The best wine tasting experiences in Cape Town

Monday, 10 November, 2025
Isabeau Joubert-Botha
Just in time for the festive season, we bring you a round-up of some of the best wine-tasting experiences in and around Cape Town.

We’re spoilt for choice right on our doorstep – from Constantia, the oldest wine-producing region in the southern hemisphere, to the more than 300-year-old Durbanville Wine Valley, just 20 minutes from the city centre. Award-winning estates, iconic vineyards and welcoming, knowledgeable staff await, ready to share some of South Africa’s most celebrated wines.

This list is by no means exhaustive – think of it as a curated guide to inspire your next tasting trip (and yes, only the most dedicated wine lovers could possibly visit them all!). We’ve also included a few of Cape Town’s trendiest wine bars, where you can sip your way from Elgin to Elim in one stylish evening.

A quick note before you go: Many tasting experiences require advance booking, so check individual websites for details. And please, taste responsibly – have a designated driver, call an Uber, or hop on one of the city’s wine bus or tram experiences.

Happy wining!

Steenberg Vineyards: A personal touch in every detail

You know when you know – and Steenberg Vineyards in Constantia clearly has it. Shortlisted for Best Cellar Door Experience by acclaimed wine critic Tim Atkin MW in his 2025 South Africa Special Report, Steenberg continues to innovate with its new Storytelling Tasting Menu. This summer experience invites guests to explore through themed 60-minute tastings such as Bubbly Exploration, Sense of Sauvignon, Cool-Climate Excellence, and Curate Your Own, as well as 90-minute sessions blending vineyard, cellar, and storytelling elements (pre-booking required).

  • Where: Steenberg Farm, Steenberg Road, Constantia
  • When: Monday - Sunday, 10h00 - 18h00 (last tasting at 16h30)

Buitenverwachting: True to its name  beyond expectations

A historical gem with glorious views, Buitenverwachting (“beyond expectation”) offers different spaces for guests with and without kids – a thoughtful touch. Tasting experiences take place in the atmospheric historic cellar overlooking manicured lawns and a magnificent 250-year-old Norfolk pine. Tastings are R100 for five wines, and homemade charcuterie platters are a firm favourite. Bring a picnic blanket for the lawns (first-come, first-served) and linger with family and friends.

  • Where: Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
  • When: Tuesday - Saturday, 10h00 - 16h00

Constantia Glen: Where fine wine and nature meet

Perched high on the Constantiaberg slopes, Constantia Glen is a boutique estate producing ultra-premium cool-climate wines. Tastings range from R140 per person for four to seven wines, best enjoyed with their signature flammkuchen or a shared cheese and charcuterie platter. A favourite among locals and tourists alike – book ahead.

  • Where: Constantia Glen, Constantia Main Road, Constantia
  • When: Sunday - Thursday, 10h30 - 18h00 | Friday - Saturday 10h30 - 21h00 (extended hours in December)

Beau Constantia: Sundays @ Beau, picnics @ Beau, the good life @ Beau

High up on the Constantia Mountains, Beau Constantia crafts distinctive, small-batch wines with precision and flair – and hosts some of the most vibrant days out in the valley. Expect delicious food, music, and views for days. Vegetarian and non-alcoholic options are available, and some picnics are ticketed events, so book early. Parking is limited, so take an Uber and relax into the vibe.

  • Where: Beau Constantia, Constantia Main Road, Constantia
  • When: Monday - Thursday, 11h00 - 17h00 | Friday - Sunday, 11h00 - 18h00

Constantia Royale: The hidden gem under the M3

Constantia Royale is a limited-production Sauvignon Blanc made on the family-owned Nova Zonnestraal farm in the Constantia Valley. Tastings take place in a truly unique setting – a historic tunnel under the M3 freeway, with vineyards right outside. Sample current and older vintages for R100 per person, or book Evenings at the Tunnel for live music, winemaker tastings and exclusive pairings.

  • Where: Nova Zonnestraal, Vineyard Avenue, Constantia
  • When: Tuesday and Thursday, 11h00 - 16h00

Bouchon Wine Bar and Bistro: Home of inner-city winery Dorrance Wines

Right in the heart of Cape Town’s Heritage Square, Bouchon offers a relaxed yet refined wine-and-dine experience in the working cellar of Dorrance Wines. Co-owners Christophe Durand and Faisal Khakoo serve flavourful French-inspired dishes and a proudly South African wine list that celebrates regional diversity. Perfect for after-work drinks, date night or a special occasion.

  • Where: Bouchon Wine Bar and Bistro, 95 Hout Street, Cape Town City Centre
  • When: Monday - Saturday, 16h00 - 23h00

Cellar Collective: Thursdays are for deep dives

Describing itself as “a delicious rebellion” and “your new favourite bad habit”, Cellar Collective on Sir Lowry Road is an urban playground for wine lovers. With at least 16 wines by the glass and wood-fired pizzas, dumplings, and charcuterie boards, it’s easy to linger. On Thursdays from 17h00, join their deep dives with a winemaker sharing stories and more.

  • Where: Cellar Collective, 111 Sir Lowry Road, Foreshore
  • When: Tuesday - Friday, 12h00 - 22h00, Saturday, 16h00 - 22h00

Tannin on Bree: 430 labels and counting

Relaxed yet sophisticated, Tannin brings a cosmopolitan wine experience to Bree Street, with an impressive 430 labels across three levels. Ideal for both serious enthusiasts and casual drinkers, it’s the perfect spot to explore unique varietals by the glass, share small plates and enjoy the city buzz.

  • Where: Tannin, 86 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
  • When: Daily, 11h30 - 22h00 (first come, first served)

Durbanville Hills: Tasting with the view

Where city meets vineyard, Durbanville Hills offers some of the most scenic wine experiences. Taste their award-winning wines (R180) or try a pairing with cheese, chocolate, biltong, or dried fruit (R145). Guided cellar tours and the self-guided visitor centre with interactive and VR experiences bring the winemaking story to life.

  • Where: Durbanville Hills Winery, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville
  • When: Monday, 12h00 - 18h00 | Tuesday - Friday, 11h00 - 18h00 | Saturday - Sunday, 11h00 - 17h00

Klein Roosboom: Wine tasting caves

In the foothills of Durbanville, Klein Roosboom has transformed old concrete tanks into intimate tasting “caves” with whimsical names like Ou Gat, Marrakech, and Versailles. Learn to sabrage a bottle of Cap Classique, or even blend your own red wine.

  • Where: Klein Roosboom, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville
  • When: Tuesday - Sunday, 10h00 - 16h30

Meerendal: From pairings to padel

Meerendal’s cool-climate wines start from R80 for three tastings, with plenty of add-ons from sweet pairings to kids’ tastings and non-alcoholic options. Outdoor enthusiasts can join the hiking, running, or mountain bike clubs, or even play a round of padel. Don’t miss their full-moon hikes!

  • Where: Meerendal, Vissershok Road, Durbanville
  • When: Monday - Sunday, 10h00 - 18h00

Diemersdal: Sophisticated charm

A Durbanville landmark since 1885, Diemersdal blends history with innovation. The rustic tasting room offers three options (R50–R100) featuring six wines each. No bookings – just arrive, relax and savour.

  • Where: Diemersdal Wine Estate, Koeberg Road, Durbanville
  • When: Monday - Saturday, 09h00 - 17h00 | Sunday, 10h00 - 15h00

Nitída: Handmade is an attitude

Family-run boutique winery Nitída exudes warmth and authenticity, with tastings inside a working barrel cellar carved into the hillside. Choose between Classical, Artisanal, or Sensory Sauvignon Blanc tastings, and enjoy the cool, earthy calm of the space. Two restaurants on-site round off the experience perfectly.

More: nitida.co.za

  • Where: Nitída Wine Farm, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville
  • When: Daily, 10h00 - 17h00 (booking recommended on weekends)

Groot Phesantekraal: Heritage and hospitality

Home to the Brink family for five generations, Groot Phesantekraal offers a relaxed, scenic escape. Tastings range from R140–R180, paired beautifully with flatbreads and generous platters. Don’t miss The Wine Herd, their wine club for loyal fans. Insider tip: The restaurant menu rocks!

  • Where: Groot Phesantekraal, Klipheuwel Road, Durbanville
  • When: Tuesday - Sunday, 10h00 - 17h00 (last tasting 16h00)

De Grendel: Where the view steals the show

Just 20 minutes from Cape Town, De Grendel’s tasting lounge and stoep offer panoramic views of Table Mountain and the city skyline. Tastings include the Classic (six premium wines), Heritage (limited releases), and Legacy (exclusive icons). Combine your visit with a meal at the acclaimed restaurant or a farm tour.

  • Where: De Grendel Wine Estate, Plattekloof Road, Panorama
  • When: Monday - Saturday, 09h00 - 17h00 | Sunday and public holidays, 10h00 - 16h00

Durbanville Wine Safari: Vineyard adventures

Hop aboard an open-air safari vehicle and explore the Durbanville Wine Valley in style, visiting top estates – like Bloemendal, De Grendel, Durbanville Hills, Klein Roosboom, and more – while enjoying the scenery. Weekends alternate between the Northern and Southern Lines. Don’t miss the Golden Birthday Ticket Perk – if your birthday falls within a week of your visit, your ticket is free!

More: durbanvillewinesafari.com

  • Where: Departs from Protea Hotel Cape Town, Durbanville
  • When: Tuesday - Sunday, 09h00 - 18h00

Bonus: The Durbanville Wild Goose Chase

Imagine The Amazing Race meets wine tasting. The Durbanville Wild Goose Chase is a quirky, action-packed treasure hunt through the valley for teams of 3-10 people. Solve clues, sip wines (or non-alcoholic options), and race to the grand finale. It’s team-building, wine-tasting and sightseeing all in one.

  • Where: Designed for Durbanville, but can be arranged in Paarl, Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Constantia and Darling (if booked 6 weeks in advance)
  • Available: Weekdays or Saturdays, 12h00 - 17h00

Isabeau Joubert-Botha

Isabeau Joubert-Botha is a seasoned communications specialist from the Boland. She holds a master's degree in Journalism from Stellenbosch University. Known for her expertise in brand building, she has an impressive track record of enhancing the reputation of esteemed wine, agriculture, and cultural brands. Her favourite part of the wine industry is telling stories about change.

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Steenberg Vineyards
Steenberg Vineyards

Buitenverwachting
Buitenverwachting

Constantia Glen
Constantia Glen

Beau Constantia
Beau Constantia

Constantia Royale
Constantia Royale

Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro
Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro

Cellar Collective
Cellar Collective

Tannin on Bree
Tannin on Bree

Durbanville Hills
Durbanville Hills

Klein Roosboom
Klein Roosboom

Diemersdal
Diemersdal

Meerendal
Meerendal

Groot Phesantekraal
Groot Phesantekraal

Nitída
Nitída

De Grendel
De Grendel

Durbanville Wine Safari
Durbanville Wine Safari

The Durbanville Wild Goose Chase
The Durbanville Wild Goose Chase

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