Decanta · Wine farms · Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch wine farms
Wine farms east of Cape Town. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc, and a district too wide for one loop.
- From Cape Town East of the city
- Best months November to March
- Signature grapes Cabernet and Chenin
How to plan a day
Go with a driver or a tour. Two or three stops is enough. Simonsberg–Stellenbosch is not the Helderberg, so stay on one side.
Family-friendly and dog-friendly visits
Check with the estate before you go if you are bringing children or a dog. Two stops, with shade, make an easier day.
Time of year
Summer, roughly November through March, is when weekends are busiest. Harvest generally falls in February and March. Winter is quieter and more likely to be wet.
Estates worth knowing
A starting point, not a complete list.
- Kanonkop
Pinotage in the Simonsberg–Stellenbosch ward.
- Meerlust
Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bordeaux-style blend.
- Rustenberg
Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Vergelegen
Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Ken Forrester
Chenin Blanc.
- Simonsig
Cap Classique, Pinotage and Chenin Blanc.
- Thelema Mountain Vineyards
Bordeaux-style reds on Helshoogte.
- Jordan Wine Estate
Chardonnay, Cabernet and Chenin Blanc.
- Hartenberg
Shiraz and Riesling.
- Spier
A broad range of wines.
- Rust en Vrede
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
- Le Riche
Cabernet Sauvignon.
More of the Cape Winelands
Questions
Where are Stellenbosch wine farms?
East of Cape Town, in the Cape Winelands. The district is wide, so stay in one part of it. The other valleys are on wine farms near Cape Town.
How do I plan wine tasting in Stellenbosch?
Two or three farms, with a driver or a tour decided first. Book ahead, and check hours with the estate.
Are there family-friendly or dog-friendly wine farms in Stellenbosch?
Check with the estate before you go if you are bringing children or a dog. Two stops make an easier day.
What grapes is Stellenbosch known for?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc. Pinotage, the cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, was made at Stellenbosch in the mid-1920s.
What if I only have half a day?
Pick one side, such as Simonsberg–Stellenbosch or the Helderberg, and stop once. Do not try the whole district.
A listing is not a partnership or an endorsement. For hours, check the estate. Questions: brandon@decanta.co.za.
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