7 Unique Wine Experiences in Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s premier wine region situated, Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape, 30 minutes outside of Cape Town. Here, wine has been in production for more than 300 years and it has become an integral part of the sought-after lifestyle of this area. The French colonial influence is evident in the historic buildings and oak-lined streets and Stellenbosch is well known for its bold Bordeaux style wines. 

In true South African fashion, many farms in the area have gone above and beyond to cultivate truly unique experiences to accompany a day in the wine lands. Here are 7 of the most unique things to do in and around the Stellenbosch wine region. 

Pair Your Bubbly with Nougat

J.C Le Roux is the foremost producer of sparkling wine and Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) in the country. At their opulent tasting room, you can pair their champagne-style MCC’s with delectable nougat bites that are locally produced.

Five of their best bottles are popped and paired with nougat to elevate all the delicate notes of the MCC. Some of the pairings include a Rooibos nougat and a blush MCC that go hand in hand and a dark chocolate nougat that is partnered with a dry brut to promote the darker flavors. 

There are also non-alcoholic options for kids and they most recently added a bubbly and pizza pairing too.

Try to Get a Hole-in-One

Ernie Els is a former world nr1 number one golfer and one of South Africa’s most decorated sports legends. In Stellenbosch though, he is more renowned for his pristine wine farm. Ernie Els Wines is perched on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland mountains and serves unparalleled views of the valley along with its high-quality wines. 

After you have enjoyed your wine tasting, and hopefully purchased a few bottles, you can line up to try and hit a hole-in-one. The chipping green is located on a terrace below the tasting room and guests can have a swing. If your golfing is on par and you can sink the ball, you will walk away with a bottle of their legendary “Big Easy”.

Have your cake and eat it

Delheim is another of Stellenbosch’s treasured farms that take pride in their eco-friendly wine practices. Here patrons can indulge in their cupcake and wine pairing that has gained notoriety for the incorporation of the Cape’s Fynbos flowers. This botanical twist on the beloved pastry perfectly accompanies the bold wines you are served with. 

The Delheim Merlot is a smooth red with a fruit-forward palate., This is paired with a Fynbos Honey cupcake using honey made from the indigenous floral coastal regions. Pinotage is a truly South African varietal and it is paired with the most south African of flavors, Rooibos. You also have a taste of their Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay Sur Lie.

Take a Tram

Franschhoek is located on the outskirts of the Stellenbosch wine region and has implemented an old-timey tram to transport tasters between farms. This picturesque town is surrounded by affluent farms that have perfected their wines over centuries. Visitors can book a ticket aboard the iconic wine tram and take a hop-on-hop-off approach to wine tasting. 

Choose between 8 different routes or opt for the curated wine experience to taste the best of what the valley has to offer. 

Ice-cream, you scream

Clos Malverne is located on the slopes of Devon Valley and this farm offers a pairing like no other. We all love ice-cream, and we all love wine. But together? Even better! 

But don’t expect plain old vanilla or rum and raisin to be served. The chef at Clos Malverne carefully curates a seasonal menu that reflects the flavors of that time. Think of a refreshing kiwi and lavender blend in the summer or a mushroom truffle to pair with a bold red during the winter months. The changing menu also makes it easy to visit 4 times a year and always be surprised by something new! 

Bike through the vineyards

Vinebike will offer you the unique opportunity to peddle through the wine lands on an e-bike while enjoying the magnificent mountains and valleys around you. The bikes are kitted out with saddlebags to hold your precious purchases and the electronic functionality of the bike will do most of the hard work when you grow tired. 

You can visit Stark-Conde Wines and Lanzerac after a short ride through the historic town center of Stellenbosch.

Get tasting on Horse Back

Pink Geranium Horseback Tours takes you on a full-day adventure, exploring 7 wine farms and taking in all-encompassing views of the areas. You will be treated to a delicious picnic lunch chock full of locally sources goodies. Some of the farms on the itinerary include Warwick, le Bonheur, and Mitres edge who all serve excellent wines in their stylish tasting rooms.