7 Best Stellenbosch Wineries to Visit in 2025
If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town, you’ve probably thought about visiting Stellenbosch. The Stellenbosch Wineries are known to have some of the best wine in all of South Africa (or at least the Western Cape) so it’s definitely a must if you love your vino!
This guide is perfect if you’re not sure where to start planning a day or two in the Cape Winelands.
The Best Stellenbosch Vineyards
1. Babylonstoren Wine Estate
Many wine tours start at Babylonstoren, one of the oldest wine farms in the area! It’s definitely one of the most beautiful wine farms in Stellenbosch with a bright and open wine-tasting room with a gorgeous view of the vineyards. It’s a massive winery with so much to see and do so you really can’t go wrong.
They also grow fruits and vegetables on the property and have a bakery where you can enjoy fresh bread right out of the oven!
If you end up drinking a little too much wine (it’s okay, it’s bound to happen), you can stay at the Babylonstoren Hotel and enjoy farm-to-fork food at their restaurant, Babel.
Must Try: While Babylonstoren has outstanding wine, you NEED to try their olive oil! They offer an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tour at 11 am and 3 pm each day for R200/$11.75 USD.
Cost of Tasting: There’s a few options, R160/$8.39 USD to taste 7 wines and R65/$3.41 to taste 3 wines.
Best For: Luxury feel at a budget price! You’ll be hard-pressed to find the same level of value and service for a cheaper rate. Definitely, the place to go if you’re balling on a budget.
Address: 5WFF+GP, Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium, 7670, South Africa
2. Delaire Graff Estate
Delaire Graff Estate is the place to go if you want to indulge in a truly luxurious experience! They’re much more than a typical winery, with unforgettable panoramic views from atop the Helshoogte Pass, accommodation that will blow your mind, alongside an award-winning portfolio of wines.
Wine tastings are available from Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5:30 pm and Sundays from 10 am-4:30 pm. All tables are on a first-come, first-served basis and they don’t take reservations!
If you plan on spending the night at Delaire Graff Estate, you should definitely make a point of trying their spa services. Soak it all in with a full-day package for R6,400/$375 USD or a half-day package for R4,000/$235 USD.
Must Try: Coastal Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc (2021) for R1,550/$91.20 USD.
Cost of Tasting: Starting at R120/$6.30 USD (3 estate range wines), up to R440/$23 USD (5 icon range wines).
Best For: Ultimate relaxation and luxury – Perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion!
Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
3. Waterford Estate
Waterford Estate, while one of the youngest wineries in the area, is certainly a great place to visit when you’re in Stellenbosch. It was founded in 1998 and it continues to offer an unforgettable experience to all who visit.
The experiences that Waterford Estate offers are definitely what caught my eye! They have a Wine Drive Safari and Porcupine Trail Walk. If you’re familiar (because I surely wasn’t), the safari consists of a tour through the estate, along the Helderberg mountain and is accompanied by a wine tasting with light snacks and chocolate, starting at R1,265 PP ($74 USD).
The Porcupine Trail Walk, on the other hand, is a walk through the vineyards and natural Fynbos in the area. There are three different routes you can take, based on intensity. The walks are available at 10 am and 2 pm and are R715/$42 USD.
Must Try: The Jem – Waterford Estate’s most iconic wine, named after the owner (Jeremy). It’s a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon for R1,950/$114 USD.
Cost of Tasting: Tasting is between R150/$7.80 USD and R435/$22.80 USD. (number of tastings not specified)
Best For: Unique experiences you won’t come across at most wineries!
Address: Upper Blaauwklippen Rd, Helderberg Rural, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
4. Spier Wine Farm
With a heritage dating back to 1692, Spier Wine Farm is one of many Stellenbosch wineries with a lot of history! They’re passionate about what they do and it shows. At Spier Wine Farm, you can get your hands on one of the largest collections of contemporary art while you’re sipping on your favourite wine.
From a segway tour to browsing their craft market, strolling through their mountain bike trail or a visit to the spa, you’re bound to fall in love with Spier.
Browse their various experiences here!
Spier Wine Farm has been in the business for a while so you can count on their knowledge and exceptional customer service. They think of everything and even have a grape juice tasting if you’re bringing kids along. If you want to stay the night, the Spier Hotel has luxury lodges available.
Must Try: Wine Blending Experience – learn the basics of wine blending for R300/$17.50 USD.
Cost of Tasting: Try 3 signature wines and one premium wine for R85/$4.45 USD.
Best For: Variety & those interested in trying a little of everything. It’s also great for families!
Address: R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch, 7603, South Africa
5. Boschendal Winery
Boschendal Winery is situated in between Franschoek and Stellenbosch in one of the most picturesque valleys so get your camera ready! It’s a historic estate with many restaurants and a museum.
If you’re looking for a getaway where you can stay for a night or two (maybe over one of the public holidays), Boschendal Winery is a great spot! They have 40 luxury cottages, tree houses and tented camps to choose from.
You’ll never get bored with interesting experiences such as horse riding available during your stay.
Must Try: Elgin Pinot Noir for R2,700/$158 USD.
Cost of Tasting: A standard tasting (5 wines) starts at R50/$2.90 USD.
Best For: Photographers/creatives looking for some inspiration!
Address: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
6. Fairview Winery
Fairview Winery was established in 1693 and has a few vineyards in Paarl, Darling, Swartland and Stellenbosch. The founder, Charles Back took the social development of Cape Town seriously and was one of the producers who campaigned for and implemented better conditions for those working on his farm in 1997.
He even established the Fair Valley Worker’s Association to provide employees with a chance to farm their land.
There are many goats that roam around the land outside the tasting room, definitely separating this Stellenbosch winery from the others!
Must Try: The Goatfather (2020) – A blend of full-bodied reds.
Cost of Tasting: A standard tasting (6 wines + 6 pieces of cheese) go for R75/$3.90 USD.
Best For: Budget travellers or anyone who doesn’t want to drop too much money on a tasting!
Address: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Suider, Paarl, 7646, South Africa
7. Peter Falke Wines
Peter Falke Wines is a beautiful winery nestled against the Helderberg Mountains. This estate dates back to the 18th century and is currently run by Peter Falke (a German man) and his wife Danielle (who’s originally from France).
Danielle is an interior designer and her keen eye for design is noticeable right off the bat! The tasting room is beautiful and the property also has a lot of outdoor seating. Tastings and food are available from Monday to Sunday, 11 am-6 pm and groups of 10+ must have an appointment.
Make sure you check out their wine cellar and bring a bottle of wine back home with you!
Must Try: Kailani Cabernet Sauvignon (2017) for R750.00/$44 USD.
Cost of Tasting: No longer listed on their website but as of 2023, it was listed as PF Collection (6 wines) for R90/$5.25 USD.
Best For: A low-key and relaxed vibe.
Address: Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
About the Stellenbosch Wine Region & Popular Wines
The Stellenbosch wine region is the perfect place for a Cape Town getaway!
You’ll find a wide range of wine farms, olive groves and unique views of different mountain ranges (Helderberg and Simonsberg). False Bay is about 20km to the south and Cape Town is about 40km southwest.
Coming in right after Cape Town, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second-oldest settlement, established in 1679. It was named after the Governor at the time, Simon van der Stel. He was known for establishing the Constantia wine estate in Cape Town, so it’s no wonder how Stellenbosch became home to almost 1/5th of all the vines planted in the country!
Stellenbosch is situated in the middle of granite, shale and sandstone-based soils, which helps in producing quality wine. It also helps that the mountainsides help retain water and there is enough water in the winter.
The climate in the Stellenbosch region is fairly hot and dry with some southeasterly breezes passing through. The cabernet sauvignon is the most popular wine in the region, due to the ancient soil types that produce a distinct minerality.
What Wine is Produced in Stellenbosch?
Chenin blanc is planted widely throughout the region and is used to produce a range of wine styles. While red varieties are most commonly planted, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and riesling are found in Stellenbosch as well.
Getting to Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch isn’t as close as some of the other wine regions near Cape Town but don’t let that stop you from going! The drive to Stellenbosch from Cape Town is amazing because you get an incredible view of Table Mountain on your way out.
There are many great options for Stellenbosch wine tours leaving from and returning to Cape Town. This is definitely the easiest way to plan a trip to the Stellenbosch wineries because you don’t need to worry about transportation between different wine estates. Stellenbosch is a big region and the wineries are spread out so you need to be driven to each one.
If you have a DD (designated driver), hiring a car is the best way to get around because you have much more flexibility when it comes to how long you stay at each winery. South African wine is amazing so you’ll want at least an hour or two at each winery!
How Much Time Do You Need in Stellenbosch?
If you’re short on time, a day trip can show you a snippet of what Stellenbosch has to offer!
Focus on visiting two or three top wineries and enjoying a relaxed lunch.
For a more immersive experience, I’d plan to spend at least two to three days in Stellenbosch. This allows you to explore its charming town centre, indulge in wine tastings at multiple estates, and perhaps take a guided vineyard tour.
A longer stay also gives you the chance to discover hidden gems, participate in unique experiences like wine blending, and even enjoy the natural beauty of nearby hiking trails.
Planning Your Stellenbosch Wine Route
When you’re planning a day trip to these top wineries, you should consider your route ahead of time to make the most of the entire day! Based on visiting the Stellenbosch wineries mentioned above, here’s the route I’d recommend taking.
You probably won’t have time to visit all 7 in one go but the map above will give you an idea of how to plan the drive.
There are many wine routes you could take in Stellenbosch so even if you don’t take this one, you’re bound to have an incredible day.
Visiting Stellenbosch Wineries on a Budget
If you’re on a budget but still want to experience some of the great wines at Stellenbosch wine farms, I’ve got you covered.
The cheapest way to go about getting to and from Stellenbosch is by Uber or Bolt. Uber is generally more reliable and will cost around R1,000/$58 USD for the roundtrip journey, stopping at one or two wineries.
If you find a group of people to split an Uber with at your hostel in Cape Town, it works out to be around $10-15 PP for transportation. I will say that you need to find a driver that’s reliable and willing to wait around at the wineries to take you from one to another because when I did this, ours didn’t reply for a while and we almost had to find another driver.
I’d suggest tipping when you arrive at the first winery, give them a good idea of how long you’ll be and add them on WhatsApp so you can contact them when you’re ready to go. All in all, you’ll barely spend anything on transportation if you’re going as a group.
Of course, that doesn’t include the wine tastings or any food but you’d be surprised by how affordable they are! If you want to splurge a little for the day, you should try out some of the best restaurants in the Western Cape that are within the wineries.
Best Value Stellenbosch Winery
To make the most of your budget, I’d head to Spier Wine Farm. This renowned estate offers a variety of affordable yet high-quality wine tastings, making it accessible to both novices and connoisseurs.
Spier’s Signature range features approachable wines that consistently deliver on flavour and value, while their premium ranges offer a more elevated experience at a fair price.
The estate also stands out for its diverse activities: you can pair your tasting with a leisurely picnic by the Eerste River or explore the property’s art collection.
Plus, their farm-to-table restaurant, Eight, provides delicious meals made from sustainably sourced ingredients, ensuring your visit feels indulgent without being overly expensive.
Best Stellenbosch Wineries for Lunch
If your plan is to head to Stellenbosch for lunch at the wineries, Jordan Wine Estate is the perfect spot.
Known for its breathtaking views and seasonal cuisine, the estate’s signature restaurant offers dishes crafted to complement its award-winning wines.
Another standout is Delaire Graff Estate, where you can indulge in fine dining while soaking up panoramic views of the vineyards and mountains.
For a more laid-back vibe, try Warwick Estate’s gourmet picnics. Served in shaded garden areas, these meals are perfect for pairing with their excellent wines.
These wineries all have exceptional food, alongside stunning views!
Wineries I Haven’t Tried That Are On My List
Even as a seasoned Stellenbosch explorer, there are always more wineries to discover. Here are a couple of wineries I’ve yet to visit but am planning to try out when I’m next in the area!
- Rust en Vrede – This Stellenbosch winery made it to the top of my list for its world-class reds and intimate dining experience.
- Tokara – Tokara caught my eye with its modern architecture and exceptional wines, especially for its reputation as one of the most scenic estates in the region!
- Glenelly Estate – I’ve heard great things about Glenelly Estate’s Bordeaux-style blends and stunning glass museum.
Stellenbosch Wine Farms List
Stellenbosch is home to an extensive array of wine farms, including:
- Alto Wine Estate
- Asara Wine Estate
- Bartinney Private Cellar
- Blaauwklippen Vineyards
- Boschendal Wine Estate
- Delheim Wine Estate
- Delaire Graff Estate
- DeMorgenzon
- Eikendal Vineyards
- Ernie Els Wines
- Glenelly Estate
- Guardian Peak Wines
- Hartenberg Wine Estate
- Hidden Valley Wines
- Jordan Wine Estate
- Kaapzicht Wine Estate
- Kanonkop Wine Estate
- Ken Forrester Vineyards
- Kleine Zalze Wine Estate
- Lanzerac Wine Estate
- Le Riche Wines
- L’Avenir Wine Estate
- Longridge Wine Estate
- Middelvlei Wine Estate
- Muratie Wine Estate
- Overture at Hidden Valley
- Peter Falke Wines
- Rust en Vrede Wine Estate
- Spier Wine Farm
- Stark-Condé Wines
- Tokara Wine Estate
- Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards
- Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate
- Warwick Wine Estate
- Waterford Estate
- Webersburg Wine Estate
Stellenbosch Wineries Map
Want to see where all the best Stellenbosch wineries are located?
I’ve got you covered!
Stellenbosch Winery Tour: The Best Thing I Did in South Africa!
If you won’t want to worry about planning a trip to the best Stellenbosch wineries by yourself, there’s a much easier option …
Most wineries in the area offer their own tours, however, I’d highly recommend this hop-on, hop-off wine tram from Cape Town to Franschhoek!
Franschhoek is another renowned wine region near Stellenbosch (about 30 minutes further from Cape Town).
And if I’m being completely honest, I preferred it to Stellenbosch – mostly because the experience on this tour is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before!
How the tour works:
You get picked up in Cape Town and brought to the Franschhoek wine region.
From there, you have a choice of 8 wineries you can visit but they recommend visiting 4-5 over the course of one day to properly enjoy the experience.
I visited 4 wineries from the Navy Line when I went and had a great time!
You can book by yourself, however, I’d recommend going with a group of friends or a partner to get the most out of the experience. Most people were with others that they knew but if you happen to be a solo traveller, you could still easily chat with others on the tram and join another group if you find people you get along well with!
Here’s what the tour includes:
- Transfer from many points in Cape Town to Franschhoek and back.
- Entrance to the Franschhoek wine tram
- Live information on the wine tram from an expert guide
Price of the tour:
The tour is roughly €40 per person, depending on the season you’re visiting Cape Town.
Because Cape Town is built on tourism, prices vary from season to season.
Read more about travelling through Cape Town in October (and other seasons here).
Other Things to Do in Stellenbosch
Beyond wine tasting, Stellenbosch offers many other activities to keep you busy!
- Take a stroll through the town’s historic centre, where oak-lined streets are dotted with art galleries, boutique shops, and charming cafes!
- Jonkershoek Nature Reserve – Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby, which offers hiking and mountain biking trails surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
- Stellenbosch Village Museum – For a cultural experience, check out the collection of restored historic homes showcasing the area’s rich heritage.
- Local farmers’ markets – The Root44 Market offers artisanal goods and live entertainment.
Where to Stay in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch has a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget.
For a luxurious retreat, consider staying at Delaire Graff Estate, where opulent lodges come with private pools and breathtaking vineyard views.
You can expect to pay around $1,200 + /night.
If you prefer something more boutique, Majeka House offers stylish rooms and a top-rated restaurant. It’s much more affordable at around $115 – $175/night.
For a more budget-friendly option, Stellenbosch Hotel combines comfort and convenience in the heart of the town for around $75 – $100/night.
If you’re seeking a unique experience for a special occasion such as an anniversary, honeymoon or birthday, you might enjoy staying at one of the many wine estates that offer guest accommodations, such as Spier or Jordan.
No matter where you stay, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore everything Stellenbosch has to offer!
Other Blogs You Might Find Helpful
- How to stay safe while travelling through South Africa
- Make the most of your trip to Cape Town on a budget!
- Discover the BEST beaches South Africa has to offer
The Best Wineries Are Calling!
A day at the Stellenbosch wineries is a must and it’s a great experience you’ll never forget. After all, what could go wrong with a glass of fine wine in hand? I hope you enjoy your time in and around the Western Cape!
If you’re looking for other Cape Town guides, you can find them all here.
I’ll be back with another blog shortly but in the meantime, feel free to give me a follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok where I share daily solo and budget travel tips and tricks!
Cheers,
Amy xx
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