Location: Stellenbosch
Top Things to do in Stellenbosch
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Hiking trails and art galleries abound in Stellenbosch, but it's wine that takes center stage. More than 100 wine cellars, most open to the public, surround the oak-lined South African town, and tasting tours operate daily. Winter brings a four-day festival celebrating the local vintages. The historic town center houses the trading-post style shop Oom Samie se Winkel, the Neo-Gothic Moederkerk church, and museums dedicated to toys, military memorabilia, autos and early life on the Cape.
Restaurants in Stellenbosch
1. Waterford Estate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 719 reviews
Waterford Estate is situated in one of the world's most visually arresting pockets of paradise. Nestled in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world renowned Stellenbosch region, this 120 hectare property owned by Jeremy and Leigh Ord and managed by partner and Cellar master Kevin Arnold. The Estate boasts old citrus groves, rolling lawns, water features and fragrant lavender and rosemary beds. You'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of Provence or the Spanish countryside, with your first glimpse of this enchanting realm. However, we are immensely proud of our uniquely South African location and the rich diversity of our indigenous flora and fauna. The winery was styled along the engaging terracotta design and was the result of winemaker Kevin Arnold and architect Alex Walker teaming up to create the home of Waterford Estate wines. The centre piece of the magnificent courtyard is the Waterford Estate fountain. This feature has been immortalized in the Waterford Estate label and represents a fundamental component of our philosophy. We believe in the old adage of 'less is more'. There is nothing pretentious or ostentatious about the estate, rather the visual impact is one of a seamless whole, which complements rather than detracts from the surrounding natural beauty. Welcome to our world, a world where the passing of time and the change in seasons only add rich layers of character and charm to the scene.
Reviewed By Richardreynolds1 - London, United Kingdom
On not a very South African day, more Somerset than Somerset West with low mist and drizzle, we were superbly looked after by head guide and budding oenologist Devon, a very engaging and enthusiastic host. It's a beautiful, Florentine styled, estate to visit - but that does not make it different from several others in the region. What does is the wine safari, an imaginative way to take visitors around the vineyards, normally tasting and eating very moreish tapa type food among the vines. Kevin Arnold is an ambitious wine maker and the estate's top wine, The Jem, compares very favourably to other top New World wines at a fraction of their price. Buy before the rest of the world wakes up! The estate also does a chocolate and wine pairing, very much enjoyed by most.
2. DeMorgenzon Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
All wine estates in the Western Cape are beautiful and all have unique terroir. However, we believe that DeMorgenzon is the most extraordinary of them all. Our slopes rise from about 200m to nearly 400m above sea level and our vistas embrace Cape Town, Table Mountain, Cape Point, Cape Hangklip, the Hottentots Holland mountains, Helderberg and Simonsberg with the ocean as a backdrop. While we could call ourselves 'mountain vineyards' we prefer to be known as 'garden vineyards'. In Spring specially chosen wildflowers flourish between our vines. We have no doubt that a biodiverse and ecologically sensitive environment produces infinitely better grapes and the beauty of our gardens is captured in every bottle of our wine. We pipe Baroque music through our vineyards 24x7 and believe that the power of music positively influences the ripening process.
Reviewed By X8215DJdougb - Chicago, United States
I second every 5* review. We went to six tastings over two days and this was our favorite. We too were graced by Kudzai, whose wine knowledge was surpassed only by his charm and good humor. Lovely atmosphere. Steeped in history. They had a pretty good selection you can order through a US middleman at a very reasonable price. Unfortunately they can’t ship their sparking wine, which was so lovely it caused me to burst into tears.
3. Oldenburg Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
Nestled in the heart of the Banghoek valley, you will find Oldenburg Vineyards. Our wines embody a rare confluence of natural elements, with the iconic Rondekop hill at the centre of it all. These unique elements offer a winemaker’s blank canvas to create delicious wines, with ideal structure and balance, and incredible ageing potential. The natural beauty of our corner inspires authenticity in all we do – from the vineyards and the winemaking through every aspect of our business. Explore our wines through one of our fine wine experiences. Relax for a while with a stay at the Homestead. Come and immerse yourself in the Oldenburg experience.
Reviewed By KasandraC30 - Cape Town, South Africa
I was asked to review Oldenburg and to be honest with you, I didn’t want too. Simply because this is the Winelands absolute best kept secret. The space is immaculately curated, the service impeccable and if you can bear to tear yourself away from the wine, you are treated to the most beautiful view nature can offer you. The physical setting is simply put- magical. Go on a warm day and enjoy the tranquil mountain range. Go on a stormy day and be treated to fantastic show of mist and rain that makes you forget you are so close to civilization. The physical setting ensures the wine is something exceptional and not commonly found in local restaurants. So to have a knowledgeable, accommodating host talk you through the range is a treat. This is a must for anyone who can appreciate a beautifully curated space with the functionality of lovely wine! A must see!
4. The Stellenbosch Village Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
Reviewed By Peter_guest - London, United Kingdom
A quartet of historic houses in the centre of Stellenbosch form this fascinating museum. Each one is historically furnished and takes the visitor back over centuries of local history. These are some of the oldest and best-preserved buildings in South Africa, well worth a visit.
5. Lanzerac Wine Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
A visit to Lanzerac – the official home of Pinotage – is not complete without a wine tasting and guided tour of the acclaimed wine cellar. Visitors to the Lanzerac Tasting Room are able to experience our distinguished wines in the comfort of a relaxed setting. Enjoy a guided tasting by one of our knowledgeable Wine Advisor’s in the well-appointed Tasting Room, or on the verandah overlooking the vineyards with breath-taking views of the valley. The Tasting Room is open seven days a week and offers visitors a selection of informative tastings and pairings to both challenge the palate and complement the award-winning wines. Cellar tours run daily at 11h00. Wine experiences available: 1. Premium Tasting - Select 5 wines to taste from the Lanzerac Premium Range 2. Wine & Chocolate Tasting - Enjoy 5 selected Premium wines paired with 5 handcrafted chocolates 3. Heritage Tasting - Taste Lanzerac’s Heritage Range, a collection of 3 flagship wines and the MCC Blanc de Blancs Brut
Reviewed By Sunelle95
We had lunch at the Taphuis before proceeding to the Tasting Room for a Wine and Chocolate pairing. Lunch: The setting is incredibly beautiful and the restaurant truly caters to the needs of the patrons. The service we received from Francis was top notch. The food was exceptional. We ended up tasting each other's food as we were raving so much about our individual meals!! The wine was also very good. The value for money was really great. Wine and chocolate pairing: The service from Emmanuel was fantastic. The wine and chocolate pairing was insightful and super delicious!! The entire experience was fantastic!!
6. Dutch Reform Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By Mobile35942195053 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Beautiful architecture, the church typifies the grand style of the past, the history of the first people that settled here. The beautiful arching seating inside, spotlessly clean and elegant, definitely worth an hour to float around. Situated at the top of church street.
7. Rust en Vrede Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Rust en Vrede Tasting room offers curated tastings of all the Estate Wines. The lunch option available from 12 pm - 3 pm daily, Comprising a two-item set menu, salmon and steak, historic Stellenbosch estate Rust en Vrede’s lunch experience is a no-fuss version of its celebrated fine-dining dinner. Tables set under ancient oaks suggest a laid-back approach, yet the linen is classily crisp and white, the cookery flawless and the service impeccable. Enjoy your choice of meal with a glass of red or white. Simple, but not dumbed down.
Reviewed By georgestof - Durbanville, South Africa
Five of us had the winemaker's lunch this afternoon. One cannot reserve a table so we rocked up at 12.15. The venue is attractive and is situated in pretty surroundings. There are enough parking bays for everyone. We sat on the terrace, which was very pleasant. Our waiter was excellent : friendly and attentive. There are two choices : either steak or salmon, each served with a glass of wine. My steak was exactly as ordered and delicious and was accompanied by French fries and a salad. Excellent - and so was the wine. Those that ordered the salmon were equally enthusiastic. We rounded off the meal with coffee and went home highly delighted.
8. Delaire Graff Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
Nestled between majestic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estate is South Africa's most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination. A magnificent Cape Winelands property, it boasts two outstanding restaurants, a state-of-the-art winery, exclusive lodges, a destination spa and luxury boutiques. Striking Cape Dutch architecture meets African artefacts and styling, with original artworks from Laurence Graff's personal collection on display throughout, representing some of South Africa's finest contemporary artists.
Reviewed By 400kayl - Kaohsiung, Taiwan
LOCATION WOW! Close to Stellenbosch, the location was up a hill and just off a main road with a well-organised team of many parking attendants and staff. Twas Christmas, and staff wore Santa hats while guests were jolly and merry. WINE LOUNGE Wine tasting scenery of beautiful, majestic mountains, gorgeous vineyards and some bubbles create a romantic atmosphere of opulence and indulgence. The wine tasting lounge has purple sofas, a fireplace and a grand piano, which was played at intervals. We even heard a lady opera singer for one of the performances. The interior and exterior decorating of the compound is impressive, stylish, trendy and modern. Our waiter Danny was very knowledgable, friendly and efficient, appearing at appropriate intervals while we sampled the cheese and salmon platter during our wine tasting menu journey. Toilets are super clean, attractive and fragrant with hand towels and awesome soap lotion (available for purchase at reception in 500ml containers). BOUTIQUE Own brand jewellery shop is right next to the colorfully decorated reception with portraits and myriad floral arrangements, while wine cellar adjacent to the shop. The Chinese Girl painting/Green Lady (1952) by Vladimir Tretchikoff stands at reception. The entire complex is quite interesting, with many artworks, sculptures, in and outdoor water causeway and water reservoirs. One can take a walk to the surrounding vineyards and continue the art journey to the spa and lodge, where the theme of interesting sculptures and structures continue. Pool is amazing and a curio shop with a collection of interesting objects from the African continent (Malta, Eswatini, Tanzania…) can be appreciated and explanation given by the gentleman onsite. Accommodation onsite with spa available for those with a deep pocket. SUMMARY Top-notch, first-class wine estate for the club of exclusivity and excellence Stunning place to visit!
9. Delheim
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Delheim's Cellar Stellenbosch, offers internationally acclaimed wines, wine tasting tours, and a restaurant in a beautiful garden.
Reviewed By TaniaDLK - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Lovely wine tasting with Nolu. Delicious wine and fantastic hospitality. Well worth the stop as you explore the wine route.
10. Simonsig
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Simonsig Estate upholds the legendary status of pioneering wine excellence shaped by the Malan Family's devotion to quality and innovative winemaking. Named after its dramatic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, the estate is ideally situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa's premier wine region, 45 km east of Cape Town. Tasting & Tours: Taste and learn more about our award winning wines from our knowledgeable team at our tasting room, set amidst the tranquil gardens on the estate. As a founding member of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Simonsig enjoys widespread popularity and attracts visitors from all over the world. With a cosy fire crackling in the tasting room during winter or flutes of chilled Kaapse Vonkel served on the cool, shady veranda during summer, we welcome our visitors to cellar tour experiences all year round. Opening Hours Tasting and Wine Sales Mon to Fri: 08:30 - 17:00 Saturdays & Public Holidays: 08:30 - 16:00 Sunday: 11:00 - 15:00 Closed on Christmas, New Year's Day & Good Friday Cellar Tours Mon to Fri: 10:00 & 15:00 Saturdays: 10:00 Closed on Sunday, Christmas, New Year's Day & Good Friday
Reviewed By Lourens-Esterhuyse - Cape Town, South Africa
Great wine, great service and the lady who served us was excellent and know her wines. This is a must stop, and enjoy the garden and surroundings, while you taste one of the best wines in Stellenbosch.
