Welcome to the Winelands

Plato said, ‘Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine has even been granted by the gods to man’. Discover the Wine Route. These are our favourite wine farms around Stellenbosch.

Thelema

Mountain Vineyards

Welcome to Thelema Mountain Vineyards, a family owned and managed wine estate, part of the spectacular Simonsberg Mountain range in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Home to Thelema and Sutherland wines. Situated on the South Easterly side of the Simonsberg Mountain with elevations 530m above sea level with mainly south-facing slopes, possessing some of the highest elevations in Stellenbosch. The high altitude and the rich red soils are ideal for premium quality wine grape production. See thelema.co.za

Rust en Vrede

National monument status

Jean Engelbrecht says, ‘The official date on the Title Deed of Rust en Vrede is March 12th, 1694. The property was granted by the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. The Cape Dutch buildings on the property date back to 1780, and today, they all have National Monument status. They are living history, used on a daily basis – I still live in the Manor house where I grew up, and the original winery is now the Rust en Vrede Restaurant.’ At rustenvrede.com

Babylonstoren

One of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and wine, and evokes a sense of wellbeing. Visit the botanical garden, set within 3,5 hectares or 8 acres of cultivated fruit and vegetables, the big garden at Babylonstoren is at the heart of the farm. Or Book at Babel Restaurant, housed in the old cow shed, Babel Restaurant is a wonderful mix of Cape Dutch architecture and contemporary glass walls that makes for a simple yet edgy environment in which to try our tasty yet often unconventional combinations. See babylonstoren.com

Waterford

Rich layers of character

Waterford Estate is situated in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world-renowned Stellenbosch region. We believe in the old adage of ‘less is more’. There is nothing pretentious or ostentatious about the estate, rather the visual impact is one of a seamless whole, which complements rather than detracts from the surrounding natural beauty. Experience Waterford, where the unforgettable estate is designed to evoke a unique sense of place and stimulate all five of your senses. Oh, and the ABSA Cape Epic also went through Waterford this year. At waterfordestate.co.za

Boschendal

Inspiring ways of living

You are invited to enjoy all this magnificent farm has to offer; award-winning wine and food experiences, a rich heritage & spectacular natural landscapes. Eat & Drink at Boschendal. Join us for a culinary experience like no other. Take your pick from our abundant restaurant and food offerings or enjoy breath-taking views while you taste award-winning wines. There is also a Night Market, Art Gallery, Farm & Homeware shop, Yoga, exceptional MTB trails, farm tours, picnics, Friday Night Swims, Horse Riding and a Tree House. At boschendal.com

Stark Conde

High Altitude Vineyards

Postcard Café & Wine Tasting at this hidden gem in Stellenbosch. Experience Organically Farmed, High Altitude Vineyards in the Jonkershoek Valley, touching Stellenbosch. Tim Atkin South African Wine Report mentioned this A South African ‘First Growth’. Hand-crafted, organically farmed Cabernet, Self-taught cellarmaster Jose Conde’s first attempt at winemaking was in 2000, and he chose to experiment with his favorite grape, Cabernet Sauvignon. Visit stark-conde.co.za

Cavalli Estate

For the love of horses

Cavalli Wine and Stud Farm. Enjoy wine tasting, fine dining, art gallery, wedding venue, Indigenous Gardens and Manicured paddocks attached to a World Class Equestrian Indoor Arena on Cavalli, conveniently situated on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. As a ‘destination brand’ renowned for its wine, cuisine, design, architecture, indigenous landscaping and art, Cavalli has developed a loyal following of discerning patrons. See cavalliestate.com

Zorgvliet

Welcome to our haven

At dusk the valley becomes tranquil and filled with magic, the mountains are painted in the colors of our rainbow nation as the last rays of sunshine greet the valley good night. Share our haven and you will never be the same again as you will become a beholder of the spirit of the Banghoek Valley. Combining over 300 years of hard work and shared family knowledge. Est. 1692. Welcome to our haven, seven kilometers outside Stellenbosch in the heart of the winelands you will find a place of serenity and ultimate beauty. See zorgvliet.com