Ultimate Guide to Cape Town's Most Luxurious Wineries and Vineyards

There’s something magical about Cape Town’s wine region. It’s not just the rolling vineyards, mountain views or world-class wines (though those are reason enough to visit)—it’s the feeling you get when you're out there. Like time slows down. Like every sip has a story.

Just 30–60 minutes from the city, you’ll find wine routes winding through Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and beyond. Each spot has its own flavor — literally and culturally. Whether you're in it for the wine, the food, the views or all of the above, I’ve got you covered with my favorite stops (yes, even some kid-friendly ones).

Must-visit wineries

Groot Constantia – Constantia: The OG of South African wine. This historic estate has been making wine since the 1600s and still knows how to impress. Go for the cellar tours. Stay for the views and smooth reds.

Delaire Graff Estate – Stellenbosch: Luxury in every detail. Think art galleries, spas, fine dining and some seriously good wines. It’s the kind of place where you sip slowly and stay longer than you planned.

Klein Goederust Boutique Winery — Franschhoek: This one has my heart. The first 100 percent Black-owned wine farm in Franschhoek, Klein Goederust is soulful, authentic and welcoming. The wines are bold, the vibe is warm and the story behind it all will leave you inspired.

Tokara Wine Estate — Stellenbosch: Where gourmet meets gorgeous. Tokara’s known for their fine dining, art, architecture and perfectly balanced wines. If you’re into pairing wine with a little bit of everything, this is your spot.

Babylonstoren – Franschhoek: It’s a vineyard, a farm, a spa, a garden and a dream all rolled into one. Come for the wine, stay for the Instagrammable. Bring your appetite and curiosity.

Vergelegen Wine Estate – Somerset West: A bit more off-the-radar, Vergelegen is elegance and calm wrapped into one. Stroll the formal gardens, explore the historic homestead and enjoy top-tier wine without the crowds.

Wine experiences that go beyond the glass

Wine tasting here isn’t just about the wine — it’s about the experience. These are a few fun extras to spice up your itinerary:

Horseback vineyard rides: Sip and saddle up in the winelands (how cool is that?)

Blend your own wine: Yep, you get to mix, taste and bottle your own custom creation.

Pairings with local eats: Think wine with biltong, chocolate or cheese boards you’ll dream about later.

Wine tasting for the whole family: The Franschhoek Wine Tram

Traveling with kids? You can still enjoy wine country, I promise. The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a game-changer. It’s a scenic, hop-on, hop-off ride through the valley’s prettiest vineyards.

Why it works for families:

Kids love the open-air tram ride — it’s like a train through paradise.

Some wineries offer grape juice tastings for little ones, so they feel part of the fun.

A few stops have lawns, ducks or play areas to help them burn off energy.

You haven’t really done Cape Town’s wine region until you’ve had a slow, delicious lunch with vineyard views. These restaurants are next-level

• Tokara Restaurant: Sophisticated, seasonal and seriously scenic.

• Faber at Avondale: A must for slow food lovers and wine purists.

• Babel at Babylonstoren: Rustic luxury meets farm-fresh flavor.

• Jordan Restaurant: Elevated dishes with one of the best views in Stellenbosch.

• The Werf Restaurant at Boschendal: Set on one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, The Werf is all about farm-to-table dining with a modern twist. Ingredients are harvested fresh from their own gardens, and the menu changes with the seasons. The setting is cozy yet elegant, with sweeping views of the Drakenstein Mountains — perfect for a long, lazy lunch paired with Boschendal’s finest wines.