosy, beautifully restored Cape Dutch building.
Not only is Boschendal a must-visit destination for wine lovers, but it’s also a wonderful place to take the whole family for a summer picnic – and has plenty of child-friendly activities.
Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Route
Creation Wines
Well-known for their world-class Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, Creation is ranked as the 4th best wine farm in the world and should not be missed on your trip through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. From their award-winning Estate and Reserve ranges to the iconic Art of Creation wines, reserve a seat in the beautiful tasting room, overlooking a small dam and surrounded by vines and fynbos, while you taste through their extensive range. The tasting room assistants are extremely knowledgeable and will guide you through the wines and their profiles.
A visit to Creation would not be complete without lunch. Whether you choose to order off the à la carte menu or embark on the indulgent 6-chapter pairing menu, you are in for a treat as it’s one of the best dining experiences in the Cape.
Herbertsdale Wine Route
Jakkalsvlei
Rated by diners as one of the top 50 restaurants in 2022, Jakkalsvlei is well worth a visit if you’re in the Garden Route area. The wine tasting consists of 13 Jakkalsvlei wines, including reds, whites, Moscatos and dessert wines (Hanepoot and Red Muscadel). In winter, choose a seat inside the Wijnhuis and look out over the vines and surrounding mountains while tasting through the wines with one of their many pairing options – from cheese, charcuterie, chocolate, fudge, macarons, and more!
Namaqua West Coast Wine Route
Fryer’s Cove
With the West Coast flower season in August and September, Fryer’s Cove in Doringbaai is a wonderful late winter or early spring road trip destination for nature and wine enthusiasts alike. Featured in our culinary guide to South Africa, The Jetty Restaurant at Fryer’s Cove is a hidden gem.
A joint project with the local community, The Jetty Restaurant is a celebration of Weskus fare. Pair a cold glass of the crisp Fryer’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc with their famous fish and chips and your lunch will be well worth the drive. I promise!
Paarl Wine Route
Avondale
Avondale is a certified organic wine farm and follows the practices of biodynamic agriculture. Placing their focus on sustainability and their role within the ecosystem, the low-intervention wines are naturally made and full of character. Look out for their Qvevri white and red, as Avondale was the first local producer to make wines using this ancient method of burying amphorae-like pots in the earth, to give their wines both exciting flavour and texture.
To sample the wines over an unforgettable meal, book a table at the estate’s restaurant, Faber. With hundreds, if not thousands, of 5-star ratings, it’s one of the top 20 restaurants according to Dineplan reviews. Chef Dale Stevens and Avondale’s proprietor, Johnathan Grieve, work closely to create a thought-provoking food and wine journey. From farm to fork, the menu celebrates the bountiful goodness of nature with artful and delicious dishes.
Stellenbosch Wine Route
Waterford Estate
Waterford’s rugged Helderberg slope provides the perfect conditions for producing refined, classically crafted reds. Rated as one of the top 50 venues on Dineplan in 2022, the Waterford tasting room offers wines from across their collection. Ranging from fantastic quality entry-level wines to luxury cuvées, you can choose a wine tasting to fit your palate. If you’re looking to try the very best, request a tasting of The Jem. It’s Waterford’s flagship, award-winning red blend and truly special.
After your tasting, have a table booked at Salt Restaurant, where Chef Craig Cormack and Beau Du Toit serve comforting, yet elegant classics – perfect for winter wine pairing.
If you have the time, we highly recommend booking the Porcupine Trail Wine Walk or the Wine Drive Safari. For the walk, choose one of three routes based on your preferred level of intensity, and tour the vineyards and natural fynbos around the farm. Afterwards, taste through a selection of wines while enjoying a light lunch, before heading back to the winery for a wine and chocolate tasting. As for the safari drive, it begins with a unique 3-hour trip through the 120-hectare estate, followed by a wine tasting, including the iconic Jem, an artisanal platter, and a wine and chocolate tasting to finish off.
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