(Wine tasting fees are not included in the Vine Hopper ticket price and differ from farm to farm. Guideline if you do all the tours and tastings on all six farms visited on a day, cost of Wine tastings is approximately R100 for all six estates )
Restaurants are available at at least two of the farms on our routes.
Stellenbosch is one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa and is home to some of the best wines in the world! Stellenbosch is a University town in close proximity to Cape Town and a real South African attraction.
The wine farms in Stellenbosch range from big farms with, high tech cellars, through multi-functional farms and historical manors to small, more intimate wine estates that lend themselves to relax and enjoy nature and the fruits of the vine! With the Vinehopper it is our intention to offer you a good representation of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, while leaving it up to you to decide where you would like to go and how long you would like to stay! Please red more about the Northern and Southern Route.
Northern Route Tour
Stellenbosch Northern Route
The Northern Route has spectacular views of the Winelands where you can see all the way to Table Mountain in the distance and enjoy the splendour of the Western Cape. This route also offers some great Restaurants and wines to be enjoyed! We visit the following 6 farms on the Northern Route. Remember, you can decide if you want to go to all 6 estates or just visit a few and stay longer at certain farms.
BergKelder:
The BEST WINE EXPERIENCE in the Cape awaits you at Die Bergkelder, the famous “Cellar in the mountain” in Stellenbosch.
Cut deep into the slopes of the Papegaaiberg, Die Bergkelder opened officially in 1968 as the first bottle maturation cellar of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Today, this home of award winning Fleur du Cap wines offers visitors an intimate experience with the wines and their origins. Here you can amble freely through the tranquil cellar spaces during tours and tastings where thousands of bottles patiently lie in waiting. Carved oak barrels in the vaulted Fleur du Cap Room depict the history of South African wine, including the family crests of Jan van Riebeeck and Simon van der Stel, both protagonists of early winemaking in the Cape.
The Laszlo Room, dedicated to the visionionary cellarmaster Dr Julius Laszlo, who played a pivotal role in changing the face of the South African wine industry during the 80’s, takes pride of place for private tastings. Fleur du Cap also crafts an exclusive Laszlo signature blend in his honour. Continue your walk down memory lane by visiting the Wine Museum located next to the Fine Wine Shop.
Beyerskloof
Beyerskloof has a small but modern cellar that, along with tasting room, had a face-lift very recently. Here you can do a wine tasting or have a glass of wine along with a meal in our restaurant. Beyerskloof is famous for their Pinotage. The winemaker, Beyers Truter uses stainless steel roto-fermenter tanks for some of the Pinotage grapes to achieve the extra skin-juice contact that leads to improved colour and extraction levels. The grapes for the Cabernet-based Beyerskloof are still fermented in the old-fashioned way in open, concrete tanks. Beyerskloof was the first Cape wine to enjoy early maturation in 100% new barriques.
Simonsig
Highlights: White wines, Cuvee Restaurant and relaxed atmosphere.
Voted top South African winery in three prestigious competitions and bearer of numerous accolades, including South Africa’s top Shiraz and 2005 Woman Winemaker of the year, Simonsig signifies the ultimate wine excellence. A visit to this unique working cellar enhanced by daily wine tastings, a ceremonial sabrage and true Cape hospitality, make for an authentic wine experience in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands. Here you can also buy a cheese platter to compliment your wine tasting in a beautiful setting.
Delvera
Highlights: Olive tasting, 2 restaurants, hiking trails, bike rental.
Appart from Wine tasting at Del Vera Vineyard Connection, Hiking & mountain biking trails lead through the vineyards up the slopes of Klapmutskop Conservancy. Permit sales & bikes for rent at the Dirtopia Trail Centre. For the less fit, you can visit the Indigenous Nursery, have breakfast or lunch in the garden at Temara’s, taste wine at the Vineyard Connection or taste cheese at La Masseria Cheesery. Dirtopia Trail Lodge provides affordable accommodation in spacious farm house with separate Studio flat.
Knorhoek
Highlights: Red wines, Restaurant in summer, relaxing atmosphere and great views.
Visit the historic Knorhoek wine estate, farmed by the van Niekerk family for five generations. Be nechanted by the natural beauty, seclusion and tranquillity of this unpretentious paradise. We produce award-winning wines and you will find yourself in Cabarnet heaven. ” I looked up and saw and owl while tasting wines” John Rochford, Scotland. Recapture real food at our earth kitchen and magical venue, Towerbosch. To round off your visit would be a stay at Knorhoek Guest house, and experience the warm, friendly welcome of tastefully decorated bedrooms and enthusiastic staff. Textures from the past, people from the present and flavours of the future.
Delheim
Highlights: Wine, Restaurant and amazing views of Simonsberg all the way to Table Mountain
Seeing Sperling family members flanked by at least one Jack Russell each; watching the geese line up for lunch; marvelling at the vineyards in the foreground of the great Simonsberg mountain; lazing in the garden; sharing the privilege of being in such a beautiful place; sampling delicious wines and receiving a warm and friendly family welcome; these are the things that a visitor to Delheim remembers and this is what makes it “worth the journey”.
Southern Route Tour
Stellenbosch Southern Route
This route captures the differences between Estates in Stellenbosch. From the big and well known Spier to the smaller privately owned Bilton. You will also experience something different on this route visiting the Van Ryn Brandy Cellar and the Cheetah Outreach. We visit the following 6 farms on the Northern Route. Remember, you can decide if you want to go to all 6 estates or just visit a few and stay longer at certain farms. Please click on the farm website link for more info.
Vredenheim
Highlights: Sparkling Wine; Game animals like Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Ostrich etc can be seen here
Vredenheim has become a well-known landmark on the R310 road to Stellenbosch, where a variety of game can be seen.The farm was granted to Hendrik Elberts in 1691.Our manor house was built in 1789 (a National monument but unfortunately not open to the public).A Variety of quality and affordable wines is available from our tasting room. Have a meal in our Restaurant, a picnic or a cup of coffee and cake in our Coffee shop, while enjoying the beautiful view of our lovely gardens.
Van Ryn Brandy Cellar
Highlights: Cellar Tour and show of the Cooper practicing his ancient art of Barrel making
The Van Ryn’s Distillery , housed in a beautifully preserved chateau-like complex on the banks of the Eerste River, is the only brandy distillery in Stellenbosch. Visitors can learn about the origins of Van Ryn’s dating back to 1845. See the burnished copper potstills and watch skilled craftsman at work at the one distillery in the country with an on-site cooperage. Find international award winners, with hand-crafted chocolate and coffee. More info: www.vanryn.co.za
Spier
Highlights: Cheetah Outreach Programme, wines, Restaurants and Picnic
Spier, in the heart the famous Cape winelands, is more than a Wine Estate. It is a destination in itself. The first luxury hotel in South Africa to be Fair Trade in Tourism certified, Spier offers visitors a variety of authentic experiences – from food and wine to outdoor activities – in beautiful surroundings. Here you can also visit the Cheetah Outreach programme to see and touch Cheetahs or go for a walk through the Cape Raptor world to see some of Africa’s most beautiful birds of Prey.
Alto
Highlights: Alto Rouge wine and amazing view
Alto”Great things happen when men and mountains meet” William Blake. Situated high on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain, the history of Alto Estate dates back to 1693. The Latin name refers both to the aspirations of the estate and it’s altitude. Alto has been world renowned for it’s hand crafted, bold red wines since 1922, when the first shipment of Alto Rouge was received in London to rapturous response. We do Sundowners & Tapas Snacks in the summer.
Bilton
Highlights: Chocolate & wine tasting, amazing wine with spectacular views
Tucked away in the foothills of the Helderberg, this boutique winery is a specialist producer of rare wines of distinctive character. Complex, elegant intensely flavoured and full-bodied, Bilton wines express the unique character of the Helderberg Terroir and the first five vintages have spread Bilton’s reputation far and wide. Our 2002 Bilton Merlot was the proud recipient of a Michelangelo double gold medal in 2004.Come and enjoy our Wine and chocolate parings, it is a real tasting sensation.
Kleine Zalze
Highlights: White wines, views and gold
Wine has been made at Kleine Zalze since 1695. the family-owned winery continues the tradition of producing wines of outstanding quality, receiving numerous awards, both locally and abroad. Kleine Zalze offers far more than panoramic views and vineyards. Terroir, selected as the Eat Out Johnnie Walker Restaurant of the year, features a chalkboard menu of Provencal classics.Kleine Zalze Lodge is set alongside the first fairway of De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate. The units offer panoramic views of the area and all the regular comforts associated with four star accommodation.
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