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From Johannesburg to Kruger, then Cape Town, our South African adventure had already been full of incredible landscapes and experiences. From Cape Town, we set off on a scenic 45-minute drive via Helshoogte Pass to Stellenbosch. Winding through mountains, vineyards, and rolling landscapes, the drive itself was a stunning introduction to the Cape Winelands, setting the tone for two days of wine, food, and relaxation..
We arrived early at the beautiful Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel to drop off our bags before heading out for a self-drive day through Stellenbosch. This boutique gem perfectly blends luxury, style, and comfort. Each room is beautifully appointed, and the service is warm and welcoming, the perfect base for a wine-filled escape. The pool was a lovely addition, perfect for relaxing after a day of tastings.
Our first evening was a true treat: an amazing French dinner at Helens, right at the hotel. Every dish was spectacular, and the intimate setting made for a perfect start to our Winelands adventure. The next night, we enjoyed a tapas-style dinner at Spek & Bone, a cozy, vibrant spot with delicious small plates, equally memorable.
Breakfast at the hotel was another highlight, offering both continental and hot cooked options, the perfect fuel for days of vineyard exploring.
Day One: Self-Driving Through the Vineyards
After checking in and dropping off our bags, we set off to explore a few of the region’s incredible estates. Tip: Tastings in South Africa are generous, so for a well-paced day, we recommend booking no more than four wineries in advance.
Babylonstoren – Famous for its immaculate gardens, sprawling orchards, and artisanal farm store. Babylonstoren is a feast for the senses. Wandering through rows of herbs, vegetables, and flowers was magical. - Vrede en Lust Wine Estate - A charming family-owned vineyard with stunning cellar doors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for relaxed tastings and
discovering small-batch gems. 
Delaire Graff Estate – Known for breathtaking mountain views,
elegant tasting rooms, and world-class wines, Delaire Graff is Cape Winelands luxury at its finest.- Tokara Wine – We ended the day with a pre-booked sunset tasting at Tokara, where the golden hour cast a glow over the vineyards and mountains. The combination of views, wines, and a relaxed atmosphere made this a perfect finale.
Day Two: Exploring the Winelands with John
Our second day was all about relaxed indulgence, this time with John, our amazing winery driver, taking care of the logistics. With John at the wheel, we could fully enjoy each estate without feeling rushed.
- Keermont Vineyards – Set against the majestic Simonsberg mountains, Keermont combines elegant wines with intimate and unrushed tastings. Every sip felt perfectly matched to the scenery.
- Waterford Estate – We enjoyed a beautiful long lunch at Waterford, paired with their exceptional wines. The estate’s rolling vineyards and mountain views made it a highlight of our trip.
- Oldenburg Vineyards – Our final tasting of the day showcased classic Cape wines in a welcoming, relaxed setting, the perfect way to end two unforgettable days in the Winelands.
Tips for Visiting South African Wineries:
- Book tastings and any lunches well in advance, most estates require pre-booking, especially for weekends or sunset tastings.
- USD is often preferred for payments.
- Pace yourself, with large pours typical at South African tastings, three to four wineries in a day is ideal to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
- For those who don’t want the expense of a personal driver, the Stellenbosch hop-on hop-off tram is an option. It allows visitors to explore multiple wineries without the hassle of driving themselves. However, there are some trade-offs: the tram has a fixed timetable, which can limit the number of estates you can visit and often means rushed tastings to stay on schedule. Many of the open-air trams and buses lack air-conditioning, making summer days less comfortable, and you can end up waiting between stops, losing precious time enjoying the vineyards and for some stops there is a decent walk to the tasting rooms. For us, having a private driver like John made the experience effortless, we could fully relax, enjoy generous tastings, linger over lunch, and truly soak in the beauty of the Cape Winelands. (contact alex@vershaw.com for John's contact details)
- Enjoy the journey, the scenery, gardens, and mountain views are as much a part of the experience as the wine.
From lush vineyards to intimate boutique hotels, from sunset tastings to leisurely drives, and from French fine dining to tapas delights, our two days in the Cape Winelands felt perfectly curated for indulgence, laughter, and pure relaxation.
- Alex
Estates we visited:
Babylonstoren
Vrede en lust
Delaire Graff
Tokara Wine
Keermont Vineyards
Waterford Estate
Oldenburg Vineyards
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