Discover Stellenbosch Wine Farms

Travel an hour east of Cape Town to discover a world of emerald valleys, Cape Dutch farmsteads and some of the finest wines in the world. Crafted in a unique mountainous landscape where balmy temperatures meet the False Bay breezes, South Africa's beautiful Cape Winelands are a paradise for wine and food lovers alike. Our local expert team at ROAR AFRICA are always happy to arrange insider access trips and tastings for guests in this exquisite region they call home.

A wine tasting in Stellenbosch, the birthplace of South Africa’s iconic Pinotage, a smooth, medium bodied wine that sits beween a Cinsaut and Pinot Noir, is a fantastic place to start. Find inspiration from this sample itinerary below, then reach out to the ROAR AFRICA team for a custom experience that delivers you into the heart of the region’s very best restaurants and wineries.

Morning: Arrival and First Impressions

From the dynamic city of Cape Town, the serene wine estates of Stellenbosch are only an hour away by road or a comfortable 20-minute scenic flight by helicopter. The journey gifts panoramic views of the region’s natural beauty, the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town melting to open road before gently unfurling into rolling fields, the sentinel of Table Mountain the ever-present backdrop.

You’ll know you have arrived in the Cape Winelands at the sight of miles and miles of grape vines. Stellenbosch accounts for 13% of South Africa’s 217,000 acres of vineyards, many of them planted more than 300 years ago. As the sunrise casts a golden glow over the verdant valleys, a morning walk around the vineyards is the perfect way to center yourself in this calm, pristine landscape.

Mid-Morning: Exploring the Vineyards

Stellenbosch’s diverse terrain—mountains and valleys near the convergence of two great seas, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean—nurtures an equally rich variety of grapes totally unique to South Africa. On a guided walk between vines of Pinotage, a varietal that defines the Stellenbosch wine region but can rarely be found outside the African continent, you will get a sense of the deep tradition and meticulous care embedded in the region’s soil, where granite, shale and sandstone create the perfect well-draining base to support wine production.

Meeting local winemakers not only affords insights into the grapes that are unique to the area, but also about the complex processes that go into producing each bottle of Stellenbosch wine. After a walk through the grape-adorned vineyards, enjoy a look behind the scenes in the cellars to learn about the fermentation processes. Our ROAR AFRICA guides will provide exclusive, insider access to the region’s most pioneering and exciting estates.

Lunch: Dining Amidst the Vines

Before your comprehensive wine tasting, perhaps settle into a private lunch nestled in the vineyards or on the patio of your luxury resort overlooking the wine estate. Options range from traditional regional cuisine inspired by the flora and fynbos of South Africa to chef-developed tasting menus showcasing the best of South Africa’s farm-to-table bounty, each dish enhanced by stunning scenery and superb wine pairings.

Afternoon: World-Class Wine Tasting

A day in Stellenbosch should always culminate in a sommelier-led wine tasting—a real treat once you’ve learned how each bottle is prepared at the source. ROAR AFRICA guests have access to insider-only wineries known for their exceptional tasting rooms and flavor expressions you won’t find anywhere else along the Western Cape wine route.

There are also more dynamic Stellenbosch wine experiences to be had. Several wineries offer interactive activities, such as barrel tastings and wine blending workshops. Similarly, exclusive private sessions can be organized, where experts spotlight rare vintages and limited-edition wines coveted by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Varieties to Taste on a Stellenbosch, South Africa, Wine Tasting

Some Stellenbosch wine estates specialize in certain varietals, while others produce an array of excellent wines. South African staples to sample during your experience include:

1. Pinotage: A blend of Pinot Noir and Cinsault rarely produced outside of South Africa, Pinotage ranges from easy-drinking to bold, smoky and spicy.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with high tannins and acidity, South African Cabs are rich with flavors of black cherry, blackberry and black currant, often with a hint of cedar or tobacco.
3. Syrah/Shiraz: A balance of dark fruits and spicy pepper makes this Stellenbosch wine distinct and complex. It is often described as slightly oaky, with a full body and firm tannins.
4. Chenin Blanc: Thisversatile white grape produces both dry and crisp and sweet and viscous wines, depending on how it is aged. It is aromatic and acidic, with notes of tropical fruit and sometimes honey when made on the sweeter side.
5. Sauvignon Blanc: This crisp, dry and even grassy wine is a favorite among many for its minerality and tart, citrusy notes.
6. Chardonnay: South African Chardonnay can be oaked, unoaked or blended with other varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, giving drinkers a variety of options ranging from French to California styles. Whether it leans clean and acidic or rich and buttery, Stellenbosch Chardonnay is always citrusy and aromatic.

Late Afternoon: Cultural Experiences

In addition to world-class wines, Stellenbosch has some of the most spectacular arts and cultural experiences in South Africa. The walkable streets surrounding Stellenbosch University are lined with gleaming Cape Dutch buildings, centuries-old oak trees and a wealth of museums and art galleries in which to while away an afternoon. Farther afield, walk the nearly three-mile pathway at the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden and marvel at the magnificent bronze monuments of wild animals and mythological creatures. Each is exquisitely placed amongst the indigenous fynbos, seasonal river and rolling hills of the Stellenbosch landscape, never imposing upon, but instead responding to the wilderness. The ROAR AFRICA team is delighted to set up guided visits here and to any of the Winelands' top art destinations.

Evening: Dinner and a Toast

Dining in Stellenbosch is always a delight, whether you prefer fine dining or classic steak and chips (the menu highlight at the historic restaurant and winery, Rust en Vrede). Lured by the region’s peerless wines, breathtaking vistas and fantastic local produce, many of South Africa’s most talented chefs have roots in Stellenbosch. With pre-arranged transportation by ROAR AFRICA, be whisked from the vineyard to a restaurant where each bite is better than the last, from the fan-favorite Fat Butcher to the playful Post & Pepper. Or, don’t leave the winery at all—Delaire Graff Estate’s award-winning restaurant seats guests in leather banquettes surrounded by Laurence Graff’s personal art collection, and each dish is paired impeccably with wines chosen by the sommelier.

ROAR AFRICA can also arrange exclusive culinary events, such as a chef's table experiences or private vineyard dinners. Our guests love these precious, often deeply personal moments of immersion and treasure the memories made. As your day in Stellenbosch draws to a close, a toast to the exquisite tastes you’ve savored and to the promise of a spectacular tomorrow in South Africa!

Visit Stellenbosch in the best, most seamless way possible with our African travel experts. Book your safari with ROAR AFRICA and experience the Cape Winelands’ world-renowned vineyards and stunning landscapes.