Since South Africa lifted the visa restrictions on Kenyan’s traveling into the country in January of 2023, you can’t open Instagram without seeing a fellow Kenyan on a trip to the wine country.
It’s a wonderful destination for a romantic trip along the Garden Route, a girl’s trip exploring the wineries, or a family trip with a little something for everyone.
The winery experience in South Africa is exceptional for its climate, hospitality, excellent wines, and delicious food.
The overall experience is immersive and bountiful in wine pours. Below are some of the unique-to-South-Africa wines that you absolutely must experience in-person.
Calcrete Chardonnay
Calcrete Chardonnay is exclusive to the limestone-rich region between Bonnieval and Robertson.
Calcrete defines wines from this unique Chardonnay region with characteristics that are mineral, bright, and citrus-y.
Calcrete Chardonnay can be described as elegant, zesty and minimalist, linear, pale lime-green, luminescent, radiant with a vibrant fragrance of lime, calcium rocks and a salty, chalky taste. Calcrete is a registered name protected by a trademark.
Pinotage
This red wine grape is considered South Africa’s signature variety.
The second most planted grape varietal, Pinotage was developed to suit the hot climate and drier terrain of the area.
Here’s the wineries you want to drink them in:
Iconic Big Name Wineries
Babylonstoren – this winery offers a 360 experience with accommodation, fresh produce from the farm, a spa, a winery, and more. The cellar wine experience is special with a food pairing with each wine, the kind of winery you want to dedicate your day to.
Boschendal Wine Estate – visiting Boschendal feels like visiting a small village. Spend the day exploring the manicured grounds and wonderful shops from kitchenware to biltong.
Fairview Winery —
Graham Beck – sip the iconic Graham Beck Methode Cap de Classique (the champagne of South Africa) range that Nelson Mandela and Obama sipped after winning their respective presidency races.
Simonsig – The third generation Malan family are at the helm of this wine estate and offer a wide range of wines to taste, catering each tasting to your palate.
Vergelegen Estate – this 3,000-hectare estate offers a wildlife sanctuary, 18 intricate gardens, three restaurants, a picnic site, and a wonderful range of wines. Another winery you’re going to want to dedicate a full day to.
Unique Experiences
Aslina – by Ntiski Biyela, the first female black winemaker in South Africa. The tasting room serves traditonal Southafrican food like, aromatic and spiced bobotie, chakalaka and pap. This winery is a must-visit for a taste of history, culture, and the future of South African wines.
Hazendal – this winery has a modern, luxurious touch with five culinary options, accommodation, golf, art, and The Hazendal Yacht experience. At Hazendal, you choose the wines you wish to taste from their tasting menu. Make sure to try their homemade vodka too!
Rupert & Rothschild – this winery only produces three wines in South Africa which they have perfected: the Baroness Nadine Chardonnay, Classique, and Baron Edmond
Springfield Estate – a beautiful family owned and run winery with gorgeous grounds to explore.
The only winery to grow and produce Albarino wine in South Africa, a delicious white wine grape varietal from Portugal.
Weltervrede Wine Estate – Home of Calcrete wines! Take the underground cellar tour for an immersive history experience accompanied by Calcrete, of course.