Cape Town’s world-famous wine farms offer far more than just wine tasting. Whether you’re a non-drinker, a designated driver, or simply looking for an alternative way to enjoy the Cape Winelands, there are plenty of activities that make a visit worthwhile. From gourmet dining and scenic picnics to hiking trails and historical tours, here’s how you can make the most of a wine farm visit without sipping a drop of alcohol.
Scenic Beauty and Photography
With dramatic mountains, manicured gardens, and historic architecture, Cape Town’s wine estates are a dream for nature lovers and photographers. Whether you’re strolling through a rose garden or catching golden hour over the vineyards, the views alone are worth the visit.
- Groot Constantia (Constantia): South Africa’s oldest wine farm, with oak-lined avenues, historic Cape Dutch buildings, and panoramic valley views.
- Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch): Famed for its bold art collection, terraced gardens, and sweeping mountain vistas.
- Boschendal (Franschhoek): Offers open lawns, heritage trees, and framed mountain views in a peaceful country setting.
- Tokara (Helshoogte Pass): Combine curated gardens with elevated views and striking architectural design.
- Babylonstoren (Franschhoek): A working farm with a meticulously landscaped garden that changes with the seasons — perfect for slow, scenic walks.
Gourmet Dining and Café Culture
From luxurious fine dining to relaxed cafés, the Winelands are a haven for foodies — no wine required. Many estates pride themselves on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and creative non-alcoholic pairings.
- The Werf at Boschendal: A refined farm-to-fork restaurant with a focus on sustainability and flavour.
- Babel at Babylonstoren: Bold, seasonal plates inspired by the estate’s organic garden.
- Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery at Spier: Perfect for casual bites, great pastries, and excellent coffee.
- The Conservatory at The Cellars-Hohenort: Afternoon tea in an elegant garden setting.
- Postcard Café at Stark-Condé: Overlooks a serene lake in the Jonkershoek Valley — ideal for a relaxed brunch or light lunch.
- Foxcroft at Beau Constantia: A contemporary restaurant offering sophisticated tasting menus, including non-alcoholic pairings.
Outdoor Adventures and Activities
For those who like to stay active, many estates offer unique outdoor activities to immerse yourself in the landscape.
- Spier Wine Farm: Explore the vineyards via Segway tours or riverside walking trails.
- Boschendal MTB & Hiking Trails: Great for cyclists and hikers of all levels, with forest and vineyard routes.
- Warwick Estate: Family-friendly picnic lawns and a playful forest walk for kids.
- Constantia Glen: Home to short hiking trails with stunning views over the valley.
- Hazendal Estate: Try their 18-hole par-3 golf course, kids’ edutainment centre, or simply stroll through the lush grounds.
Non-Alcoholic Tastings and Unique Experiences
More estates are offering exciting alternatives to traditional wine tastings, celebrating local flavours in new ways.
- Spier’s Grape Juice Tasting: A guided tasting of varietal grape juices with food pairings.
- Hazendal’s Russian Tea Ceremony: A unique cultural experience with samovars, sweet treats, and storytelling in a refined Russian setting.
- Babylonstoren’s Tea Ritual: Taste a selection of herbal infusions made from fresh botanicals grown on-site.
- Tokara: Sample a variety of olive oils pressed from the estate’s own groves.
- Groot Constantia: Try their non-alcoholic chocolate pairing.
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Explore the deep roots of South Africa’s wine country through art, architecture, and heritage sites.
- Groot Constantia Museum: Walk through the original manor house and learn about the early days of winemaking in the Cape.
- Vergelegen Estate (Somerset West): Offers heritage tours through its grand Cape Dutch homestead, gardens, and ancient camphor trees.
- Muratie Estate (Stellenbosch): One of the most atmospheric farms with old cellars, creaking floorboards, and stories to match.
- Hazendal’s Marvol Gallery: Contemporary art exhibitions within the estate’s broader cultural centre.
- Kleine Zalze: Home to a small but curated gallery showcasing local artists.
Picnics and Relaxation
Sometimes the best way to enjoy a wine farm is with a picnic blanket, a shaded spot, and a basket of local treats.
- Warwick Estate: Offers gourmet picnic baskets with shaded seating and space for kids to roam.
- Boschendal: Choose from riverside or Werf picnics, both featuring locally sourced bites and fresh garden produce.
- Jordan Wine Estate: Enjoy a tranquil picnic alongside a dam, with panoramic mountain views.
- Cavalli Estate: Pair a luxe picnic with a visit to their modern art gallery and indigenous gardens.
Cape Town’s wine farms offer a wealth of experiences that go far beyond the wine glass. Pack your camera, bring your appetite, and discover the Winelands your way — no wine tasting required.