The African Voyager

Cape Winelands, South Africa

5 up-and-coming boutique wine farms near Cape Town

Southern Africa • See & do • 5 up-and-coming boutique wine farms near Cape Town

Interesting up-and-coming boutique wine farms

The Cape Winelands is home to some of the most exciting new wineries making waves in the Western Cape. While the region is famous for its established wine farms, there’s a growing list of smaller, independent producers shaking things up. These wineries focus on crafting quality wines with a personal touch, often working with unique grape varieties or experimenting with modern techniques. If you’re up for an adventure and ready to discover some of the most exciting new wine farms in the region, these five up-and-comers will leave you inspired and thirsty for more.

Van Loggerenberg Wines

At Van Loggerenberg Wines, it’s all about storytelling in a bottle. Lukas van Loggerenberg, the winemaker behind this rising star, believes in wines that express the character of the land – and it shows. One of van Loggerenberg’s techniques is the use of dry farming, relying on natural rainfall to nourish the vineyards, which enhances the flavour profile of their wines. You can enjoy a relaxed tasting experience on the farm, often guided by Van Loggerenberg himself, who shares his journey and insights into winemaking – be sure to try the Chenin Blanc!

Van Loggerenberg Wines
5 Pieter Hugo Rd
Paarl
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Van Loggerenberg Wines

Thistle & Weed

Thistle & Weed is a collaboration between viticulturist Etienne Terblanche and winemaker Stephanie Wiid. Inspired by the resilience of thistles and weeds, their focus is on producing wines that reflect the wild, untamed spirit of the Western Cape. Their approach is rooted in simplicity and honesty, focusing on minimal intervention to let the vineyard’s character shine. Each wine is dedicated to a specific weed, with names like Brandnetel (Stinging Nettle) for their Chenin Blanc. Their blends offer a mix of complexity and approachability, perfect if you are a wine lover looking for something a bit different – we love the Khakibos white blend, driven by Verdelho and Chenin Blanc.

Thistle & Weed
Leef op Hoop Farm
Jonkershoek Rd
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Thistle & Weed

Olifantsberg Wines

Olifantsberg Wines might be off the beaten path, but that’s exactly what makes them special. Olifantsberg Wines is known for its terroir-driven approach, their vineyards are located on steep, rocky slopes, which gives their wines a distinctive mineral character. Olifantsberg is also certified organic, meaning no chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilisers are used in the vineyards. But it’s not only the terroir that makes their wines special, it’s the team producing the wines. In 2021, Elizma Visser was named young winemaker of the year in Tim Atkin’s South Africa special report. This prestigious accolade highlights her exceptional skills and contributions to the wine industry, making her the first woman to receive this honour.

Olifantsberg Wines
Apiesklip Rd
Worcester
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Olifantsberg Wines

Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards

Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards sits high up on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, offering not only breathtaking views but also some of the highest vineyards in the Cape. The altitude plays a major role in the distinct flavours of their wines, with cool mountain air giving the grapes a bright, fresh character. Uva Mira, meaning The Wonderful Grape, produces a range of varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon – our favourite being the Chardonnay! Uva Mira’s award-winning Chardonnay is crisp, complex and full of life, while their Cabernet Sauvignon offers layers of rich dark fruit flavours, thanks to the rocky mountain soil.

Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards
Annandale Road
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards

Arendsig Handcrafted Wines

Located in the quiet Robertson Valley, Arendsig Handcrafted Wines is a boutique winery that focuses on single vineyard wines. Winemaker Lourens van der Westhuizen focuses on minimal intervention to let the terroir speak for itself. Each wine is crafted from a specific vineyard block, highlighting the unique soil, climate and location. The winery offers laid-back, personal tastings, where you can meet van der Westhuizen and hear the story behind each bottle. If you’re after an authentic wine experience that feels less commercial and more personal, Arendsig Handcrafted Wines is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. We also love the quaint self-catering cottages located on the farm – perfect for a relaxing wine getaway!