Discover Stellenbosch’s hidden winery treasures

The popularity of the Stellenbosch Winelands has skyrocketed over the past couple of years with wineries seeing a huge influx of tourists who have planned their entire trip around a week in the region. The region is soaring with arguably some of the best wines in the country coming out of Stellenbosch, its effortless beauty, and the palpable passion from the talented winemakers.

But with over 150 wineries to visit, who do you pick? 

This is a list of my top three wineries in the Stellenbosch region. I hope that this list can act as a starting point for your own personal exploration of the Stellenbosch Winelands. 

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In no particular order:

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Keermont Vineyards

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A true hidden gem, nestled in the upper corner of the Blaauwklippen Valley. One of the smaller wineries on this list but don't let that fool you, the quality of the wine is next to none, with a team of only 15 the winery focuses on ensuring quality in every bottle through their attention to detail.

The winery is owned and run by the Wraith family, a down-to-earth, passionate family who work tirelessly to ensure the quality of the wine. The winemaker, Alex Starey has been responsible for the winery's excellent wines since 2005 and is always pushing to ensure the wines meet their high standard of quality.

The Tasting Room is only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 to 13:30.

The view from the Stunning Tasting Room is breathtaking with the drive up taking you past some of their vines, showcasing some older vineyards as well as some high-density farming techniques. 

Along the side of the road you will pass by some of the oldest Chenin blanc in South Africa, planted back in 1971.

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Super Single Vineyards

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The smallest winery on this list but it is a winery that is focused on quality. Upon entering the property you are met with a sea of striking lavender, rolling towards the Tasting Room where the host will greet you. The tasting room is an old small farmhouse with a beautiful lawn where one can do tastings, relax and enjoy the views.

This winery is the only winery to have a vineyard located in Sutherland, this vineyard is at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level and experiences snow in the winter season.

The Tasting Room is open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00.

Wines that is a must to taste during your visit:

• The King and I, a blend 
• The Sutherland Syrah 
• Heritage Swaartekrag 2020, a Chenin blanc crafted from certified Heritage Vines

A truly unique visit, I love the atmosphere and the wines are amazing.

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Waterford Estate

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On arrival you are greeted with a Tuscan-style facade, ushered to your seat with a smile and treated like royalty, what more could you ask for? Waterford Estate is a crowd favourite, with guests pouring in from all corners of the globe. The courtyard in which your tasting is conducted is surrounded by a working cellar and London plane oak trees offer shape from the sun as you enjoy your wine tasting while observing the day to day workings of wine making. The winery crafts wine with quality in mind, opting to create authentic expressions of the Helderberg terroir. The winemaker, Mark le Roux, has a naturalistic approach to winemaking, guiding the wine to its full potential. The service offered by the tasting room ambassadors will have you talking about your experience at any opportunity.

Tasting room is open Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

They offer bespoke Wine Drive Safari adventures as well as a Porcupine Trail walksome text

These experiences are designed to immerse your senses in the terroir of the Helderberg and for the guest to taste wine in between the vines from which it was made.

Wines to taste: 

• The Cabernet Sauvignon
• The Jem - an eight varietal red blend, something truly unique
• The Estate Single Vineyard Chardonnay 
• The Estae Single Vineyard Grenache
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