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Now that Level 1 is in effect and we can do and see more than in the months prior, this allows the much-anticipated ticking off of items on the wish list made during the lockdown. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite wineries to visit this summer.
Abingdon Wine Estate (Lions River, KwaZulu-Natal)
Located in the beautiful KZN Midlands, the family-run Abingdon Wines was the first farm in the province to produce a certified estate wine with its maiden vintage in 2007. Wine tastings are run on Fridays (1pm to 5pm) and Saturdays (11am to 4pm) and are charged at R60 for three wines of your choice. Call ahead to make a booking with a delicious platter to pair with your wines. If you’re an avid oenophile with a passion to learn about wine, be sure to join the school of wine for the internationally recognised Wine & Spirit Education Trust courses held at the winery.
Babylonstoren (Simondium, Western Cape)
This historic farm has so much to offer every kind of visitor, from the avid gardener to the wino or foodie. Led by cellar master Charl Coetzee and award-winning winemaker Klaas Stoffberg, the farm’s 2011 harvest led to the first bottling of wine made under the Babylonstoren label. Start with a cellar tour and tasting (booking is essential) and end off your visit with a farm-to-fork lunch at fine-dining eatery Babel.
Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
Listed in the Tim Atkin Master of Wine SA Report as Best Winery Experience, Delaire Graff is a sensory treat for those who enjoy indulging in a fine wine and food experience. Situated in the scenic hills of the renowned Stellenbosch wine region, Delaire Graff specialises in a unique tutored tasting experience at their wine lounge. The exceptional Indochine is of course located at the wine estate as well, with gourmet offerings to suit any discerning palate.
Gerakaris Wines (Craighall Park, Gauteng)
Kath Gerakaris left her native wine-producing country, New Zealand, in search of wine adventures. Having worked at a few renowned wineries in the Cape, Gerakaris now owns and runs a winery, getting in grapes from the Cape and making it onsite in Craighall Park, the only known urban winery in Gauteng. Booking is essential for tastings. You can also host your next function there, with catering from next door’s Delta Café.
Hazendal (Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
Hazendal Wine Estate is the first destination on the Bottelary-Stellenbosch Wine Route, and what a sight for sore eyes it is, with its stark white modern architecture that can be seen from Bottelary Road. The wine lounge offers three different tastings along with traditional zakuski (Russian-inspired tapas-style meal). Additionally, cocktails are served on Tuesdays to Sundays from 11.30am to 5pm. The boutique winery will reopen to the public from 8 October.
Highgate Wine Estate (Lions River, KwaZulu-Natal)
The Kassier family purchased a vegetable farm in 1996 and, much later, used their love of food and wine to transform it into what most now know as Highgate Wine Estate. Being only one of three certified wine farms in the province, Highgate prides itself in having the vision of creating and promoting a new wine route – one where you don’t only have the option of travelling to the Cape. Tastings take place in their aesthetically curated wine lounge with the option of four wines and equally delicious morsels to pair.
Theescombe Boutique Winery (Theescombe, Port Elizabeth)
Theescombe wine farm offers a relaxing cellar experience. Owned by the Futter family, the farm offers tastings, vineyard tours, a functions venue, promotional menus like burger nights and more. Theescombe Wines is a mere 15-minute drive from most parts of Port Elizabeth.
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