13 wine stays worth dreaming about this summer

What better way to indulge in the remaining summer days than a weekend away at a wine farm. Sip, sleep and wake up to vineyard views in the mountains.

Also read: 21 of the best pre-ordered picnics in the Cape Winelands

I personally couldn’t think of a more idyllic way to enjoy the 2018 side of summer. So we’ve put together a list of wine stays we’d like to visit.

These options are perfect for a weekend away whether alone, with friends or a significant other, you’re guaranteed lots of peace, and uhm… wine. Right where it’s made. We made this list based on other activities to do around the areas too, so you can sip, hike, swim, bird watch or mountain bike the weekend away.

1. Bartinney, Stellenbosch

The beautifully restored self-catering vineyard guesthouses are ideal for a restful Wineland getaway. Luxurious and authentic, they boast contemporary, eclectic farmhouse charm. Here you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountain ranges. It’s also very close to Stellenbosch if you’re keen to explore the town during your stay. The estate itself lies on the Botmaskop mountain, with hand-tended vines and indigenous fynbos. Their wine tasting is a sensuous experience and various wines are paired with the scented fynbos to bring out the scent and flavours of the wines. Head to the tasting shed on the estate to enjoy the Bartinney wines and unrivalled views, walk amongst the vines or hike through the estate’s winding trails.
Cost: From R2905 per night with two bedrooms that sleep two each.
Contact: bartinney.co.za/accommodation

2. Laibach Vineyards, Stellenbosch

Located just 40 minutes outside Cape Town and a few kilometres north of Stellenbosch The Laibach Vineyards Lodge offers spacious, comfortable and self-catering accommodation with scenic views of vineyards. There are numerous golf courses within easy reach and a number of restaurants. There’s a swimming pool onsite and braai facilities too. Here, you can enjoy scenic vineyard walks or mountain bike tours, laze at the pool or explore the wine estate. Apartments include a private en-suite bathroom with shower, LCD Satellite TV and free wireless internet access.
Cost: From R1450 and sleeps two.
Contact: laibachwines.com/accommodation

3. Wildekrans Wine Estate, Bot River

The estate comprises around 1000 hectares and was originally established as a mixed farming operation. The terroir of the picturesque Bot River Valley has all the key components to produce grapes of the highest possible quality and makes for stunning views when staying over. The rooms are divided into themes, Mountain View Suite with views of the dramatic mountains of the region; Art Room with funky furnishings that make it eclectic; Garden View which offers garden views, a swimming pool and two sculptures. Their self-catering option, Birch Cottage has both garden and mountain views and is bordered by Birch trees.
Cost: From R1760 and sleeps four.
Contact: wildekrans.com, tel 0282849902

Also read: The local’s guide to an excellent Overberg stay

4. Boschendal Wine Estate, Franchhoek

Guest accommodation is a recent addition to the Boschendal Wine Estate. With privileged access to the farm, guests staying in the cottages will be able to savour the best of farm living. Join a farm tour or explore the estate on foot, following trails that take you through orchards and mountain fynbos. There are mountain biking routes, walking paths, caves to explore, wine tasting and cellar tours, trout fishing and swimming in the dams – and plenty of opportunity to sit, read, relax and generally take in the goodness of life. Dining options include eating at the Werf Restaurant, Farmshop & Deli, Rhone Homestead or picnic area. You can have breakfast, lunch or dinner baskets brought to your cottage, or pick up some fresh farm produce at the Deli and prepare it at your cottage. All cottages have a full kitchen if you want the self-catering option.
Cost: From R2720 and rooms range from 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom cottages, suitable for large groups.
Contact: boschendal.com/farm-accommodation

5. Bosjes Wine Estate, Worcester

This wine farm is located at the foot of the Waaihoek Mountain, in the beautiful Breede Valley about an hour and a half away from Cape Town. A visit to this wine farm is made worthwhile by viewing the architectural masterpiece that is the unusual Chapel, which is well positioned within a landscaped garden. Activities on the farm include bird-watching and hiking. You are guaranteed a luxurious stay with delicious food from the bistro and tea garden with a pool nearby.
Cost: From R2500 per room that sleeps two.
Contact: bosjes.co.za

6. Cloof Wine Estate, Darling

Nestled in the unique region of Darling lies Cloof Wine Estates, which offers 220 hectares of vines. The farm is an award-winning wine estate renowned for its environment-friendly practices. Stays on the estate include the Burgherspost, which offers a picturesque view of the Dassenberg Granite Hill. Each of the stylish self-catering, air-conditioned cottages include a king-sized bed with en-suite bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. The lounge leads out onto the patio which has stunning views over dams, vineyards and mountains. You can enjoy game drives and if you visit during the flower season, you can enjoy flowers through the 1200 hectares of their critically endangered Cape Lowlands Fynbos and Renosterveld nature reserve, where two of their cottages are located.
Cost: From R600 per person which includes wine tasting at the Cloof cellar, a guided cellar tour and a game drive through our private reserve.
Contact: cloof.co.za

7. Beaumont Wine Estate, Bot River

Located in the heart of the town of Bot River in the Overberg is one of the oldest wine estates in the region; a family run wine estate that also grows pears, almonds and olives. The farm is surrounded by fynbos and abundant birdlife. The historic farm offers quintessential Overberg architecture with barns and homesteads authentically whitewashed with black tin-roofs. The farm offers accommodation in two cottages, the Mill House and Pepper Tree. Being close to the town, it offers plenty of opportunities to explore surrounding areas once you’re done wine tasting.
Cost: From R1000 during the low season May-August and R1400 during the high season September-April (sleeps a maximum of two).
Contact: beaumont.co.za/stay-bvavc

8. La Petite Ferme Vineyard, Franschhoek

La Petite Ferme is an intimate mountainside estate that overlooks the Franschhoek Valley and offers a Manor House and Vineyard Suites that promise spectacular views and comfort. If you book for four nights between 1 May until 30 September from Sunday to Thursday, you will get a 25-percent discount per night plus breakfast, lunch daily and a complimentary all-inclusive full-day Winelands tour. Although these special discounts don’t apply for this summer, don’t despair, this spot is perfect for any season. You can cool down in the private splash pools during summer or snuggle up next to the fireplace in winter.
Cost: From R2396 for a cottage that sleeps a maximum of two.
Contact: lapetiteferme.co.za

9. Chamonix, Franschhoek

Chamonix is a wine estate set amongst 300 hectares of pristine natural beauty on the eastern slopes of the Franschhoek mountains. A stay at this estate offers, scenic views with lots to do – go on a game drive, try their cuisine at the Restaurant, enjoy the Blacksmith’s Cottage Wine Tasting, watch the free-roaming game and visit their underground cellar. This estate is near the charming village of Franschhoek and the Cape Winelands, making it the perfect location for a weekend break or holiday to explore Franschhoek – if you ever manage to indulge yourself in everything Chamonix has to offer.
Cost: From R2100 per room for two guests per night with a minimum of two nights per booking. Rates include breakfast.
Contact: chamonix.co.za

10. Weltevreden Estate, Stellenbosch

This wine estate is located at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch and promises elegant accommodation with delightful mountainous views. They have a newly renovated, self-catering farm cottage and a refurbished Manor House, which has four rooms beneath a thatched roof. The main suite on the ground floor includes access to a yellow wood kitchen, the formal dining area and lounge. The estate is located 38 kilometres away from Cape Town International Airport. This year, the farm is set to launch a dinner-and-show experience that will involve comedy, music, theatre and more entertainment on the day.
Cost: From R1700 for a room that sleeps two and includes breakfast.
Contact: weltevredenestate.com

11. Spier Hotel, Stellenbosch

The 4-star Spier Hotel is built village-style along the Eerste River, surrounded by vineyards, quiet gardens and historic farm buildings. The hotel is designed to capture the enigma of Cape wine country, with a design that is reminiscent of Cape Town’s historic Bo-Kaap, or a Mediterranean village where pedestrians have right of way. It is also one of South Africa’s first establishments to be awarded Fair Trade status. The Spier Hotel is situated on the historic Spier wine farm in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, just 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport. The Garden Terrace rooms spill out onto these quiet outdoor spaces. There’s an energy-efficient mini-bar, and, in the en-suite bathroom, a separate water-wise shower and a lovely large bath. Activities in the area involve wine tasting, picnics, Segway tours, spas to visit and loads more.
Cost: From R1746 and sleeps two.
Contact: spier.co.za/hotel

12. Nuy Valley Guesthouse, Worcester

The Nuy Valley Guesthouse is a family owned wine farm with a boutique wine cellar. It is situated in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Cape Winelands on the popular Route 62. The Nuy Valley turn-off is about 15km from Worcester en route to Robertson and 75 minutes drive from Cape Town. Owned and managed by the Conradie family, who own the wine farm across from the Guesthouse; Conradie Penhill Artisanal Wines. The guesthouse can accommodate 75 guests in 18 en-suite rooms with TV, aircon, fans, some with balcony and valley view. There are backpacker facilities in a renovated wine cellar for up to 27 people to share too. Activities in the area include wine-tasting at Conradie Penhill Winery, 4X4 trails, bird watching, hiking and swimming in the mountain pools, trout fishing and walking trails during the flower season.
Cost: From R1200 for two people for the en-suite rooms and R500 for two in the Wine Cellar Rooms.
Contact: nuyvallei.co.za

13. Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa, Stellenbosch

Delair Graff The Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa promises a tranquil space, the ultimate Winelands escape and a sophisticated experience. A stay at a Delaire Graff Lodge (provided you are willing to part with a few pennies) promises the best form of escape from the buzzing city life coupled with stunning views. Each Lodge has its own private sundeck with heated plunge and guests enjoy access to the Lodge bar and private cinema, gourmet restaurant Indochine, the restorative spa and techno gym. The Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa are currently undergoing expansive renovations. Certain parts of the Owners Lodge, as well as some of the luxury lodges, may experience some minor disturbances during this period. This option is quite steep but great for a special surprise such as engagements or treating a loved this coming Valentine’s Day. Rates include a full breakfast at the estate restaurant or in the comfort of your Lodge, daily newspapers, minibar, Nespresso coffee, wireless internet access, daily transfers to Stellenbosch town, laundry service, Delaire Graff wine tasting and each evening, guests enjoy sparkling wine with canapés in the comfort of the lodge.
Cost: From R12940 per night for two people.
Contact: delaire.co.za

There are plenty of wine farms in the Cape Winelands offering a variety of different servicesWe love to add to this list.What’s your favourite wine stay and why?