A photo of The Best Wine Tasting Tours in Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch
wine tasting tours and winery visits

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Why Visit Stellenbosch?

Perhaps the most iconic wine region in all South Africa, the expansive vineyards of the Stellenbosch region surround the pretty, leafy university town of the same name to create one of the most splendid and welcoming wine tourism areas in the world. The area is beloved for its natural beauty, with soaring mountains and verdant, undulating vineyards creating some of the most beautiful scenery in the Cape Winelands.

The town itself is an elegant, historic Dutch town which dates back to 1679 - famed for its Cape Dutch architecture with Georgian and Victorian influences, there are plenty of interesting museums where you can discover more about this lovely town. Check out sights such as historic Dorp Street and the 18th century Moederkerk (Mother Church) as you stroll the peaceful, tree-lined avenues which criss-cross the town. The food scene is excellent here, with some of the best restaurants in the country to be found here and a strong, passionate emphasis on farm-to-table dining. Fresh, locally grown produce abounds here and is transformed by talented chefs into memorable dining experiences. At night, the town comes alive thanks to an energetic student population of around 30,000 people, which keeps the bars busy and the atmosphere buzzing!

The town's focus on high-quality hospitality is also true of the majority of the surrounding vineyards - Stellenbosch is a world leader in incredible winery experiences, where every visit is so much more than just a wine tasting. Super-luxury, five-star experiences are readily available, with many producers offering sumptous accommodation, world-class dining and even amazing added extras such as art galleries and game drives alongside the traditional wine tastings and vineyard tours. Unforgettable experiences abound here ... the stunning Delaire Graff estate is one of the most decadent, with an on-site diamond boutique for those looking to splash their cash; Spier Wines is home to one of the largest contemporary art collections in South Africa; and Villiera offer guests the chance to spot springbok and giraffe on a game tour before enjoying a glass of the winery's famous Cap Classique sparkling wines.

Plan Your Visit

Best Known Grapes

Virtually all of South Africa's most popular and widely grown grape varieties can be found here in Stellenbosch. The region has become most famous for its fine red wines - this is the home of iconic estates such as Meerlust, Raats, Kanonkop and Waterkloof (to name but a very few!) many of whom have built their reputations on characterful, full-bodied red blends using Bordeaux grapes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot alongside Pinotage and Shiraz (often referred to as Syrah), with some Pinot Noir which is used mainly in South Africa's famous traditional method sparkling wine, Cap Classique. White wines are usually focused on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, with sea breezes in the best growing areas achieving remarkable freshness and bright fruit flavours in the best bottles.
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Best time to visit

Although the high summer months between November and February are the most popular time to visit Stellenbosch, we recommend the off-season months between April and September to escape the crowds and enjoy a more intimate Stellenbosch experience. The weather remains mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below 18°C even in the coldest months, but accommodation and experiences can be significantly cheaper and there are often special deals to be found at many hotels and restaurants. If visiting in high season, try and book as far as advance as possible to avoid disappointment and secure the most competitive possible prices!
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How long to stay

It's almost impossible to experience all the beauty and excitement of Stellenbosch in less than a week! Spend 2 or 3 days enjoying the busy, bustling atmosphere in the town itself before heading out for a few nights in the winelands. We recommend 4 or 5 nights staying with different producers in order to immerse yourself in this fabulous region.
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How to get there

Cape Town International is the nearest largest airport, with excellent links to both domestic and international destination - there are direct flights arriving here daily from all over the world, with direct flight times from London clocking in at around 12 hours.  Hire a car or private shuttle and find yourself in the heart of Stellenbosch winelands within 30 minutes. We recommend a private driver or tour guide as the best way of getting around the region!
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