Lose yourself in a leisurely afternoon wine tasting in and around Cape Town as you follow your palette to the top estates.
Cape Town’s wine scene is an exploration through the ages. As you swirl and sip, you discover a story that began over 350 years ago. The first Dutch and French settlers found a fertile land with sun-kissed hills, valleys bursting with promise, and soil destined for vines. In 1655, they planted cuttings they brought from their homeland and, four years later, unveiled that first vintage. Today, over 500 winemakers continue the legacy across boutique estates and sprawling vineyards, making the Cape Winelands synonymous with world-class wines.
The Mediterranean climate brings out the best in noble grape varieties. Sauvignon Blanc expresses its grassy, tropical fruit character. Pinotage, South Africa’s signature red, shows plum and spice. Complex, velvety Shiraz and elegant Chardonnay reflect the area’s ancient, decomposed granite soils. Pinot Noir ripens slowly to perfumed perfection. The classic varieties find their home here.
Trade the city buzz for an escape to the Cape Winelands’ top estates. Just a day trip from your luxury Sea Point holiday apartment, you can be sipping on a glass of red or white, surrounded by breathtaking mountain and valley views.
Wine Estates Within 30km (19mi) Of Sea Point
Beau Constantia
28 min (22.3 km) via M63
34 min (22.2 km) via Victoria Rd/M6
Beau Constantia is an exclusive little wine farm found at the peak of Constantia Nek, with jaw-dropping views of False Bay.
After raging fires ravaged the land in 2000, the owners saw potential amidst the ashes. They terraced the charred hillsides, prepping the land for vines reaching up to 350 metres in elevation — some of the steepest slopes under cultivation in all of the Cape.
Today, Beau Constantia’s 11 hectares produce a tapestry of varietals: Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot. The incline makes for tiny yields, but immense concentration and complexity in the glass.
You can sample their award-winning wines in the sleek Glass Box, a glass-walled wine lounge, or outside under the shade of the trees with the whole Constantia Valley sprawled out before you. Platters of local meats and cheeses are available to complete the indulgence.
While Beau Constantia may be a boutique farm, their vision is grand. They aim to craft wines that capture the essence of this corner of the Cape, from the sea breezes to the mountain soil to the valley vistas.
Wine tasting hours
Tuesday to Thursday: 11h00 – 16h00
Friday to Sunday: 11h00 – 17h00
Website: www.beauconstantia.com
Bookings: reservations@beauconstantia.com
De Grendel Wine Estate
31 min (22.7 km) via N1
36 min (22.8 km) via Bosmansdam Rd/M8
This historic farm cradles over 300 hectares of fynbos-dressed slopes on Tygerberg Hill, where the Graaff family has cultivated the vines for four generations.
The cellar blends traditional and modern, its sandstone and slate tones echoing the main house’s colonial architecture. Floor-to-ceiling windows drink in the scenery—the vineyards’ emerald rows, the dam’s glinting mirror, and the panorama of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. From the Tasting Lounge’s glass walls, you can see it all.
This is prime Sauvignon Blanc territory, and they’ve perfected two distinct styles: a tropical, easy-sipping version, and a crisper, grassier rendition named after the old coach house.
But it’s not just whites — De Grendel produces a palette of wines. Rosy Salmon-hued Rosé, apple-bright MCC Brut, cherry-laced Pinot Noir. The farm’s Merlot and Shiraz stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the Cape.
Wine tasting hours
Monday to Saturday: 9h00 to 17h00
Sundays and Public Holidays: 10h00 to 16h00
Website: https://degrendel.co.za
Bookings: tasting@degrendel.co.za
Steenberg Wine Farm
34 min (29.4 km) via M3
43 min (33.0 km) via M63
Established in 1682 as the Cape’s first farm, this historic estate invites you to walk in the footsteps of generations past while enjoying thoroughly modern indulgences. Beyond the elegant Cape Dutch architecture, the estate’s finest features are found outdoors. Infinity pools reflect cloud-strewn skies as Steenberg mountain towers above rolling vineyards.
As you soak it all in, you’ll be tempted to dive right into a bottle of their celebrated Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot or Cap Classique. Wine experiences abound, from tasting in the Wine Bar to lounging on the Outdoor Terrace. For larger groups, the Executive Tasting Room provides a tailored experience in a private space.
To complement the award-winning wines, two farm-to-table restaurants feature local fare. Watch the sunset over the mountains while you dine al fresco, a glass of Steenberg’s finest in hand.
Wine tasting hours
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 to 18h00
Website: www.steenbergfarm.com
Bookings: winetasting@steenbergfarm.com
Groot Constantia Wine Farm
29 min (23.6 km) via M3
36 min (25.8 km) via Victoria Rd/M6
The oak-lined avenues and sprawling vineyards of Groot Constantia remain a time capsule of a grander era.
Manor houses with decorative gables, historic production cellars, and lush gardens hark back to a time when kings and emperors savoured Groot Constantia’s wines. Spend an afternoon exploring the estate at your leisure. Take in the terroir as you sample Cabernet straight from the barrel. Or enjoy a flight of their greatest hits — wines that have earned Groot Constantia its sterling reputation.
Beyond the vines, the farm brims with heritage. In fact, it’s part museum filled with rich experiences. Groot Constantia shaped South African winemaking. It’s an integral chapter in the story. One sip and you’ll taste the centuries of passion in every glass.
Wine tasting hours
Monday to Sunday: 9h00 to 17h00
Website: https://grootconstantia.co.za/
Bookings: enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za
Klein Roosboom Wine Farm
31 min (26.4 km) via N1
32 min (28.2 km) via N1 and Giel Basson Dr/M12
Klein Roosboom is a gem of a winery that sits pretty at the beginning of one of the finest wine valleys in Southern Africa, Durbanville. Thanks to the nearby Atlantic Ocean, the grapes get to soak up the cool sea breezes in the afternoon, locking in the most delicate flavours you can imagine. They’ve got award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Bandana Blanc, and Shiraz on offer from vineyards planted in soils so rich, the vines thrive. The slopes face south, giving the Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot grapes the perfect climate to become something special.
At Klein Roosboom you get to wine-taste in repurposed concrete wine tanks. They knocked holes in the sides to make cosy little caves, each with its own style. Or you can kick back on the lush lawns, prop yourself up with cushions and mats, and indulge in a gourmet picnic from Jéan’s Restaurant along with those acclaimed wines.
Wine tasting hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 10h00 to 17h00
Website: https://kleinroosboom.co.za
Bookings: bookings@kleinroosboom.co.za
Wine Estates Further Than 50km (31mi) Of Sea Point
Bartinney Private Cellar
1 hr 1 min (65.7 km) via N1
1 hr 6 min (65.9 km) via N2 and R310
Here, nature’s spectacle is on full display, from the mountains to the valley below.
This vineyard clings to the slopes of Botmaskop Mountain, overlooking the Banhoek Valley in Stellenbosch.
Bartinney’s old vines march up the mountainside in terraces, reaching 550 metres above sea level on inclines up to 45 degrees. This extreme terrain produces Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes packed with character.
The Chardonnay grows in small, low-yielding vineyards, hand-tended with care. Downslope, Cabernet Sauvignon soaks up the valley warmth. Both varietals become exceptional wines that reflect Bartinney’s singular terroir.
After touring the vineyards, relax in the Tasting Shed’s chic, double-aspect space. Native fynbos plants and a chandelier crafted from old vines add striking natural touches. Sip Bartinney’s celebrated vintages on the terrace with its panoramic view over the valley and Simonsberg mountains.
Wine tasting hours
Monday to Thursday: 10h00 to 17h00
Fridays: 10h00 – 17h00
Saturdays and Sundays: 10h00 to 17h00
Public Holidays: Normal Trading Hours
Website: https://www.bartinney.co.za/
Bookings: tastingshed@bartinney.co.za
Delaire Graff Estate
58 min (63.6 km) via N1, 1 hr 3 min (63.8 km) via N2 and R310
Delaire Graff Estate is a laid-back escape into exceptional wine, scenery, and hospitality. Spread across acres in the heart of Stellenbosch, this estate is a hidden gem. Sip award-winning vintages grown right onsite while taking in the valley views. The vineyards produce elegant Bordeaux-style reds and crisp Chardonnays, nurtured by the fertile slopes.
Beyond the vines awaits a wonderland of fragrant gardens and world-class art. Laurence Graff hand-selected over 400 masterpieces to showcase at the estate from his personal collection.
The elegant Wine Lounge pours the estate’s exclusive vintages daily, paired with gourmet platters. Pull up a chair on the terrace for a tutored tasting — the sommeliers love walking you through the nuances of these rare finds.
Wine tasting hours
Monday to Saturday: 10h00 to 17h30 (Last Seating At 17h00)
Sunday: 10h00 to 17h00
Website: https://www.delaire.co.za/
Bookings: info@delaire.co.za
Boschendal Wine Estate
58 min (65.5 km) via N1
1 hr 6 min (79.1 km) via N2
Spread over vast, rolling acres between the Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains, Boschendal is a place of stories. Established in 1685, generations of families have poured their lives into cultivating this historic farm. From the vineyards to the rose gardens to the old Rhone homestead, Boschendal harbours a depth of beauty born of age and nurturing care.
At the farm’s heart is the Werf, with its restaurant shaded by trees as old as the farm itself. Outdoor tables tempt you to linger, glass in hand, as you gaze over lawns where children play in the Tree House and picnic baskets overflow. The farm shop displays the season’s harvest, a cornucopia of fresh produce, preserves, breads, and wines to carry the essence of Boschendal home.
For a taste of the farm’s soul, head to the Cellar Door. Oak tables beneath trees offer a tranquil escape, as you sample estate wines and platters of local fare. Here is the perfect vantage point to take in the splendour of the gardens and breathe deep into the clean air of the Cape Winelands.
Wine tasting hours
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 to 17h30 (Last Seating At 17h00)
Website: https://boschendal.com/
Bookings: reservations@boschendal.co.za
How To Get To Wine Tasting In Cape Town
Car Rental
For the self-sufficient explorer, car rentals provide the ultimate freedom. Follow the GPS directions and let the scenic vineyards unfold at your own pace. Remember, if the tasting gets generous, designate a driver beforehand to ensure everyone gets home safely.
Hail A Ride
Let someone else handle the navigation with ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt. These rideshare services spare you the hassle of driving, so you can relax and indulge in vino without worrying. Their ubiquity across Cape Town makes for a safe, reliable ride to your chosen wine estate and back again.
Helicopter Ride
Make a grand entrance by arriving at your tasting by helicopter tour. The ride takes off from the V&A Waterfront and whisks you on a thrilling aerial tour over Cape Town before touching down amid the vines.
Wine Tram Hop-On Hop-Off
The Wine Tram offers hop-on, hop-off access to Franschhoek’s vineyards. It departs from the Sea Point at one of three convenient stops: Queens Rd at 8:05 AM, Beach Rd at 8:10 AM, or opposite the Winchester Mansions Hotel at 8:12 AM. Visit multiple wineries at a relaxed pace on this fun and scenic service.
Constantia Wine Bus
Part of Cape Town’s iconic double-decker bus tours, the Constantia Wine Bus offers a novel way to experience this fabled region. Beginning at the V&A Waterfront, additional stops include Hotel Sky on the Foreshore, Long Street, and the pink-hued grandeur of the Mount Nelson Hotel. Sit back for the ride of a lifetime through vineyards seemingly airlifted from Tuscany.
