On a gloomy day in Cape Town, what’s better than visiting a wine farm on a rainy day 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 owned estates to the luxurious tasting rooms with all the trimmings.
1. Muratie
Picture: Flickr Commons
A wine farm with so much history that is sure to last many more years, they haven’t even cleaned the cobwebs in the tasting room. The tasting room, situated in the old cellar with some of the old French style concrete fermentation tanks utilised 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.
Address: Knorhoek Rd, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch or visit their website here.
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2. Tokara
Picture: Tokara
Just on the other side of the Simonsberg mountain, is a luxury wine estate overlooking Stellenbosch from the top of Helshoogte Pass. The industrial nature of the buildings is complemented by their luxurious decor, 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 their own award-winning olive oil at their farm stall. You can even book a spot next to the fireplace on 021 808 5912 or visit their website here.
Address: Helshoogte Road
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3. Camberley
Picture: Instagram/ @camberlywines
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 winey, 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, their 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.
Address: Helshoogte Road
4. Groenland
Picture: Instagram/ @groenlandwines
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 have 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, they have wines for all different kinds of wine drinkers.
Address: Bottelary Road
5. De Morgenzon
Picture: 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 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 have taken it a step further, and the results speak for themselves. Their Chenin Blanc is world-class, with their reserve Chenin winning the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2017.
Address: Stellenbosch Kloof Rd, Stellenbosch, 7599
Featured image: Tokara
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