South Africa makes some exceptional wine. Really exceptional. Since moving here, two longtime beer fans in our household have become enthusiastic wine drinkers. We enjoyed wine occasionally before, but now it’s our go-to choice.
That said, we’re not abandoning beer — we love both. Beer isn’t to blame. Wine is simply very affordable here (often around $5 for a solid bottle) and the quality surprised us. Pinotage, in particular, opened up a whole new world of flavors. The local craft beer scene is growing too, and we still appreciate a well-crafted pint.
When friends from the U.S. visited, we drove out to Stellenbosch, a region known for its many vineyards. The drive itself is breathtaking; the scenery out the window looks like a painting, too perfect to be real.
We didn’t make a strict itinerary; many wineries are clearly signposted from the highway through Stellenbosch. Our first stop was Meerlust.
Friendly dogs roamed the property, including a few local South African breeds that followed us playfully around the grounds.
The tasting area’s decor balanced eclectic and rustic elements in a way we hadn’t seen much of before — it was inviting and tasteful.
The wine at Meerlust was excellent. We bought a 2011 Meerlust Red and our friends chose a Pinot Noir. Tastings were complimentary with a bottle purchase, so it felt like a great value.
Stellenbosch itself is charming and picturesque; the whole area feels deliberately pretty and well kept.
One of the wineries we visited keeps zebras, ostriches, and antelopes on the property, which was a delightful surprise and added to the feeling of being somewhere special.
Our final stop was Rustenberg. By then I was a little lightheaded from tastings on an empty stomach, so I left the camera inside, but our tasting guide was wonderful. She patiently answered questions about wine — from what “unwooded” means to why some wines are called “straw wines,” and what the vintage year on a bottle actually signifies — and we ended the visit with a stroll through their beautiful garden.
If you have the chance to visit South Africa, make time for Stellenbosch. The scenery is stunning and the wine is outstanding — it’s a must-visit for anyone who enjoys great wine and memorable landscapes.