The best wine bars in Stellenbosch

Friday, 17 June, 2022
wine.co.za, Jeanine Malan
Our round-up of the 8 best wine bars in Stellenbosch.

Wine bars are certainly the new ‘thing’ and plenty have popped up in Stellenbosch over the last few years. With Stellenbosch's vibrant atmosphere and historic oak-lined streets, there could not be a more festive setting for a wine bar. These are some of the top wine bars where you can taste the best wines Stellenbosch has to offer.

QBar Wine Bar

Qbar in the iconic De Wet Courtyard is refined yet relaxed, the perfect place to unwind and spend time with friends over excellent wine and tasty tapas. With its vibrant colours, detailed interior, and tapestry of texture, Qbar is a wine bar that brings a breath of fresh air to the timely Stellenbosch town.

As a Quoin Rock descendant, offering a taste of the Knorhoek Valley’s finest with the full range of Quoin Rock, Namysto, and Knorhoek wines. Gin lovers can enjoy Knorhoek’s Pink and Clear Small Batch Craft Gin, savoured by themselves or in one of Qbar’s seven signature cocktails.

  • Address: De Wet Centre Courtyard, Church Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
  • Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 12h00 – 00h00

Le Grande Domaine Enoteca

Situated in Stellenbosch’s iconic Church Street, Le Grand Domaine Enoteca is the new vibey brand home of Le Grand Domaine and Stellenview Premium Wines. The latest ‘place to be seen’, this wine bar is an opulent showcase for both brands’ premium quality wines. The ranges on offer include The Pledge, as well as the internationally awarded Stellenview Premium Wines and its subsidiary labels; Kruger Family Wines, Kenzo Faure Kruger Wines, Stellenview Reserve, Great Five Reserve, and Cape Five.

The bistro-style menu offers classic dishes with a twist. Expect to find mussels in garlic miso broth, duck breast with balsamic blackberry sauce, and truffle parmesan fries with aoli. The menu prides itself in locally sourced seasonal produce and thus changed seasonally.

  • Address: 7 Church Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
  • Opening hours: Tue to Sat, 12h00 – 22h00; Sun, 12h00 – 18h00

Stellenbosch Wine Bar

The Stellenbosch Wine Bar is home to the Stellenbosch Reserve wines, where you can taste the full range of wines. It also houses the wines that make up the Stellenbosch Collection, including Afrikaans, Cirrus, Donkiesbaai, Guardian Peak, and Rust en Vrede. The focus is on wine, with some shared plates to introduce a Mediterranean way of eating and sharing food. It's a place where you can meet for after-work drinks or pre-dinner drinks on a date night.

  • Address: Church Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
  • Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 11h00 – 22h00; Sun, 11h00 – 18h00

Beyerskloof Wynbar

Beyerskloof Wynbar brings the legendary and award winning name of Beyers Truter into the heart of Stellenbosch. Here, you can enjoy the phenomenal multi-award-winning wines of Beyerskloof at cellar price in Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch.

The wine bar also serves a variety of meze, cosy comfort foods, coffee, beer and spirits along with a fine selection of wines from neighbouring farms.

  • Address: 9 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
  • Opening hours: Mon, 11h00 – 23h00; Tue, 11h00 – 20h00; Wed to Sat, 11h00 – 23h00

Brampton Wine Studio

Sitting in the heart of Stellenbosch’s vibey town village is Brampton Wine Studio, the home and cellar door of Brampton Wines. At this unique wine bar you can taste and buy Brampton’s whole award-winning range; sip some refreshing beer on tap; and nibble on delectable food. From tasty tapas to legendary flatbreads, everything is fresh, seasonal, and bursting with flavour.

Exciting happenings at Brampton Wine Studio include daily wine tastings, food and wine sessions with a difference, and epic quiz nights. It’s a place that is always buzzing with creativity and fun! 

  • Address: 11 Church Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
  • Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 10h00 – 22h00; Sat, 11h00 – 22h00; Sun, 11h00 – 18h00

Bartinney Wine and Champagne Bar

Tucked away on Bird Street, Bartinney Wine and Champagne Bar is the first, original wine bar in Stellenbosch. It serves Bartinney’s range of wines and Cap Classiques, as well as a small selection of imported bubbly. It’s a cosy, earthy showcase of the estate, with a chandelier made from old vines, repurposed oak-barrel wood panelling, vintage armchairs and touches of fynbos. Enjoy your glass – perhaps the “Sexy Sip of the Day” (R30) – with nibbles at the old wooden bar counter, at a table next to the log fire or out on the terrace.

Food pairing Strictly snacks – olives, nuts, cheese and meat platters.
Good to know New glam sibling Plaisir Wine & Gin Lounge next door offers wine, cocktails and fabulous tapas sharing plates.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 1pm – 9pm; Saturday, 11am – 7pm; Sunday, 11am – 4pm

  • Address: 5 Bird Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
  • Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 13h00 – 21h00; Sat, 11h00 – 19h00

Plaisir Wine and Gin Lounge

For refined indulgence, visit Plaisir Wine and Gin Lounge. This fabulous spot in town offers the finest wines, craft gin, and cocktails. As Plaisir de Merle Wine Estate's brand home, the lounge gives wine lovers the opportunity to sample Plaisir de Merle's fine selection of wines.

As for food, you can pair the wines with fabulous tapas and platters. Their cheese and charcuterie platter is a winner!

  • Address: 6 Bird Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
  • Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 13h00 – 22h00; Sat, 11h00 – 22h00; Sun, 11h00 – 19h00

The Wine Glass

The Wine Glass Stellenbosch offers a wine experience like no other. With over 130 wines available to enjoy by the glass or bottle – or simply in a tasting flight of six – wine from the Stellenbosch region has never been easier to appreciate. They pride themselves in representing a wonderful selection of wines from this region.

You can also pair your wine with their delicious food. Scrumptious plates of food are served from the kitchen where their chef has been inspired by local cuisine to take you on a gastronomic journey. Their food options range from platters to small plate meals.

  • Address: 13 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
  • Opening hours: Mon, 16h00 – 22h00; Tue to Sat, 08h00 – 22h00; Sun, 11h00 – 22h00