4 wineries to visit in Cape Winelands, South Africa

One of the oldest and most scenic properties in the Cape Winelands is Babylonstoren. It's not only a winery but a luxury resort, with a farm, hotel and fine dining. Now, guests can add museum to that list thanks to the opening of The Story of Wine. Set in a former aging cellar, this interactive exhibit includes a collection of winemaking tools, antique corkscrews and poems about wine in seven languages. It also offers a breakdown of how different soil types affect wine, virtual reality pods that explain the winemaking process and more. 

Boschendal is another one of the most respected properties on the Western Cape. It has farm-to-table restaurants, boutique shops, mountainside cottages and farm tours. Fine art, of course, fits in well with all that rustic luxury. So, the estate partnered with Brundyn Arts and Culture (founded by former Norval Foundation CEO and Zeitz MOCAA director Elana Brundyn). They now display rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from South African and international artists in the property’s restored Manor House.

Emma and Jeremy Borg founded Painted Wolf Wines in 2006 with two goals in mind: to make great wine and to raise money to support the conservation of endangered African wild dogs (also known as painted wolves). The winery has opened a new venue at the Simondium Guild, a group of artisan businesses located between Paarl and Franschhoek. Here, nature-loving guests can try award-winning pinotages, chenin blancs and other wines while learning about how the winery supports conservation projects throughout Africa.

Since 2016, the nonprofit SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit has worked to change the lack of diversity among South African wine producers. Among the organization’s initiatives is The Wine Arc. It recently opened in Stellenbosch with the goal of showcasing Black-owned wine brands. At the tasting room, you can sample wines from companies such as M’hudi, which was the first Black-owned, family-managed winery in the country, and Bayede!, which works to create employment in disadvantaged communities.