Sip Your Way Through Summer: Cool Wine Tastings in Stellenbosch

This summer, the Stellenbosch winelands promise an array of unique, unforgettable experiences. Here’s a spotlight on some of the coolest tasting adventures that blend top-tier wines, family-friendly options, and innovative food pairings – perfect for wine enthusiasts, families, and foodies alike.

Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate: Indigenous Flavours Await

Set just a few kilometres from the sea, Vergenoegd Löw offers wines with a coastal twist. The estate’s marine-influenced vineyards provide grapes with beautifully balanced flavours, and the ancient lime-rich soils bring out a natural elegance in each bottle. At The Homestead Wine Lounge, you can explore these flavours with a tailored tasting of reds, whites, or a mix.

A standout experience here is the Indigenous Tasting. Vergenoegd Löw pairs six carefully selected wines with local favourites like bokkoms (salted, dried fish), biltong (spiced dried meat), and roosterkoek (a South African griddle cake). This one-of-a-kind tasting costs R220 per person, making it a must for those looking to immerse themselves in true South African heritage.
Contact: 021 843 3248 | info@vergenoegd.co.za

Middelvlei Estate: Farm-Style Charm with Tapas

With its warm, rustic feel, Middelvlei Estate captures the essence of Stellenbosch hospitality. The estate’s heritage shines through in their Tapas & Wine Pairing, a blend of farm-style favourites and exquisite wines crafted by the Momberg family. Sample the smoky flavours of potbrood with snoek pâté paired with Middelvlei Chardonnay, or a boerewors sosatie perfectly complemented by the estate’s Pinotage.

This R175 experience promises authentic flavours and a casual charm that’s perfect for families and friends alike. Contact: 021 883 2565 | info@middelvlei.co.za

Lanzerac: Chocolate and Wine Lovers’ Paradise

Few things pair as effortlessly as wine and chocolate. At Lanzerac, enjoy a journey through their signature Wine & Chocolate Tasting. Each of the five Jonkershoek Range wines is paired with hand-crafted chocolate truffles, making this tasting experience both indulgent and unique.

Sip your way through their expertly matched flavours, each highlighting the nuanced notes of Lanzerac’s award-winning wines, all for R195 per person. Contact: 021 887 1132 | restaurants@lanzerac.co.za

Alto Wine Estate: Italian-Inspired Canapé Pairings

For a fresh, alfresco wine experience, Alto Wine Estate introduces the Summer Canapé & Wine Pairing. This Italian-inspired tasting, priced at R225 per person, highlights Alto’s heritage reds and seasonal favourites with canapés crafted to complement each sip. Start with their Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé and a prosciutto skewer, then delve into richer reds paired with delightful bites like lamb raviolo and beef bruschetta.

Perfect for summer, this pairing is as flavourful as it is scenic. Contact: 021 881 3884 | info@altowines.co.za

Cavalli Estate: Wine & Oyster Indulgence

Nothing says luxury like a Wine & Oyster Pairing on Cavalli Estate’s picturesque terrace. With sweeping views of vineyards and the Helderberg mountains, Cavalli pairs four premium wines with four distinctive oyster creations. This R295 tasting marries MCC with tempura mebos, and chardonnay with citrus-spiked pineapple – a journey that’s a feast for the eyes and palate.

For those craving a taste of the extraordinary, Cavalli’s terrace awaits. Contact: 021 855 3218 | info@cavalliestate.com

L’Avenir Estate: South African Canapés with a French Twist

At L’Avenir, wine and South African flavours meet the sophistication of French bistro culture. In their Provenance Pairing, enjoy locally inspired bites like smoked crocodile and kudu carpaccio paired with Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. This stylish tasting transports you to the heart of Stellenbosch’s terroir.

With elegant wines and cosy, tranquil surroundings, L’Avenir is perfect for an intimate, relaxed tasting experience. Contact: 021 889 5001 | info@lavenir.co.za

For Sweet Lovers and Family-Friendly Fun

Wine isn’t just for grown-ups! Many estates have created special pairings for younger visitors too.

Eikendal: Kiddies Biscuit Art

Eikendal offers a Kiddies Biscuit Tasting for the little ones. Complete with biscuit decorating and creative fun, it’s a win for parents and children alike. While the kids get busy with icing and sprinkles, parents can enjoy a laid-back wine tasting in a lovely vineyard setting. Cost: R80 per child

Koelenhof Wine Cellar: A Family Day Out

For family bonding in a relaxed space, Koelenhof Wine Cellar is ideal. With grape juice tastings, treats for kids, and a dedicated play area, this is a true family-friendly destination. Choose from a R40 or R60 grape juice tasting for the kids while you explore Koelenhof’s wines in peace. Contact: 021 865 2020

Le Pommier Wine Estate: Milkshakes and Mini Pizzas

Le Pommier offers a kid-friendly tasting with four milkshakes and sweet treats, or juices and mini pizzas. It’s an option sure to keep the little ones engaged while parents savour the estate’s wines. Cost: R95 per child

This summer, explore Stellenbosch’s finest wineries and vibrant flavours! With so many unique tastings, Stellenbosch is calling all wine lovers, families, and foodies to sip, savour, and celebrate the season. Make sure to bring your family, your friends, and, most importantly, your appetite for adventure!