Apart from the stunning mountain views, beaches, and deep-rooted cultures, what else is Cape Town known for? It’s wine farms, of course! Doubling as historical landmarks, many wine farms in and around the Cape are only an hour’s drive (or even less) from Cape Town’s centre. Their proximity makes them a convenient and attractive option to vacationers and wine connoisseurs alike. Thus, we have compiled a list of the five best wine farms around Cape Town.
Groot Constantia
Groot Constantia is one of Cape Town’s oldest and, therefore, most historic wine farms, dating back to 1685. It features Cape-Dutch architecture on its 480-acre premises that overlook Constantia valley. The farm produces red and white wines for you to enjoy but specialises in its Grand Constance sweet wine with a history to match its own farm. In addition to wine, Groot Constantia features various tours, restaurants, gardens and activities that make it great for the whole family.
Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren wine estate in the Drakenstein Valley is home to thirteen varieties of grapes and ten wines to taste. However, Babylonstoren is the type of place that can check all your boxes for an outing. You can go on wine tours, walk around gardens that showcase numerous plants from around the world, attend workshops, and use their spa
facilities. In addition, you can pick (and keep) lemons and clementines straight from the tree. Finally, if you don’t want to leave, book one of the cottages to experience the wine-farm life.
Boschendal
Like Groot Constantia, Boschendal was founded in 1685, making it matched with Groot Constantia as one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. A variety of wines are produced in Boschendal, but the focus is on shiraz, chardonnay, and MCC. You can taste the wines at several places in Boschendal, such as The Rose Garden and the Werf. In addition to wine tasting, Boschendal offers many experiences, such as mountain biking trails, hikes and horse riding. The wine farm is a short drive from Cape Town, in the famous wine-making town of Franschhoek.
Vergelegen
Somerset West, near Strand, features the historical wine farm Vergelegen which means ‘situated far away.’ however, don’t let the name fool you – Vergelegen is roughly an hour away from Cape Town, making it the perfect day trip. Just ensure you have a designated driver because Vergelegen boasts several wine ranges to taste, including their first-ever rosé. In addition to wine tasting, you can tour the gravity flow cellar, visit The River Café, and explore the farm’s gardens.
Hazendal
Situated just 30-minutes from Cape Town, in the picturesque Stellenbosch Winelands, is Hazendal wine estate. This wine farm is home to the Christoffel Hazenwinkel range and the Hazendal range – both of which can be tasted in the Wine Tasting Lounge. In addition to wine, Hazendal showcases the Marvol Gallery, an opportunity to take in various forms of art; and golfers can tee off at the 18-hole golf course. Finally, Hazendel features an interactive play area for kids to play and learn while you enjoy the wine.
