On a gloomy day in Cape Town, what’s better than visiting a wine farm where you can sip on a full-bodied red wine, huddled next to a fire, with the soundtrack of rain outside?
READ MORE: A beginner’s guide to understanding 5 different wine styles
Here’s a shortlist of wine farms in Stellenbosch, ranging from the quaint family-owned estates to the luxurious tasting rooms with all the trimmings.
1. Muratie
Muratie is a wine farm steeped in history, so much so that the cobwebs decorating the corners of the old tasting room just add to the charm. In the tasting room, situated in the old cellar with some of the old French-style concrete fermentation tanks used as cosy table settings, your tasting is bound to get intimate. There is also a fireplace to add to the cold-weather ambience.
Food&Home Voucher: Get 50% off a one night getaway to the Cape Winelands for two
They also offer a port and chocolate pairing, perfect on a rainy day.
- Location: Knorhoek Rd, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
- Website: www.muratie.co.za
2. Tokara
Just on the other side of Simonsberg is Tokara, a luxury wine estate overlooking Stellenbosch from the top of Helshoogte Pass. The industrial design of its buildings is complemented by the luxurious decor inside. With couches circled in front of a large fireplace, you can enjoy your wine in style while taking in the views.
Tokara also has a pot still brandy on offer as well as its own award-winning olive oil sold at the farm stall. You can even book a spot next to the fireplace on 021 808 5912.
- Location: Helshoogte Road
- Website: www.tokara.com
3. Camberley
Almost across the road from Tokara is a hidden gem. What started off as a passion project for winemaker John Nel turned into a full-blown wine cellar and a favourite for Stellenbosch insiders. Many who venture out to Stellenbosch have no idea about this boutique winery, usually passing by as they visit neighbouring Bartinney, but Camberly offers one of the most intimate wine tasting experiences in Stellenbosch.
Food&Home Voucher: Get 39% off a romantic two night stay in the Cape Winelands
Specialising in red wines, the Shiraz is a firm favourite, with each year’s vintage featuring a new artist’s portrait on the label. They also offer a delightful 100% Cabernet Franc, a rare find.
- Location: Helshoogte Road
- Website: www.camberley.co.za
Before we go on, why not see what the rest of the country offers with some of South Africa’s wonderful wine routes?
Now, let’s continue.
4. Groenland
Another hidden gem in Stellenbosch’s wine region, Groenland’s small tasting room is devoid of all the pretentious decor and all about the wine. The Steenekamp family has been crafting wines here for some time, and to this day, it remains one of the few family-owned estates in Stellenbosch. With a standard and premium range, there are wines for all different kinds of wine drinkers.
- Location: Bottelary Road
- Website: www.groenland.co.za
5. De Morgenzon
Situated at the very end of Stellenbosch Kloof Road, you don’t get many wine farms more elegant than this. Owned by South Africa’s richest woman, Wendy Appelbaum, De Morgenzon’s unique touch is the constant classical music played on the farm. With speakers placed throughout the vineyard, in the cellar and in the tasting room, classical music is played to the vineyards and the wine in the cellar 24/7, 365 days a year.
Food&Home Voucher: Get 50% off a picnic and spa treatments for two in Groot Drakenstein
Many have said that playing classical music to your plants helps them grow. Well, De Morgenzon has taken it a step further, and the results speak for themselves. The estate’s chenin blanc is world-class, with the reserve chenin winning the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2017.
- Location: Stellenbosch Kloof Rd, Stellenbosch, 7599
- Website: demorgenzon.com
Be sure to check out The 25 Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch.
Wine not? Explore Cape Town’s rich vineyards on these top tasting tours
Written by Ilze-Mari Van Zyl for Cape {town} Etc.
Feature image: Groenland / Facebook
