Top 5 Wine Estates in Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa, with over 5 distinct wine growing regions, spoils connoisseurs for choice. There is a huge range of handcrafted reds and whites to take your pick from. Here’s a quick tour of the top 5 wine estates in Cape Town.

Rust en Vrede

Rust en Vrede is famed for producing red wines. Set against the backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains, this estate was founded in 1694 by the Engelbrecht family. Their signature Estate Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot wines and is aged for 5 years. The wines have found their way to the list of the top 100 best wines in the world. Dine at their restaurant, which has over the years earned the distinction of being one of the best restaurants in the country.

De Morgenzon

If you are a fan of white wines, then look no further than the acclaimed estate of De Morgenzon. Set against the picturesque Helderberg and Holland mountains, this garden vineyard produces wine from some of the finest quality of grapes in a pristine environment. Their superbly crafted Chenin Blanc is aged to perfection and brings out the rich velvety texture of tropical fruits. They even play baroque music to positively affect the ripening process!

De Trafford

This estate, run by the Trafford family, produces only 3500 cases of wine each year. A lot of attention is paid to plantation techniques, keeping in mind the climatic details of the area. Some of their famous wines include the red Bordeaux/Shiraz blend Elevation and the white Chenin Blanc. The grapes are sourced from three different vineyards that add to its special taste.

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

This estate is well known for being at the forefront of innovation, especially in the process of wine maturation. It produces highly acclaimed varieties of wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their Chardonnay, with a rich natural acidic taste, is a must try for those who want to experience the very best of South African wine.

 Vergelegen

The ones seeking a holistic sensory experience should head to the world famous Vergelegen estate, founded in 1700. With rows of exquisite heritage gardens, an acclaimed restaurant and a range of red and white wines, it can easily compete with the wines of other famous regions like Napa and Bordeaux. Their Vergelegen Red and Cabernet Sauvignon V are a connoisseur’s delight, while the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are traditional favourites.