On a gloomy day in Cape Town, what’s better than visiting a wine farm where you can sip on a full-bodied red wine, huddled next to a fire, with the soundtrack of rain outside? Here’s a shortlist of wine farms in Stellenbosch, ranging from the quaint family-owned estates to the luxurious tasting rooms with all the trimmings.


Also read: 5 Cape wine farms worth travelling to for top fine-dining experiences


1. Muratie

Muratie is a wine farm steeped in history, so much so that the cobwebs decorating the corners of the old tasting room just add to the charm. In the tasting room, situated in the old cellar with some of the old French-style concrete fermentation tanks used as cosy table settings, your tasting is bound to get intimate. There is also a fireplace to add to the cold-weather ambience.

They also offer a port and chocolate pairing, perfect on a rainy day.

  • Location: Knorhoek Rd, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
  • Website: www.muratie.co.za
Picture: Flickr Commons

2. Tokara

Just on the other side of Simonsberg is Tokara, a luxury wine estate overlooking Stellenbosch from the top of Helshoogte Pass. The industrial design of its buildings is complemented by the luxurious decor inside. With couches circled in front of a large fireplace, you can enjoy your wine in style while taking in the views.

Tokara also has a pot still brandy on offer as well as its own award-winning olive oil sold at the farm stall. You can even book a spot next to the fireplace on 021 808 5912.

  • Location: Helshoogte Road
  • Website: www.tokara.com
Picture: Tokara

3. Camberley

Almost across the road from Tokara is a hidden gem. What started off as a passion project for winemaker John Nel turned into a full-blown wine cellar and a favourite for Stellenbosch insiders. Many who venture out to Stellenbosch have no idea about this boutique winery, usually passing by as they visit neighbouring Bartinney, but Camberly offers one of the most intimate wine tasting experiences in Stellenbosch.

Specialising in red wines, the Shiraz is a firm favourite, with each year’s vintage featuring a new artist’s portrait on the label. They also offer a delightful 100% Cabernet Franc, a rare find.

  • Location: Helshoogte Road
  • Website: www.camberley.co.za
Picture: Instagram / @camberlywines

4. Groenland

Another hidden gem in Stellenbosch’s wine region, Groenland’s small tasting room is devoid of all the pretentious decor and all about the wine. The Steenekamp family has been crafting wines here for some time, and to this day, it remains one of the few family-owned estates in Stellenbosch. With a standard and premium range, there are wines for all different kinds of wine drinkers.

  • Location: Bottelary Road
  • Website: www.groenland.co.za
Picture: Instagram / @groenlandwines

5. De Morgenzon

Situated at the very end of Stellenbosch Kloof Road, you don’t get many wine farms more elegant than this. Owned by South Africa’s richest woman, Wendy Appelbaum, De Morgenzon’s unique touch is the constant classical music played on the farm. With speakers placed throughout the vineyard, in the cellar and in the tasting room, classical music is played to the vineyards and the wine in the cellar 24/7, 365 days a year.

Many have said that playing classical music to your plants helps them grow. Well, De Morgenzon has taken it a step further, and the results speak for themselves. The estate’s chenin blanc is world-class, with the reserve chenin winning the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2017.

  • Location: Stellenbosch Kloof Rd, Stellenbosch, 7599
  • Website: demorgenzon.com
Picture: De Morgenzon

Also read:

Wine farms that offer child-friendly tastings and pairings

Picture: Groenland / Facebook

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