Stellenbosch wine farms are the closest of the big Winelands names to Somerset West. In about 20 minutes you're among oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch homesteads and some of South Africa's most famous cellars. We've already written about the wine estates of Somerset West and a day trip to Franschhoek. This guide covers our favourite Stellenbosch estates, how to get around and where to have lunch.
Sunset over the vineyards at Tokara. Photo: Tokara.
Getting there from Somerset West
From Villa Helderberg, take the R44 north towards Stellenbosch. The drive takes about 20 to 25 minutes, past vineyards on both sides. Rust en Vrede lies just off this road, so you can start tasting before you even reach town.
If you have time, park in the centre and walk along Dorp Street. It's lined with old oaks and some of the best-preserved Cape Dutch buildings in the country. The free Rupert Museum, with its modern South African art, is also nearby.
Rust en Vrede: history and big reds
Our first stop is usually Rust en Vrede, on the lower slopes of the Helderberg on the Somerset West side of Stellenbosch. The farm's title deed dates from 1694. Its whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings, from 1780, are a National Monument. The estate focuses on red wines, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
The tasting room is open seven days a week, and informal cellar tours are available on request. A winemaker's lunch is served from 12:00 to 15:00. Book through Rust en Vrede.
The Cape Dutch buildings at Rust en Vrede. Photo: Rust en Vrede.
Spier: wine, art and picnics
Spier is one of the most relaxed Stellenbosch wine farms for a mixed group. Besides wine tastings, there's contemporary South African art and craft, picnics on the lawns and Segway tours through the vineyards. At the time of writing, its Creative Block exhibition showed 150 works by 85 artists. It's a great choice if not everyone in your party drinks wine. See Spier for opening times.
The historic werf at Spier. Photo: Spier.
Jordan: a valley with a view
Jordan sits on Stellenbosch Kloof Road, in a quiet valley west of town. The tasting room is open from 09:30 to 16:30, and the Jordan Restaurant serves brunch from 10:00 and lunch from 13:00. Their vineyard tours take you up through the vines for wide views over the valley. Book through Jordan Wine Estate.
A vineyard tour at Jordan. Photo: Jordan Wine Estate.
Tokara and Delaire Graff: the Helshoogte Pass
For the best views, drive east out of Stellenbosch towards the Helshoogte Pass. Tokara sits high on the slopes of the Simonsberg, looking out over False Bay and Table Mountain. You can taste wine and the estate's own olive oil in the Wine Tasting Lounge, then explore the art gallery and sculpture garden. The deli is relaxed and has a playground for children.
Next door, at the top of the pass, Delaire Graff is the glamorous option. Its art-filled Wine Lounge offers tutored tastings, and there are three restaurants, including Hōseki for Japanese food. See Tokara and Delaire Graff for bookings. From here, Franschhoek is only a short drive over the pass.
The terrace at Tokara. Photo: Tokara.
Visiting Stellenbosch wine farms without driving
South Africa's drink-driving limits are strict, so plan a designated driver or leave the car behind. The easiest option is the Vine Hopper, a hop-on hop-off bus from Stellenbosch with three routes. For example, the Southern Route runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends. At the time of writing it cost R450 per person, with tasting fees of R55 to R120 per farm on top. Check routes and stops on the Vine Hopper website.
Alternatively, ask us to arrange a private driver or a guided tour from the villa. For a full overview of the region's cellars, the Stellenbosch Wine Routes site is a useful planner.
Our tip
Three Stellenbosch wine farms in a day is plenty. Book tastings and lunch ahead, especially at weekends, and leave time to wander Dorp Street on the way home.
Lunch and picnics
For a long lunch with a view, book the Jordan Restaurant or Tokara Restaurant, where Chef Carolize Coetzee cooks with produce from the farm. For something casual, Spier's picnics are hard to beat on a sunny day, and the Tokara deli suits families. Hungry for more? See our guide to fine dining in Stellenbosch, or pair your wines at home with our wine and food pairing tips.
Oak-lined Dorp Street. Photo: Steven Morrow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Stellenbosch from Somerset West?
About 20 to 25 minutes by car along the R44, depending on traffic.
How many Stellenbosch wine farms can I visit in a day?
Three is comfortable, with lunch at one of them. Four is possible if you skip a long lunch.
Do I need to book tastings?
It's wise at weekends and in summer, and essential for restaurants and cellar tours.
Can I visit Stellenbosch wine farms without a car?
Yes. Use the Vine Hopper from Stellenbosch, or ask us to book a private driver from the villa.
Is Stellenbosch better than Franschhoek?
They're different. Stellenbosch is closer and offers more variety. Franschhoek is smaller, with a charming village and the Wine Tram.