Warwick
Situated in Stellenbosch, where warmer climates generally mean fuller, higher alcohol content wines, Warwick offers an estate with fantastic wines and history. Find out about the King, sample the Trilogy and be sure to book as tours are by appointment only
Tokara
A fantastic estate that makes equally good olive oils as it does wine. Tokara does not do cellar tours directly but has a fantastic restaurant and delicatessen, offering their wines, oils and olives amongst other delights. A friendly option for those venturing with children.
Haute Cabrierre
One of the flagship names in Cape wine culture, a stop at this estate is a must. Achim and Takuan are entertaining guides and will make your tour as much fun as it will be delicious... “edutainment” if you must. The wine is a household name, and I think most Capetonians have bread, milk and a bottle of the Chardonnay-Pino blend in their fridges at any point in time.
Jordan
Another one of those brands with an international acclaim. As a Merlot fan, Jordan is high in my books, and a fantastic restaurant makes it a full foodie experience. The cellar is a feature in itself as well as the vineyards, which the Jordan team believe is where the battle for a glrorious wine is won and lost.
Nitida
Situated in Durbanville, Nitida is named after a varietal of Protea which occurs on the estate. Makers of a large variety of wines, their Sauvignon Blanc stands out with me for the great fruitiness it possesses despite still maintaining the crisper hallmarks of the cultivar. The restaurant offers a lighter alternative than some other more formal wine establishments.
Diemersfontein
Diemersfontein is a multi purpose estate and offers Wedding and conference facilities on top of a restaurant and wine tasting. Don't think this has distracted them from making great wine. In the last couple of years the Diemersfontein Pinotage has gained an iconic reputation for its clear coffee and chocolate undertones.
Constantia Uitsig
For all its splendour, the meagre 15 minute journey from town warrants return visits. A long standing stalwart of the Cape Town wine scene, the estate has more to offer than just its noble cultivars primed for the valley climate. The estate boasts 3 excellent restaurants, a spa, luxury hotel and even its own cricket oval. Watching ball by ball at this exquisite venue with a glass of the estates Semillion... sounds about right!
While we end our guide here, there are many options out their and the list could go on for pages! Don't be scared to simply get in the car and drive. If something catches your eye, go in and give it a try, and be sure to tell us about it.
