Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, in the Cape Winelands, for wine lovers: estate tastings from 70 to 200 rand and cellar tours from 249 rand, with ages, bookings and tips.
At a glance
- A university town in the Cape Winelands, east of Cape Town
- Estate tastings from 70 to 200 rand per adult at five estates in 2026
- Jordan’s guided Cellar Tour, five wines included, costs 249 rand
- Cap Classique, the Cape’s bottle-fermented sparkling wine, poured at Simonsig and Neethlingshof
- 1culinary experience
Culinary experiences in Stellenbosch
South African Tourism from South Africa, CC BY
Map of Stellenbosch
What to taste in Stellenbosch
Cap Classique
South African sparkling wine made by the traditional method. Simonsig pours five for 150 rand, Neethlingshof a tasting for 70.
Pinotage
The red grape bred in South Africa from Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Simonsig’s Redhill Pinotage is in its Crown Collection.
Wine and chocolate
Three Waterford wines paired with handcrafted chocolates, 200 rand.
Stellenbosch is a university town of oak-lined streets in the Cape Winelands, east of Cape Town, and one of the oldest European settlements in South Africa, founded in the late 17th century. Vineyards climb the mountain slopes around it.
Five estates around Stellenbosch
- Jordan Wine Estate: tastings by the dam overlooking the Stellenbosch Mountains, or on the terrace.
- Simonsig Family Vineyards: the Kaapse Vonkel range of Cap Classique.
- Neethlingshof Estate: four tasting menus and a cellar tour.
- Waterford Estate: wine and chocolate pairings, and a guided walk through vineyards and fynbos.
- Post House Wines: any five wines from its Post Card or Estate Range, at Raithby.
Wine country of the Cape
- Pinotage: a grape created in Stellenbosch in the 1920s, a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut.
- Fynbos: the shrubland of the Cape, which Waterford’s walk crosses.
- Franschhoek: the neighbouring valley, with its wine tram and estates on the R45.
South Africa’s first wine route
- 1969: on a trip to Burgundy, Frans Malan of Simonsig and Niel Joubert of Spier discover the wine route of Morey-Saint-Denis.
- 1971: with Spatz Sperling of Delheim, they launch the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the first in the country.
- The same year: Frans Malan introduces at Simonsig South Africa’s first bottle-fermented sparkling wine, Kaapse Vonkel.
- Today: more than 150 members, the largest South African wine route by membership.
About 18% of South Africa’s 101,957 hectares of vines grow in the Stellenbosch wine of origin region, around what the wine route calls the second-oldest town in the country.
Before you go
- Arriving: Cape Town International Airport is the gateway to the Winelands.
- Getting around: the estates are spread around the town. Plan a car and a driver who skips the tastings.
- Children: Jordan’s cellar tours are for ages 7 and up. Waterford’s Porcupine Trail walk takes no children under 10.
- Booking: Jordan’s Cellar Tour needs a pre-booking, Neethlingshof’s cellar tour, 24 hours ahead.
- Alcohol: the minimum legal age to buy alcohol in South Africa is 18.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a wine tasting in Stellenbosch?
70 to 200 rand per adult at the five estates compared in this guide (2026 prices).
Can you tour a winery in Stellenbosch?
Yes. Jordan’s Cellar Tour, with five wines, costs 249 rand. Waterford’s Porcupine Trail Wine Walk, about 3 hours, costs 1,075 rand.
What wine is Stellenbosch known for?
Red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage, and Cap Classique sparkling wine.
Is Stellenbosch near Cape Town?
Yes. It lies in the Cape Winelands, east of Cape Town, whose international airport is the usual gateway.