Top 10 Food & Drink in Stellenbosch, Western Cape

July 5, 2021 Velvet Mowry

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

Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa +27 21 880 5300 [email protected] http://www.waterfordestate.co.za/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 719 reviews

Waterford Estate

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. Spier Wine Farm

Annandale Road, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa +27 21 809 1944 [email protected] http://www.spier.co.za
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,139 reviews

Spier Wine Farm

Spier is one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa, with a recorded history dating back to 1692. Spier's winery has won multiple awards in recent years, including Producer of the Year (Mundus Vini, Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2011). We also performed exceptionally at the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition (five Best in Class Gold medals and two trophies), and were the top performing SA winery at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles for three consecutive years. The Spier cellar has ISO 22000 certification, is Fair Trade accredited, organically certified and follows the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) criteria.

Reviewed By Peadars1 - Dublin, Ireland

I recently stayed here on holiday with my wife, and after a week of partying in nearby Cape Town I found the Spier Wine Farm to be absolutely idyllic and a wonderful place to relax and recharge the batteries ! The location is stunning, the staff were excellent, friendly and professional, and the wine was absolutely amazing and unbelievable value ! The rooms were so spacious and beautifully decorated. We chose to have a picnic on one of the days and I totally recommend doing that as you are spoiled for locations on the wonderful estate. We also stumbled on a bird of prey sanctuary which is located at the end of the estate. This was a wonderful experience and the girl/falconer was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. All in all it was a wonderful venue, extremely good value for such a high end estate and I would have no qualms in recommending it to anyone. The one downside for me was that the Estate's main restaurant (Eight) which I had read so much about was unfortunately closed as it is under renovation, but that's simply a case of bad timing on my part.

3. Rust en Vrede Tasting Room

Stellenbosch 7599 South Africa, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa +27 21 881 3757 [email protected] http://www.rustenvrede.com
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 201 reviews

Rust en Vrede Tasting Room

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.

4. Lanzerac Wine Estate

No. 1 Lanzerac Road Lanzerac Estate, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa +27 21 887 1132 [email protected] http://www.lanzerac.co.za/
Excellent
56%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 297 reviews

Lanzerac Wine Estate

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!!

5. Delheim

Knorhoek Road Off R44, Stellenbosch 7599 South Africa +27 21 888 4600 [email protected] http://www.delheim.com
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

Delheim

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.

6. Warwick Wine Estate

R44 Between Stellenbosch & Paarl, Stellenbosch 7607 South Africa +27 21 884 4410 [email protected] http://www.warwickwine.com/
Excellent
68%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 608 reviews

Warwick Wine Estate

Warwick has become known as one of the most welcoming destinations with a truly authentic experience & friendly ambience. Open 365 days a year, join us for our famed 'Gourmet Picnic' and a tutored wine tasting. Bring your friends & family for a 'VINEYARD SAFARI' or just laze around on our magnificent lawns under the trees. This kid-friendly historic property will wow you.

Reviewed By Finemaster - Worthing, United Kingdom

We booked a tasting, followed by a picnic, where we’d chosen the place we wanted to sit, which was super easy on line. Yolande was excellent, friendly, knowledgeable, attentive (despite having several other tables to serve) there’s a great mix of wine that should suit all tastes, we just loved the The White Lady Chardonnay! As for the picnic, plenty of food for two, a good mix of salads, cheese, pate, breads, chutney and even a dessert each. We’ll certainly go back again to do this. To make the most of this lovely experience, suggest you allow 2.5-3hrs there.

7. Delaire Graff Estate

Helshoogte Pass R310, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa +27 21 885 8160 [email protected] http://www.delaire.co.za
Excellent
69%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 665 reviews

Delaire Graff Estate

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!

8. Simonsig

Kromme Rhee Road, Stellenbosch 7605 South Africa +27 21 888 4900 [email protected] http://www.simonsig.co.za/home
Excellent
59%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 269 reviews

Simonsig

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.

9. Hartenberg Wine Estate

Bottelary Rd Koelenhof, Stellenbosch 7605 South Africa +27 21 865 2541 [email protected] http://www.hartenbergestate.com/
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 148 reviews

Hartenberg Wine Estate

On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, we are a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings lunches on the terrace or picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.

Reviewed By karienco - Stellenbosch, South Africa

The farm offers excellent wines and the staff in the tasting room were very knowledgeable. It was an excellent experience. A must stop for Riesling... We then had lunch after the tasting. The burgers were excellent and the service superb.

10. Jordan Wine Estate

Stellenbosch Kloof Rd Vlottenburg, Stellenbosch 7604 South Africa +27 21 881 3441 [email protected] http://www.jordanwines.com
Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 369 reviews

Jordan Wine Estate

South African roots. Worldwide acclaim. Gary and Kathy Jordan have been making world-class wines since 1993 on a farm with a history going back over 300 years. He's a geologist, she's an economist - together this husband and wife team is a phenomenon. Gary's parents, Ted and Sheelagh, bought the 146-hectare Stellenbosch property in 1982, and embarked on an extensive replanting programme, specializing in classic varieties suited to the different soils and slopes. From the Jordan hillside vineyards one has spectacular panoramic views of Table Mountain, False Bay and Stellenbosch. Gary and Kathy worked internationally for two years, refining their high-energy instincts with practical experience. They returned home to build a cellar in 1992. The following year the vines were judged ready for making wines that would carry the Jordan name. From that first year it was obvious that a new star had been added to the winemaking firmament. Continuing success has enlarged the team, with the focus on producing fiercely individual wines that combine the fruity accessibility of the New World with the Classic Elegance of the Old. Jordan wines - a team effort, distinctly individual in character. Unique by Nature's Design. The Jordan philosophy is simple: Success begins in the vineyards. Exceptional wines are made possible by careful management of the farm's extensive natural assets through innovative canopy management and selecting varieties and clones specifically suited to the various soils and slopes. Unique by Nature's Design, the Jordan slopes face North, South, East, and West, with vineyards lying at differing altitudes from 160 to 410 m above sea level. The vineyards with their close proximity to both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans benefit from coastal fog and cool breezes. A mild Mediterranean climate with a maritime influence minimizes the risk of frost damage. The soils at Jordan have evolved from 600 million year old Cape Granite, and range from deep, well-drained clay-loam to gravelly and sandy duplex soils situated on clay. The Jordan philosophy combines the vineyards' natural assets with innovative management, creating a profound expression of terroir. It also includes a profound respect for nature with a selection of indigenous flora and fauna to be found on the farm Technology in the hands of Mother Nature The cellar is pure Jordan. An elegant, yet bold fusion of Old and New World architectural ideas. State-of-the-art, practical and functional, the high-tech elements blend easily with the forces of nature. The cellar is designed around a gravity flow system using natural cooling through recessing the cellar into the slope of the mountain. Stainless steel fermentation tanks, varying in capacity, enable fruit from individual vineyards to be vinified separately. Tanks are jacketed with cooling bands to ensure controlled fermentation and storage temperatures. The barrel-fermented white wines are made according to Classic Burgundian methods. Fermentation takes place in the coolest area of the underground cellar. Separate barrel cellars are designated for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz where the wines mature and undergo malolactic fermentation in Bordeaux-shaped barrels. To ensure the highest level of quality, all wine is bottled and labeled on site, thus completing the circle from vineyards to wine. The Jordan cellar - a perfect environment to transform exceptional fruit into world-class wine.

Reviewed By FatMamie - London, United Kingdom

A fantastic place for lunch. The restaurant sits elevated over the gardens, lake and vineyards with the magnificent backdrop of the mountains beyond. Service was first class and the food and wine excellent. The honey and poppy seed soufflé is in a class of it own and worth the airfare alone. Whip to stiff peaks! Absolutely.

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