Last Updated: May 2026
After Botswana we flew back to Cape Town and drove east into the Cape Winelands. Stellenbosch sits about 30 miles from Cape Town in a valley framed by mountains — a Dutch colonial town settled in 1679 with a Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and mild wet winters that makes it one of the great wine-growing regions in the world. We spent two days here exploring the estates before flying home, and it was the perfect decompression after the intensity of the safari.
Thelema Mountain Vineyard
Our first stop was Thelema Mountain Vineyard, set against a backdrop of old oak trees and the Stellenbosch mountains. The tasting room was warm and welcoming — a fire going on a chilly morning, unhurried staff, and an excellent pour through both their Thelema label and their second property, Sutherland.
We particularly liked the Thelema Merlot Reserve, Cabernet, and the Rabelais. The standout was “The Mint” — a Cabernet Sauvignon with a distinct minty character that comes naturally from proximity to eucalyptus trees; the vines absorb Eucalyptol from the surrounding air and it comes through in the wine in a way that’s genuinely surprising and lovely. From the Sutherland range we enjoyed the Pinot Noir, the Syrah, and a Cabernet/Petit Verdot blend. This was a wonderful introduction to what South African wine can do.
Neethlingshof Estate
For lunch we drove to Neethlingshof Estate — one of those estates that earns its reputation. The approach alone is worth the visit: a long avenue of pine trees leading to the winery and restaurant, framed by vineyards and mountains. The wines were superb, the staff were warm and genuinely knowledgeable, and lunch was one of the best meals of the whole trip. We left very happy.
Hawksmoor House
We stayed at Hawksmoor House, a bed and breakfast on a large working farm estate in the Stellenbosch region. The property is beautiful — an enormous old Cape Dutch farmhouse with multiple outbuildings, extensive grounds, and its own small-production wine. Staying here rather than in central Stellenbosch was the right call for maximizing our time at the estates.
Each room has a different theme — we were in the Chinese room, which was charming. Floor heating made up for the cool evenings. The tap water isn’t drinkable (the property runs on well water), but drinking water is provided. The grounds are expansive if slightly worn — understandable given the scale of the property and the drought conditions during our visit. The farm is fully fenced and felt very secure. Staff were wonderful throughout: accommodating, enthusiastic about the property and region, and happy to point us toward the best estates for the next day. Dinner was intimate and very good. Breakfast was excellent, and sharing the table with other guests over coffee turned into a round of recommendations we hadn’t found elsewhere.
Visitor Information
Location: Stellenbosch is about 30 miles (50 km) east of Cape Town in the Western Cape, easily reached by car in under an hour. It is the hub of the Cape Winelands, with dozens of estates within a short drive of the town center.
Getting Around: A rental car is the most flexible way to visit multiple estates. Alternatively, several tour operators run half- and full-day wine tasting tours from Cape Town that include transport and a curated selection of estates — a good option if you’d rather not drive.
How Long to Stay: Two days was comfortable for us — enough for three or four estate visits without rushing. A single day from Cape Town works if your time is limited, but staying in the region means you can enjoy dinner and an evening without the drive back.
Practical Tips
Best Time to Visit: Spring (September–November) and autumn (February–April) offer the most pleasant weather. Harvest season, roughly February through April, is particularly atmospheric — some estates offer harvest experiences. Summer (December–February) is busy and hot. We visited in May, at the start of the cool season, and found it quiet, uncrowded, and beautiful.
Driving: South Africa drives on the left. If you’re arriving from the United States, allow yourself a few minutes to adjust before heading into the winding vineyard roads. Most estate driveways are well-signed and clearly marked from the main routes.
Wine Tasting: Most estates charge a small tasting fee (typically 100–200 rand per person) which is usually waived with a bottle purchase. Bookings for restaurant lunches at popular estates like Neethlingshof are recommended, especially on weekends. Tasting rooms are generally open from around 9 or 10 am through 4 or 5 pm.
Currency: South African rand (ZAR). Wine country prices feel very reasonable by international standards — excellent bottles in the 200–400 rand range are common. Credit cards are widely accepted at most estates and restaurants.
