Five must visit wineries near Cape Town,South Africa

Visitors to Cape Town, South Africa will soon discover they are close to some of world’s best wine regions. Let us take a look at five of the must visit wineries on Spaswinefood's list. One is the wineries is in Constania, the oldest wine region. The remaining four wineries are in Stellenbosch, not only one of the world’s top wine regions but the second oldest in South Africa.

Asara Wine Estate, Stellenbosch © Spaswinefood

Groot Constantia Wine Estate: South Africa’s oldest wine estate
Groot Constantia Wine Estate is listed as one of Cape Town's must-see sights. The historic Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate in South Africa, was founded in 1685. It is located in Constantia. 

Groot Constantia Wine Estate © Spaswinefood

Visitors can enjoy the winery’s tasting room and two different dining venues, the Jonkershuis Restaurant and the Simon’s Restaurant. We choose the Jonkershuis Restaurant for lunch the day we visited. Later we toured the tasting room.

Groot Constantia, Constantia Rood 2011 © Spaswinefood

Ken Forrester Wines: Home to Chenin Blanc

Ken Forrester Wines in Stellenbosch is the perfect place to check out South Africa's iconic white wine, Chenin blanc. 

Ken Forrester Wines © Spaswinefood

While at the winery we just happened to meet the winemaker himself, Ken Forrester. It was indeed a special treat. 

Ken Forrester, Ken Forrester Wines © Spaswinefood

Wine tasting, Ken Forrester Wines © Spaswinefood

During our visit to Ken Forrester Wines we also tasted some very special Chenin Blanc wines. Chenin Blanc was first introduced to South Africa in 1655. Chenin Blanc, also known as Steen is now the most widely planted grape variety. The wine has been described as a Cuisine Chameleon because it is adaptable and food friendly. For further information on Chenin Blanc checkout South Africa's Chenin Blanc Association. 

Asara Wine Estate: A setting perfect for the gods

The Asara Wine Estate and Hotel is situated amid spectacular views of vineyards and mountains. The name Asara is derived from the African gods of Earth (Atar), Sun (Asis) and Sky (Asase). It’s name captures the essence of this very special place, a perfect setting for wine tasting. The 180-hectare estate has a winemaking heritage dating back to 1691. Today the wine estate offers a wide range of award winning wines. The winery is known for producing the first white Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Asara Wine Estate © Spaswinefood

We tasted their wines over lunch at the Sansibar Restaurant. The Sansibar Restaurant is an ideal setting for a relaxing wine country lunch. Asara not only offers a number of dining and wine tasting options but luxury accommodations as well. 

Morgenhof Estate’s Cap Classique is Classy

Morgenhof Estate is located in Simonsberg, the first of the seven Stellenbosch wine wards. While its history dates back to 1692 in terms of recent history Morgenhof was granted "estate" status in 1998. The beautiful 212-hectare estate has 74 hectares under vine. The beautiful grounds and historic Cape Dutch architecture is quite impressive. Here you will find a tasting venue, the Morgenhof Restaurant and other attractions. 

Morgenhof Estate © Spaswinefood

While at the Morgenhof Estate one of the wines we tasted was a Cap Classique, the name given to South African sparkling wine made in the traditional champagne method (Methode Cap Classique). To ensure the quality of sparkling wines made in this style South Africa has formed the Cap Classique Producers Association  (CCPA). 

Morgenhof Estate, Brut Reserve 2008 © Spaswinefood

Stellekaya Winery: Home of the stars

Stellekaya Winery is a family owned boutique winery (Jane and Dave Lello, owners). The meaning of Stellekaya is "home of the stars". One of Stellekaya’s stars is winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa's Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009. 

Ntsiki Biyela, Stellekaya Winery © Spaswinefood

Wine Tasting, Stellekaya Winery © Spaswinefood

Of course the winery produces star quality wines. Their hand crafted red wines are made from single red grape varietals and blends. Each of Stellakaya's wine labels has a constellation on it. Winemaker Ntisiki Biyela was at Stellekaya Winery when we dropped by. A CNN video and Christian Schiller's article describe Ntisiki Biyela amazing story. See also BKWine's video of an interview with Ntsiki Biyela.

While you are checking out the above five wineries remember that in less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town you will find some of the best wineries in South Africa. For a brief overview of South African wines see Wine 101: South Africa. I invite you to join me in my travels in South Africa and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

Stellenbosch, South Africa

© Spaswinefood

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