Five of the Most Popular Wineries in South Africa

South Africa’s gorgeous wineries are increasingly catching the fancy of tourists. Besides offering high-quality wines, these places also impress with their picturesque surroundings, gracious hospitality and wonderful accommodation facilities. Here is our guide to some of the must-visit wineries in the Rainbow Nation.

Kanonkop Estate

Nestled on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, this beautiful winery in the Stellenbosch Region produces some of the finest of red wines in South Africa. Head to the newly appointed tasting room to savour a glass of red wine with delicious cheese. Private wine tasting tours are also offered, allowing the guests to enjoy the Kanonkop specialties in the traditional tasting rooms. A visit to its small, yet well-maintained art gallery offers the guests a peep into the region’s intriguing wine-making history.

TOKARA

With an enchanting mix of quality wines, a beautiful art gallery, and a multi-cuisine restaurant serving delicious local fare, TOKARA is a must-visit place for wine enthusiasts visiting the Stellenbosch Region. Here, one may taste a wide range of exquisite site-specific wines; the TOKARA Premium wines are made from high quality ingredients produced in their own farms and vineyards. The restaurant here is one of the finest in South Africa and delights guests with its contemporary cuisines prepared by award-winning chefs. The dramatic views over False Bay make one’s experience all the more enthralling.

La Petite Ferme 

Anyone looking for great wine, stunning views and gourmet cuisine will love this fascinating wine estate in Cape Winelands. Situated on the side of the majestic Middagkrans Mountain, La Petite Ferme takes pride in delicately hand-crafting its wines with the freshest of ingredients. Daily wine tours are arranged to let the guests learn wine-producing techniques and sample quality wines. La Petite Ferme Guest Suites, overlooking the gorgeous Franschhoek valley, promise a wonderful stay in the lap of nature and luxury.

KWV Wine Emporium

One of the largest and probably the best wineries in South Africa, KWV Wine Emporium combines world-acclaimed Cathedral Cellar, amazing history, high quality wines and brandies, and cutting edge technology. It is a popular wine estate in South Africa’s Paarl region and promises its guests some of the finest wine-tasting sessions, along with gracious South African hospitality and delicious local fares at its award-winning restaurant. Those who do not drink alcohol but love good food will also have a good time at the Emporium Café. Make sure that you try out the specially prepared Dilmah Leaf Tea paired with chocolate and homemade bread.

Groot Constantia

Groot Constantia is situated in the lush green Constantia Valley, and is widely considered the finest place to savour authentic South African wines. The options are plenty, but the main highlights include Merlot 2013, Rood 2013, and Cap Classique. Opt for a Cellar Tour to sample some of the best wines produced here and to enjoy a guided tour of their modern cellar. Iziko Museums is where you can experience the historical and cultural significance of the winery. A couple of multi-cuisine restaurants offer some of the best culinary delights in the region.