Cape Town's Most Breathtaking Vineyards for Wine Tasting

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Beau Constantia’s tasting room is essentially a glass box hovering above the pristine Constantia Valley. Unlike many other estates in the Cape, this one uses modern architecture to showcase the views. Clean lines, a panoramic outlook and a comfortable outside area make this an atmospheric estate to visit regardless of the weather.

The Constantia Valley is home to some of the oldest wine estates in the country. Though many choose to follow the crowds to the popular Groot Constantia, the less visited Klein Constantia next door is arguably more beautiful and less trafficked. Its location on the slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountains means incredible views over False Bay, and the 330-year-old history shows through in the grand trees and classic Cape Dutch architecture.

Vergelegen may be a mouthful to pronounce, but it’s worth battling your way through the Dutch word in order to make your way here. It’s one of the Cape’s oldest and most beautiful estates and boasts 300 years of history. You can explore this by touring the old homestead, camphor forest and manicured gardens. In summer, the spectacular rose garden is a true focal point. The wines regularly win awards and they offer tastings as well as prepared picnic baskets to enjoy outdoors.

Waterkloof makes some of the Cape’s best wines, but it’s almost more famous for its incredible architecture and dramatic views. It’s set on top of a mountain with panoramic views over nearby Somerset West and Strand, and False Bay further afield. They’re open daily for wine tastings, but if you’re looking for that extra special afternoon, book ahead for a lunch at the incredible restaurant.

The drive to Uva Mira sets the perfect tone for a visit to this exquisite estate, and you might think that views can’t get much better than this. That is, until you step through into the remarkable tasting room. The views from there stretch out all the way to False Bay, and combined with a tasting of their unique wines it makes for a pretty special afternoon.

Hidden Valley Wines is just next door to Uva Mira, but they’ve taken up the challenge to better their neighbour’s views. If you’re heading to the region, it makes sense to visit both estates to decide for yourself. Hidden Valley has a contemporary feel to it, with modern architecture that takes full advantage of the surroundings. You can pop in for wine tastings, or stay for a meal — the in-house Overture Restaurant is one of the Cape’s most celebrated.

Jordan makes some of the country’s most popular wines, and their unique location not only makes for good grape varieties, but also for stunning views. They offer an informative and beautiful 4×4 tour through the estate, where they’ll teach you how the geology and terroir of the region has influenced their grapes. The in-house restaurant at Jordan is not only home to one of the city’s best chefs, it also has some of the most incredible views imaginable across the winelands.

Tokara’s got some of the best views and most impressive architecture of all estates in the region. Owner GT Ferreira bought the estate in 1994, and has turned it into a modern architectural masterpiece. There are beautiful views of both False Bay and Table Mountain, a fine art gallery, celebrated restaurant, and the option to taste wines, brandies and olive oils.

It’s clear on visiting Delaire-Graaf that no expense has been spared in order to create a vineyard experience like no other. There’s a magnificent hotel and restaurant on the premises, and the views of the nearby mountains are spectacular. There’s also a high quality collection of art to view on the estate, some of which is dotted throughout the exquisite manicured gardens you can explore on foot.

Warwick has traditionally produced some of the Cape’s most awarded wines, but they shot to fame locally for their popular picnics on their lush lawns. The views across the estate and over the dam are impressive, and there’s a relaxed atmosphere here that’s a refreshing change in the often traditional wine industry. They offer a 4×4 trip across their farm that offers insight into their varietals and takes you up to some of the best vantage points, where the views are simply incredible.

The Franschhoek Valley is one of the most breathtaking regions of the Cape, and there are few estates better positioned to take advantage of this than La Petite Ferme. The restaurant and tasting room offers panoramic views across the valley floor below, but it’s the atmosphere on the lawns outside that makes this a truly magical Cape estate.