Wine Estates to Visit in Stellenbosch

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Surrounding Stellenbosch are a number of beautiful wine estates which produce some of South Africa's top wines. With vineyards covering the rolling hills and the Stellenbosch Mountains in the background, this is the perfect wine region.

We look at 5 great wine estates in the area which you should be sure to check out if you're in Stellenbosch.

Neethlingshof

Visitors to Neethlingshof Estate are greeted by a one kilometer avenue of Pine trees - a unique and striking entrance to a Stellenbosch wine estate. The estate is steeped in history, dating back to 1705, which is evident in the beautiful estate manor house. Visitors to the estate can explore the lush gardens, stop for lunch and enjoy wine tastings. As well as sampling 6 varietals or exploring the cellar, visitors can also enjoy a special wine and food pairing experience called "A Flash Food, Slow Wine pairing".

Wine tasting are open Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays from 10am to 4pm. During the summer months, the Neethlingshof Wine Estate closes two hours later to make the most of the longer evenings and sunsets.

Wine tasting is R30 per person which allows guests to sample 5 varietals. To add a cellar tour to your itinerary; the cost is R50 per person.

Named after one of the previous owners of the farm, the Lord Neethling restaurant is located in the beautifully preserved Cape Dutch homestead dating back almost 200 years. Here visitors can enjoy classic Continental fare paired with excellent wines.

For more information, telephone + 27 21 883 8988 or visit

www.neethlingshof.co.za/.

Spier

A visit to the Spier Estate in Stellenbosch encompasses far more than just wine tasting and visitors would be wise to set aside at least a few hours to relax and explore. Spier is one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa, with a recorded history dating back to 1692 - however the experience on offer is vibrant and contemporary and is sure to keep the whole family entertained.

Rolling lawns on the banks of the Eerste River are ideal for long picnic lunches with plenty of space for the kids to run around. Picnics need to be booked 24-hours in advance (visit www.spierpicnics.co.za). Alternatively, visit the innovative farm-to-table restaurant Eight where all of the produce served is harvested and reared on the estate or nearby estates. Brunches, harvest table lunches and delectable teas can be enjoyed.

For a unique African dining experience, moyo restaurant with its treetop tables, private tents and main dining tent offers a real variety of African dishes as well as music and entertainment.

For wine tastings, the new tasting venue is located on the banks of the Spier dam with stunning mountain views. Here award winning wines and innovative food pairings make for a unique tasting experience. Wine is available for sale at cellar door prices.

For groups of 8 or more a reservation is required. Groups will be accommodated in the Tasting Room at the Cow House. Bookings should be made and confirmed at least 48 hours in advance. Wine tastings are open daily from 10h00 to 16h00. Open for sales daily from 09h00 to 17h00.

Visitors can also experience birds of prey and learn about conservation at Eagle Encounters, or support local crafters at the Craft Market. And, for those wishing to make spend a few days in the winelands, the stylish 4-star Spier Hotel makes for a great base from which to explore further.

For further information, telephone +27 21 809 1100, or visit www.spier.co.za.

Thelema Mountain Vineyards

The beautiful Thelema Mountain Vineyards are a family owned and managed wine estate perched at the top of the spectacular Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch.

A relative 'newcomer' in terms of wine farms, this run-down fruit farm was bought in 1983 by Gyles Webb, a former accountant, and his wife. A winery was built, the orchards made way for vineyards and Thelema quickly made a name for itself with excellent Chardonnays and classic Cabernet Sauvignons.

Tastings cost R25 per person (redeemable on purchase of any wine).

Open Monday to Friday from 09h00 - 17h00; Saturdays from 10h00 - 15h00; Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For further details, telephone: +27 21 885 1924, or visit www.thelema.co.za

Tokara

With arguably one of the most spectacular locations and views in the winelands is Tokara Winery. Situated on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass, about 5km from Stellenbosch, this estate is home to award-winning wines, brandy and olive oils, a gallery of fine art, one of South Africa's top chefs at Tokara restaurant, as well as great food at the laid-back and child friendly delicatessen.

Visitors to Tokara can pop in at the delicatessen for breakfast or a light lunch accompanied by a glass of wine; or stock up on goodies for the pantry ranging from Tokara's own extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil, kalamata olives and olive paste, to handmade Belgian chocolate truffles, local and imported charcuterie, award-winning South African cheeses and aromatic coffee.

At Tokara Restaurant, enjoy not only fine dining with multi-awarding winning chef Richard Carstens, but also one of the most spectacular views in the winelands. The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesdays to Sundays and for dinner Tuesdays to Saturdays. The winery tasting room is the best place to taste the range of wines produced by the winemaking team, surrounded by great works of art.

For reservations at The Restaurant, telephone +27 21 885 2550, and for further information on the estate telephone +27 21 808 5900. Or, visit www.tokara.co.za.

Lanzerac

The well known Lanzerac Estate has a 300-year history and was also the first estate to produce Pinotage in 1961. Home to a hotel and spa as well as a choice of excellent restaurants, the estate is set against a dramatic mountain backdrop and amidst rows of lush vineyards and hectares of award-winning landscaped gardens.

The Lanzerac Cellar is open daily for wine tastings, as well as pairings of chocolate, cheese and other delicacies. Cellar tours run daily at 11h00 and 15h00. The tasting room closes at 16h30 for tastings and at 17h00 for wine sales. Costs are R30 per person for the standard tasting, R65 per person for the Chocolate and Wine Pairing, and R100 for a cheese platter for two.

Open Monday - Friday from 09h30-16:30 and on Saturday and Sunday from 09h00 - 16h00. Closed on the 25th and 26th of December, as well as New Year's Day.

Stop-off and enjoy lunch on the patio overlooking the gardens at The Terrace or in the Lady Anne Courtyard, or for a drink with a touch of history pop in and visit The Taphuis - a Cape country bar that is one of the oldest bars in the Western Cape. For further details, telephone +27 21 887 1132, or visit www.lanzerac.co.za.