As guests of Casa D’Italo in Stanford, you find yourself on the doorstep of an oenophile’s paradise – the Cape South Coast, home to some of the most distinguished wine districts in South Africa. Prepare to embark on a vinicultural journey through Elgin, the Overberg, Walker Bay, and Cape Agulhas, where each sip tells a tale of terroir and craftsmanship.
ELGIN: “Little Burgundy” in the Western Cape
Paul Clüver Estate
Situated in the heart of Elgin, Paul Clüver Estate stands as a testament to the region’s cool climate and star grapes, chardonnay, and pinot noir. Established in 1896, this family-owned gem welcomes you to its tasting room, offering an exquisite selection of wines. The Paul Clüver Chardonnay 2020, with its silkiness and citrus nuances, is a true standout.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm
Friday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 021 844 0605, info@cluver.com
Where to find it N2, Kromco turn-off, De Rust Estate, Grabouw
Iona Wines
Perched at 420m above sea level, Iona Wines boasts the title of the highest winery in Elgin. With a panoramic view of the valley, the vineyard, run by Andrew Gunn and his artist wife Rozy, specializes in sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir. The Iona Elgin Highlands Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2021, fermented spontaneously, captures the essence of this cool terroir.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 028 284 9678
Where to find it Highlands Road, Elgin Valley
Almenkerk
Nestled into the mountainside, Almenkerk is a modern architectural marvel offering stunning views of the valley. With Joris and Natalie van Almenkerk at the helm, this family-run winery is a testament to minimalist winemaking. The Almenkerk Chardonnay 2019, with its creamy backbone and radiant citrus, showcases their commitment to excellence.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 021 848 9844
Where to find it 50 Viljoenshoop Road, Grabouw
Oak Valley Estate
Founded in 1898, Oak Valley Estate is not only renowned for its wines but also for being the birthplace of apple farming in Elgin. With a focus on chardonnays and pinot noirs, the Groenlandberg Chardonnay 2022 stands out, revealing flinty sea-breeze balanced by tangy stone fruit intensity.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday + Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 021 859 2510
Where to find it 127 Oak Ave, Grabouw
THE OVERBERG: A Zone of Premium Grapes
Lismore Estate Vineyards
In the picturesque Greyton, Lismore Estate Vineyards, run by winemaker-owner Samantha O’Keefe, produces distinct wines due to its extreme cool climate. The Lismore Estate Reserve Viognier 2021, acclaimed as the best viognier in South Africa, offers honeysuckle, peaches, and ginger over a taut framework of saline acidity.
Opening times Monday + Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Contact query@lismore.co.za
Where to find it Tasting Room: 13 DS Botha Street, Oak & Vigne Courtyard, Greyton
Thamnus Wines
Situated under the Klein River mountains, Thamnus Wines focuses on regeneratively farmed chardonnay and pinot noir. With a holistic farm offering, including free-range lamb and olive oil, the Thamnus Pinot Noir 2021 enchants with sun-warmed earth, cedar, and brambleberries.
Opening times Tastings by appointment
Contact 076 632 8002, admin@thamnuswines.co.za
Where to find it Off the R320 (Hemel-en-Aarde Road), near Caledon
WALKER BAY: A Sea-Infused Wine Haven
Beaumont Family Wines
Founded in the 1700s, Beaumont Family Wines in Bot River boasts the region’s oldest wine cellar and the country’s oldest watermill. The Beaumont New Baby 2021, a delightful blend of chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, and colombar, captures the essence of sunshine and lemon sorbet.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 4.30pm
Saturday + Sunday, 10am – 3pm.
Contact 066 521 8155, info@beaumont.co.za
Where to find it Compagnes Drift Farm, Bot River
Gabriëlskloof Wines
Owned by multi-award-winning winemaker Peter-Allan Finlayson, Gabriëlskloof Wines is committed to preserving the surrounding beauty as a Biodiversity and Wine Champion. The Syrah on Shale 2021, from a single Bokkeveld shale site, enchants with violets, black olives, and spice.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 028 284 9865, info@gabrielskloof.co.za
Where to find it R43, Bot River
Newton Johnson Family Vineyards
Curving up Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Newton Johnson Family Vineyards, established in 1995, is one of the original wine farms of the region. The Newton Johnson Albariño 2021, a departure from the Burgundian varieties, delights with peachy stone fruit and sea-washed salinity.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 028 312 3862, wine@newtonjohnson.com
Where to find it R320 (Hemel-en-Aarde Road), Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus
Creation Wines
Nestled against the mountain, Creation Wines is known for its fine wine alchemy. The Creation Reserve Pinot Noir 2022 boasts effortless red berried succulence enveloped in satiny-smooth tannins.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 028 212 1107
Where to find it R320 (Hemel-en-Aarde Road), Hermanus
Springfontein Wine Estate
Set apart with its designated ward, Springfontein Wine Estate focuses on organic, heritage grapes like chenin blanc and pinotage. The Terroir Selection Chenel 2021, an offspring of chenin and ugni blanc, unveils gentle stone fruit aromatics and a leesy, salty complexity.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 9pm.
Contact 028 341 0651
Where to find it 8 Wortelgat Road, Stanford
CAPE AGULHAS: The Southernmost Vineyards
Strandveld Winery
As the southernmost winery on the continent, Strandveld Winery’s windswept vineyards provide a unique terroir. The Strandveld Adamastor 2020, named after the sea god of wind and storms, presents sauvignon blanc and semillon with cool climate minerality and a touch of oak.
Black Oystercatcher
Run by the Human family for generations, Black Oystercatcher planted vines in the Elim ward 25 years ago. The Black Oystercatcher Sauvignon Blanc 2022, with blackcurrant leaf, melon, and white peach, reflects Elim’s characteristic line of salt.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 028 482 1618
Where to find it R317, Bredasdorp
The Giant Periwinkle
Established by advocate Pierre Rabie, The Giant Periwinkle focuses on pinotage. The Sun Spider Pinotage 2020, heroing its pinot noir parentage, entices with luminous red berry fruit and fine-grained tannins.
Opening times Tasting by appointment (contact De Wet Groenewald to arrange)
Contact 082 465 8350.
Where to find it Portion 7 of Farm 213, Baardskeerdersbos
Embark on this wine-tasting adventure, and let the flavors of Cape South Coast wines weave a tale of the rich terroir and the passion of its winemakers. Your journey awaits, glass in hand. As a guest at Casa D’Italo, your Stanford experience is elevated by the opportunity to explore the Cape South Coast Vineyards, all which are nestled around the heart of Stanford. Book your stay with Casa D’Italo today, this gem is the full package, a private beach, mountain views and impeccable facilities, don’t believe us, come see for yourself! Call: 084 562 1361
