The African Voyager

Stellenbosch, South Africa

The wine experience: our top 5 wine farms in Stellenbosch

Southern Africa • See & do • The wine experience: our top 5 wine farms in Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch’s top wine farms

Exploring Stellenbosch’s wine farms is more than just tasting great wines – it’s about diving into the heart of South Africa’s winemaking culture. Each farm has its own story, a unique blend of tradition, stunning landscapes and innovative winemaking that keeps things fresh and exciting. Some are all about boutique wines with intimate tastings, while others mix things up with art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants or weekend markets that add a little extra fun to your visit. In this article, we’re highlighting our top picks of the Stellenbosch wine farms that bring together excellent wines, engaging experiences and beautiful settings without any of the pretentiousness.

Tokara Wine Estate

Imagine sipping a glass of exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon while gazing at the breathtaking views of the Simonsberg Mountain. That’s Tokara for you. This family-owned estate is renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, which perfectly capture the cool-climate character of Stellenbosch’s elevated terroir. At Tokara Wine Estate you can enjoy a tasting experience in the glass-walled tasting room overlooking vineyards and olive groves or explore the on-site art gallery featuring contemporary South African works. And if you’re feeling peckish after your wine-tasting experience, the on-site restaurant offers dishes that are as exceptional as the award-winning wines.

Tokara Wine Estate
Helshoogte Rd
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Tokara Wine Estate

Stark-Condé

Stark-Condé is one of those hidden gems that you almost don’t want to share. Stark-Condé is a family-run winery known for its handcrafted Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate’s high-altitude vineyards are farmed organically and the winemaking process is kept as natural as possible. The tasting room, set on a small island in the middle of a dam, offers a unique and serene setting to sample their wines. The Postcard Café on-site serves up simple but delicious food, with tables scattered under trees and by the water’s edge. Stark-Condé is all about those easygoing moments with good wine, good food and views that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into paradise.

Stark-Condé
Oude Nektar Farm Jonkershoek Valley
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Stark-Condé

Lanzerac

Lanzerac is one of Stellenbosch’s most historic wine estates, dating back to 1692. Known as the birthplace of Pinotage, Lanzerac offers an engaging tasting experience that pays homage to this unique South African varietal. Beyond the cellar doors, the estate boasts a luxurious hotel and spa, perfect for your next wine-fueled getaway. The tasting room, located in a beautifully restored building, offers an old-school, warm ambiance where you can enjoy wine flights paired with artisanal chocolates. If you’re hungry, pop into the Manor Kitchen for a farm-to-table meal that’s all about showcasing local produce.

Lanzerac
Lanzerac Rd
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Lanzerac

Blaauwklippen

Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch. The estate is known for its diverse range of wines, including a unique Zinfandel. What we love about Blaauwklippen is the Tasting House, a tasting room and art gallery, where you can taste their wine while exploring the art on display from local artists. The estate’s restaurant, De Blaauwe Kitchen, offers a menu inspired by the Winelands and Mediterranean cuisine. On weekends, the estate comes alive with a bustling market that’s perfect for picking up local crafts, fresh produce and artisanal foods. Whether you’re picnicking under ancient oaks, browsing the market or simply enjoying a tasting, Blaauwklippen offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that’s not to be missed when in the area!

Blaauwklippen
Strand Road, R44
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Blaauwklippen

Delaire Graff Estate

Located on the Helshoogte Pass, Delaire Graff Estate is a luxurious destination that combines world-class wine, art and hospitality. The wines here are all about balance and finesse, with their Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay being our favourites. At Delaire Graff Estate you can enjoy tastings in the elegant Wine Lounge, which offers panoramic views of the Banghoek Valley. Delaire Graff is also home to two exceptional restaurants: the Delaire Graff Restaurant, known for its bistro-chic dishes and Hōseki, which offers a Japanese culinary experience. Another feature we like about Delaire Graff Estate is the art collection, curated by owner Laurence Graff, which is definitely worth checking out while visiting the farm.