SOUTH AFRICA, April 9 – Since South Africa lifted the visa restrictions on Kenyans traveling into the country in January 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 South African 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 citrusy. Calcrete Chardonnay can be described as elegant, zesty, and minimalist; linear; pale lime-green; luminescent; radiant; with a vibrant fragrance of lime and 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 winery you want to drink them in:
Iconic Big Name Wineries
- Babylonstoren: This winery offers a 360-degree 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, depending on 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 presidential races.
- Simonsig: The third-generation Malan family is at the helm of this wine estate and offers 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, was the first female black winemaker in South Africa. The tasting room serves traditional South African foods 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 can 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 is a beautiful, family-owned and operated winery with gorgeous grounds to explore. The only winery to grow and produce Albarino wine in South Africa is 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.
Honourable Mention
- Robert Sinclair, Stellenzicht, Haute Cabriere, Alto, and Hartenberg Estate had some of my favorite wines. Although I didn’t visit the wineries, I’m sure the experience was magical. The Alto Rouge from Alto, Haute Cabriere Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Haute Cabriere Family Reserve, and the Eleanor are wines you shouldn’t miss.
