You probably don’t think about South Africa when someone brings up fine wines.
However, much of South Africa’s climate is ideal for growing a range of grapes. Just like Italy, France, and Napa Valley, South Africa is dry and sunny for much of the year.
Wineries have been around since colonial settlers touched down in South Africa. But over the last twenty years, more tasting rooms have popped up around the country.
Many brands have received nods from major wine award companies like the DWWA. And visitors heading to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durbin have dozens of options to sample these award-winners at wineries and tasting tours.
In fact, South Africa’s wine scene sounds really innovative and cool.
Visitors can go on wine valley safaris that take you to multiple wineries, explore multi-generational vineyards that date back to the nation’s colonial era, and enjoy horse-racing-wine-tasting hybrid tours.
For now, let’s stick to South African wineries and the locations are worth your time and (well-earned) hangover. My recommendations are based on the quality and number of reviews. After all, the data doesn’t lie.
Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery (Cape Town)
Boutique is the keyword here. This winery isn’t quite like other South African wineries.
Its restaurant and wine rooms deliver on flair—as in, people wearing silver gloves will pass you your glass through a hole in the wall. You can also request a ‘cave’ tasting room. (I’m loving the Willy Wonka vibes.)
The space is also eclectic, harkening back to the goal of Klein Roosboom: to do things spectacularly well and with little regard to boring old tradition. Apparently, the charcuterie plate is especially daring; people can’t get enough of the cheese.
Book your tour with Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery.
Fairview Wine & Cheese (Cape Town)
Speaking of really good cheese, you’ll have options to munch and drink the day away at Fairview Wine & Cheese.
What I like about this winery is its food options. As the name suggests, they specialize in cheese and wine pairings. Apparently, the goat cheese is to die for.
That’s not surprising considering Fairview manages its own small-scale dairy where it sources its milk for cheese. (Yes, you get to interact with the goats!)
Multiple travel agencies in South Africa regularly send their international clients here—which should tell you how well-loved Fairview is.
Take a tour of Fairview Wine and Cheese.
Eikehof (Franschhoek)
The Franschhoek region isn’t short on wineries.
But if you want my opinion, I say you skip all the guided day trip madness and unwind at Eikehof.
This is one of South Africa’s oldest continuously running vineyards. Eikehof’s grape vines have been producing delectable wines for four generations.
You’ll notice the small family-run vibe here, which is something I always appreciate. Family-run spots tend to have more character, a strong vision for their wines, and plenty of experience in pleasing drinkers. Also, the grounds are dotted with very old and charming oak trees.
Lynx Wine Estate (Franschhoek)
Eikehof represents the old guard of South African wineries—but Lynx Wine is a much younger and leaner project.
By comparison, Lynx Wine takes guests closer to the process of growing grape vines, pressing grapes, and creating delicious award-winning wines.
That’s an important note for Lynx—award-winning. Though they’re younger than most other wineries on this list, management has a serious passion for their work. If you want to get in on the ground floor and maybe even touch a few grape vines, Lynx Wine is your top choice.
Book a tour of Lynx Wine Estate.
Vergelegen Estate (Somerset West)
Similar to Eikehof, Vergelegen was founded centuries ago and claims a 300-year history of producing refined wines and cuisines. In fact, the estate bills itself as ‘a total sensory experience’.
Along with sampling wines and enjoying world-class menus, visitors can also enjoy the grounds. There’s a vast garden with mountain views, which makes this a popular spot for locals who just want to grab a bite to eat. And there’s nothing like a stamp of approval from locals.