A wine fan in South Africa

More and more people are choosing South Africa as a holiday destination, especially during the winter months when the sun beckons on the other side of the equator. For years, it was all about cheap, high-volume bargains on the bottom shelves of supermarkets, but those days are over. Quality wine is booming , and South African winemakers are attracting increasing attention from international critics. Le Club & SommelJJ have also discussed this extensively.

The great thing is that a wine trip to South Africa is relatively easy to plan. It's the perfect opportunity to see firsthand what it's like in practice.

Helpful tips for your wine trip

• There is a fee for tastings in tasting rooms . There is usually a menu with available tasting flights and prices.
• For tasting rooms an appointment is often not necessary , but check this in advance on the website.
• Winemakers are busy . If there's no tasting room, you'll often be greeted by a member of the winemaking team. Keep in mind that these visits, while part of their job, take up a significant portion of their time, which they could otherwise be spending in the vineyard or cellar.
• Opening wine bottles costs money . If a tasting is free, buy at least one or two bottles to show your appreciation.
• Hospitality is genuine here . If you're invited to a barbecue, they really mean it. Don't feel bad and enjoy it.

Stellenbosch

Glenelly

Glenelly is located in the heart of Stellenbosch. This stunning estate was purchased in 2003 by Château Pichon Longueville, the prestigious Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac (Bordeaux, France). Bordeaux blends only, of serious quality! The tasting room is open to walk-ins, but to guarantee a spot, book in advance. Oh, and don't forget to stay for lunch in the beautiful garden—you won't be disappointed. Contact Us

Keermont

Keermont is nestled deep in the Blauwklippen Valley in Stellenbosch. It's run by young winemaker Alex, who continues to excel. Alex runs the winery the old-fashioned way: without pumps, using only gravity. A wonderful place to delve into Syrah and Cabernet Franc. If you get the chance, try their noble sweet. Walk-ins are welcome, but it's best to make an appointment. Check the website for opening hours. Contact Us

Blank bottle

Blankbottle is located in Somerset West, between Cape Town and Stellenbosch. It's a no-frills winery run by Pieter and his team. It's a large warehouse with a makeshift but artistic office and tasting table, surrounded by countless wine barrels. Pieter is incredibly creative and produces an impressive range of wines, each with its own unique story. The colorful labels and diverse bottle shapes will make your head spin! Want to get a feel for the grape varieties and wine styles available in South Africa? Then this is the place for you. Be sure to schedule an appointment in advance. Contact

Cape Town

Savage Wines

Duncan Savage, former winemaker at Cape Point Vineyards, started years ago with a few barrels of his own wine *on the side*. His Savage Red and Savage White were such a success that in 2016 he was able to open his own place, a small warehouse just outside Cape Town's city center. A true self-made man and workaholic, but above all, an inspiring craftsman. The chance to taste here is small, but worth a try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (Wine professionals only) Contact

Paarl

Brookdale

Deep in the verdant Paarl Valley lies Brookdale, a relatively young estate founded by an English investor. With former Savage assistant Kiara Scott, they successfully launched the Brookdale range. Xander Sadie (yes, the son of and former assistant Blankbottle) has since taken over. The wines are fantastic, from entry-level to top-quality. Absolutely worth a visit. The tasting room is open by appointment. Contact

Elgin

Damascene

A favorite from day one, even more so after I experienced a harvest there. The winery is absolutely stunning and *very Instagrammable*. Winemaker Jean believes in the power of blends over single vineyards and takes the time to tell you his story in detail. Highly recommended. Avoid peak periods and try to schedule an appointment. (Wine professionals only) Contact

Radford Dale Organic

Radford Dale Organic began as a quest for organically grown grapes but has grown into a fully-fledged biodynamic winery. Gerard is a true wine geek who runs the business with his wife. He's short on time, but if you manage to find a spot in his schedule, he'll welcome you with unparalleled passion. And the wines? Fantastic! Contact us

Botrivier

Beaumont

Beaumont Family Wines is a must-visit if you want to discover South African cool-climate wines. Just an hour's drive from Cape Town, you'll feel like you're in a different world. Friendly people, pure wines, and a small, impressive cellar. Be sure to visit around lunchtime : the homemade dishes and croissants are absolutely worth it.

Heaven and Earth

Newton Johnson

The benchmark of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. A professionally run business with a tasting room, shop, and restaurant. Sample our selection while enjoying the breathtaking view.

Storm

Hannes Storm and his wife run this small estate. The former Hamilton Russell winemaker boasts top vineyards spread across the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. For Burgundy lovers: you won't find a more elegant style of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay in South Africa. Small project, compact cellar, busy winemaker. Schedule an appointment in advance. (Wine professionals only) Contact

Swartland

Badenhorst

The ultimate South African wine experience. Adi Badenhorst is a living legend who has built a wine empire in ten years. His farm in Swartland is always open to visitors – call ahead. If you're lucky enough to tour the cellar, you'll find Adi with his team and a pack of German Shepherds. Don't forget to book pizza night, the hotspot for local winemakers. A must-do! Contact us

Failed?

No time or luck with your favorite winemaker? Roos Stevens already wrote a blog post about it, and here are some additions:

Noop

A classic bistro in Paarl, ideal as a stopover on your way to the Swartland region. Excellent value and a wine list so extensive you can easily lose yourself in it for half an hour.

WYN

A wine shop just the way we like them: classics and the latest discoveries side by side. The wines you can't find in the Netherlands are right here, waiting for you.

Arthur's Mini Super

Perfectly located in Sea Point, this tiny wine bar offers snacks, a great vibe on a summer evening, and a wine list packed with natural wines.

Chapman's Peak Hotel

Chapman's Peak Drive is a must-do on your to-do list, but don't miss the adjacent hotel . It's an iconic restaurant with fresh fish, a relaxed atmosphere, and a compact but excellent wine list.