Over the years, we’ve visited a LOT of wineries (especially in Stellenbosch) as a family. We recently returned to Stellies with a mission to relive our top spots to visit and they did not disappoint!
See some of our all-time favourites for award-winning wining & phenomenal fine dining with spectacular views in the Cape Winelands below.
Stellenrust
Situated in the Golden Triangle, with awe-inspiring views and internationally renowned wines is Stellenrust, an absolute delight for wine lovers with truly one of the best wine selections that South Africa has to offer at some of the best prices!
Try their Kleine Rust & Premium range (R70pp), or their Exclusive range for only R85pp. Wine connoisseurs can book an ArtiSons Winery wine tasting at the Stellenrust Tasting room for R200pp (visit www.artisons.co.za).
Stellenrust also offers delectable wine pairings: choose between their Cake Pairing @R150pp (red velvet, carrot & chocolate velvet cake paired with 3 wines) or the African Pairing @R180pp (Biltong, Dröewors, Almonds, Olives & Cheese paired with 5 wines), perfect for those wanting a taste of Africa. If you ask nicely, they will let your kiddies pair scrumptious cake with some Grapetizer!
Share a picnic box for 2 @R350 (includes 2 glasses of wine) while watching the African sun cross the sky over the valley.
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-3pm. Arrive at least an hour before closing time, although one generally needs 2 hours for a comfortable tasting experience at most of the wineries.
Delaire Graff
One of the most prestigious wineries in the world (created by renowned diamantaire Laurence Graff OBE) – Delaire Graff. SA’s most luxurious winery with phenomenal views over the Helshoogte valley. Experience flawless cuisine with regularly changing menus, a complex wine portfolio (mainly of Bordeaux reds & Chardonnay), & distinguished art.
Join them in their cosy tasting room and sample the Estate Range Tasting - delve into their Luxury & Premium ranges for R120pp (for 3 wines), R160pp (for 4 wines), or R220pp (for 5 wines). Alternatively, opt for their Icon Wine Tasting @R200pp (savour 2 iconic wines). Red wine lovers can sip from their Red Wine Selection @R200pp. Most SA wineries do also serve Grapetizer for the kids, our world famous grape juice that originated in the Elgin wine and apple region!
Relish seasonal bistro-chic classics (with a traditional South African twist) at the high-end Delaire Graff Restaurant on the broad wooden terrace shaded by ancient oak trees or inside, surrounded by art from Laurence Graff’s personal collection, a marble fireplace & statement wine bar with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling glass doors framing the enchanting views.
Or undertake an authentic Japanese culinary journey at Hōseki with a seasonally evolving menu and a farm-to-table dining experience embracing the spirit of Japanese culture & traditions. Choose between an extensive array of a la carte dining options, or a 4-course lunch Omakase tasting experience/8-course dinner Omakase tasting (with optional wine pairings curated by the restaurant’s experienced sommelier). The décor forms a vibrant, rich atmosphere with blue & copper tones backdropping André Stead’s Swallows in Flight art installation.
Guardian Peak
Named after the towering peak on Stellenbosch Mountain, and known for its range of everyday-drinking, approachable wines, is Guardian Peak.
Delve into their 5 ranges, with a multitude of wines to choose from (a must-try is their Cirrus Pinot Noir). Tastings are billed per wine tasted (ranging from R10-R20 per wine), making this a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a tasting outside surrounded by the vast vineyards or inside in the relaxed restaurant, with views out to the mountain range.
The restaurant, open both for lunch & dinner, creates mouthwatering dishes with explosions of flavour. Being a grill room, they have limited vegetarian menu items (although sufficient), but are a feast for meat-lovers! Blesbok is also often on the menu, if you are interested in trying some African wild game meat.
Guardian Peak has been one of our favourite go-to wineries since the birth of our first child and has continued to consistently impress us with both their easy-drinking & affordable wines and their generously portioned, quality meals.
Note: Closed for renovation till 10 July 2024
Uva Mira
Huddled against the Helderberg Nature Reserve with magnificent views of False Bay & Table Bay, is Uva Mira, producing a total of 6 varietals (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon).
Explore the Mira Collection @R225pp or treat yourself to the guest-favourite Icon Collection (3 whites, 3 reds) @R650pp.
Savour the gorgeous views and stunning, quality wine alongside an artisanal cheese & savoury meat platter @R300 (Gluten Free option available on request). Or add a curated cheese board for an extra R200pp.
Uva Mira is open till 6pm.. so catch the sunset over the Atlantic on a gorgeous winter or autumn evening.
(Please note last tastings and platters to start before 5pm)
Hidden Valley
This hidden gem, sheltered by the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, is a tranquil escape for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, boasting modern architecture that harmonizes with the natural elements.
Treat yourself to their exquisite wines at the Wine Tasting Centre where you can unwind and savour award-winning vintages with gorgeous views of forested mountains. Enjoy a standard wine tasting for R125pp or indulge in their pairing experiences – a delectable Chocolate & Wine Pairing @R195pp or a delightful Bubbles & Dessert Pairing @R225pp (sample the Hidden Valley Brut, Brut Rosé, and the newly released Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc alongside mouthwatering desserts).
For those looking for a light lunch, the Charcuterie & Cheese Platters are an excellent choice @R425 for 2 people. Enjoy a peaceful picnic on the green lawns surrounded by the sounds & sights of nature at the dam for R530 per basket. Snack on freshly baked ciabatta, olives, cold meats, cheeses & sweet treats at your own pace while soaking up the sun rays.
The Nature Trail allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and indigenous gardens with a moderate, short walk around the dam where you’ll have the privilege to spot multiple varieties of bird species, insects & occasional sightings of small buck or Caracals, amidst reintroduced natural fauna.
The Deck, a magnificent, relaxed eatery on a wooden floating deck, offers breathtaking views and a simple but yummy menu featuring juicy burgers & wood-fired pizzas. Highlights include the Chalmar Beef Burger & the Pepperoni Pizza with caramelized onion & chili flakes. The eatery also provides kid-friendly options, as well as a delightful vegan caramel vanilla chocolate ice cream @R45 per scoop to finish off your tasty meal.
The new restaurant at Hidden Valley Wines (where Overture used to be), evolved from The Deck, offers heartwarming dishes perfect for sharing with friends and family. With starters like Beef Carpaccio and Shiitake Mushroom Gnocchi, mains of Chalmar Beef Fillet, Slow Braised Deboned Lamb Shank and Herb Crusted Kudu Loin, and delectable desserts like Flourless Tonka Bean Chocolate Cake and Chai Spiced Panacotta, there’s truly something for every palate! Kiddies’ meals like chicken/beef burger & chips or chicken strips & chips are sure to keep the little ones happy.
Also one of our family favourite spots over the years and especially to end the day with a tasting on the deck while watching the sun go down over Cape Town and the Atlantic ocean in the distance..
Look out for our next blog .. showcasing the WineTots and visiting cousins, revisiting many of their family-favourite Wineries around Stellenbosch!
*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication, 2024. See websites below for up-to-date info!
Contact Me – Hilary - at hello@winetots.com for more details on your favourite Wineland spots to visit & to book a personalised tour of your own – behind the scenic routes of the Plett & Cape Winelands & beyond!
Please register on www.winetots.com to stay up to date with new discoveries and ideas for Wineland adventures!
Click here to check out our previous blog “A Heavenly Holiday at the Hot Spots in Hermanus’ Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley”!
See our ultimate list of Top 20 Family-Friendly Wineries in the Stellenbosch Winelands for a full day of fun with the little ones or take a peek at our fav Stellies Sundowner Spots for unforgettable memories with the tots!
Important info:
Stellenrust: https://www.stellenrust.co.za/ ; wine@stellenrust.co.za ; 021 880 2283
Delaire Graff: https://www.delaire.co.za/ ; info@delaire.co.za ; 021 885 8160
Guardian Peak: https://www.guardianpeak.com/ ; info@guardianpeak.com ; 021 881 3899
Uva Mira: https://www.uvamira.com/ ; info@uvamira.co.za ; 021 880 1683
Hidden Valley: https://www.hiddenvalleywines.co.za/ ; winetasting@hiddenvalleywines.co.za ; 021 007 3477
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