The Ultimate South Africa Wine Tasting Guide with One&Only Cape Town

South Africa's wine regions have so much to offer for oenophiles.

So, it's no surprise that the country is a number one pick for gourmands looking for a travel destination that meets their appetite.

Indeed, South Africa has one of the world's most prestigious reputations when it comes to wine making, with roots tracing back 400 years to the 17th century. It's still home to some of the most renowned vineyards, such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek Valley and Paarl, which are celebrated for their signature varieties of chenin blanc, pinotage and caberet sauvignon.

So, if you're looking for a travel destination that combines the bold reds and crisp whites of the vineyards with sunny skies and unrelenting natural beauty, look no further than South Africa.

Want to know more about the wines and experiences on offer? Read our guide, created with the expertise of One&Only Cape Town sommelier, Luvo Ntezo.

In this guide:• Q&A with One&Only Cape Town wine expert, Luvo Ntezo• A guide to South Africa's winelands• Ideas for your bespoke wine holiday

Get to know South Africa's wines and tasting experiences with Luvo, Head Somelier of One&Only Cape Town

One&Only Cape Town is one of the best places to stay when visiting the 'Mother City'. Not only is it set in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred waterfront with panoramic views of Table Mountain - it also offers some of the finest food and wine experiences in the city.

We asked the resort's own wine expert, Luzo Ntezo, to share his wisdom on the country's finest tipples and where to find them. 

What makes Cape Town and South Africa a premier destination for wine lovers?

Luvo: "South Africa has an incredibly diversity and climatological conditions across the Cape Winelands.

We've got oceanic influence from both the Atlantic and the Indian seaboard and some of oldest soils you can get on Earth. We have some of the oldest wine farms you can find in the world, dating as far back as the latter part of the 1600s."

Can you introduce us to ROOI and Tasting Table at One&Only Cape Town?

Luvo: "Our space, the [ROOI/Tasting Table], provides an opportunity for you to tap into what truly defines South African's wine journey.

"It gives you the unique opportunity to taste a range of wines, from young vines from high-altitude areas to certified Old Vine heritage (any vines in South Africa over the age of 35 are certified as old vines and as part of the old Vine Heritage Project).

"Here, you can taste wines from off the beaten track: you can sample beautiful wines from a boutique estate in the Tulbagh region or some amazing sparkling wines, as we call them, Cap Classique from the relatively warm but amazing Robertson area. The diversity is staggering."

What are some standout South African wines on the One&Only Cape Town’s wine list that every guest should try?

Luvo: "You've got to try Chenin Blanc. It's a true definitive measure of South African wines.

"It's the most planted grape variety in the country – we plant more Chenin Blanc than the entire world combined. So, you're not going to come to South Africa and not try Chenin Blanc!

"You've also got to try the beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch; it's the kingdom of Cabernet.

"And, try our fortified wines from Calitzdorp as well. Even in the midst of summer, you've got to try something a little vibrant and warm and beautiful from that area."

What exclusive wine tasting experiences do you offer for guests at One&Only Cape Town?

Luvo: "We have an incredible selection of wine experiences; guests can indulge in personalised wine tastings right here at the resort or create their own memento with a specialised wine blending experience.

"We walk guests through every moment of their wine exploration and push them to try varietals or wine estates they will never have experienced before and are unlikely to try again. It's personal, intimate and completely unique, with a knowledgeable guide throughout."

For those new to South Africa’s wines, how would you introduce the different styles and varieties on offer?

Luvo: "We’d focus on what you’re familiar with and enjoy the most and expand from there.

"If you come from the northern hemisphere, most likely you'll be used to beautiful chardonnays and pinot noir. The northern pinot noirs in particular will have a little bit more depth, structure and body to them, whereas the South African pinot noirs will be a bit lighter, brick red, more delicate, with beautiful red fruit, truffle-y taste to them.

"It's the same with our sauvignon blancs; they’ll be different to a typical Sancerre or your New Zealand whites.

"For example, New Zealand sauvignon blancs will have this nice freshness and quite zesty taste, whereas ours will showcase more fruit and acidity, which makes it attractive to a young new wine drinker but also appealing to the older generation.

"So, we need to find what each guest likes and introduce the South African equivalent."

Could you recommend some of your favourite wine pairings to accompany popular local dishes?

Luvo: "Well, to start off, I love Wagyu. But Wagyu is quite rich – so you want a wine that will complement your meal and not destroy or overpower.

"I always enjoy a good red blend, perhaps a cabernet sauvignon merlot to pair with red meat. It's a beautiful union with those great varietals.

"If you enjoy some malva pudding or the milk tart, which is iconic to South Africa, you must pair it with a Klein Constantia, Vin De Constance, made from the Muscat de Frontignan grape. It's not a noble late harvest; it's a natural sweet wine but it's a stunning wine and pairs well with plenty of South African desserts."

For travellers on a wine journey in South Africa, what are the must-visit vineyards close to Cape Town?

Try Thelema Vineyards - the highest altitude vineyards that you can find in Stellenbosch, but also one of the best in the country due to their broad range and portfolio.

Try to visit Klein Constantia and Groot Constantia, both not too far from Cape Town. Both are located in the Constantia regions, one of the oldest wine growing regions we have in South Africa and there are some really beautiful wines there!

You can try De Grendel wine farm located in Durbanville; you'll enjoy beautiful views and an amazing restaurant but also excellent wines. If you want to do wine tasting, looking at the beach and having these amazing views, then try Cape Point Vineyards in Noordhoek – some beautiful, beautiful white wines made there.

What wine pairing tips can guests learn while at One&Only Cape Town that they will take home with them?

You can always change what's in the dish, but you can't change what's in the wine. Your heavy, lasting flavours from any meal will last longer in your mouth than the wine, so you've got to create a balance and make sure that the wine is not overpowered.

If you're going to use red wine, try to minimize the use of acidity in your food; for example, fresh tomatoes don't always do justice to red wines. Rather pair the tomato-based dishes with some Grenaches or some pinot noir but not with some heavy reds.

What trends in luxury wine travel are you seeing, particularly among visitors to Cape Town?

Just as the times are moving, so are our approach and palette when it comes to wine.

People are enjoying tasting things that they are not familiar with. I love seeing people at One&Only Cape Town trying the new varieties that we've brought in, such as a Gamay Noir, for instance, instead of a standard Pinot Noir and it always gives me joy when I can see guests through that.

Exploring South African Wine Regions & Routes

Want to know more about South Africa's wine routes and which one you should visit?

The Western Cape has plenty to discover across its six main main regions. We've highlighted our most recommended areas below, all of which can either included as a day trip from One&Only Cape Town, or a longer stopover at one the charming boutique hotels on offer.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second oldest wine town and offers the oldest wine route in the country. It's perhaps the most famous wine region of South Africa, alongside smaller Franschhoek.

The Stellenbosch region is known for its production of caberet sauvignon, merlot and pinotage across 150 wineries, some of which are the country's most prized.

It's streets are filled with pretty Cape Dutch buildings, plus there are plenty of outdoor activities so help you really appreciate the surrounding landscape - take a walking vineyard tour, hire a bike to explore the nearby trails or jump on a segway.

We recommend a stay at boutique hotel, Lanzerac, which boasts beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and plenty of complimentary wine tasting experiences and cellar tours. You can also please your palette across four restaurants.

Franschhoek

Franschhoek is another of the oldest wine towns in South Africa. It shares the same level of prestige as Stellebosch, though it offers a more intimate experience; Franschhoek is smaller, and loved for its rustic sense of elegance. Many people also consider it as the prettiest wine route, with French influences and leafy surroundings.

One of the best experience in this region is the Franschhoek wine tram - this fun hop-on tour allows you to easily visit several wineries, with the additional benefit of giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and scenery as you travel between them. Be sure to taste the Methode Cap Classique; the region is famed for its production of this sparkling wine.

There are a number of highly recommended places to stay in Franschhoek, including the exceptional Mont Rochelle which is a part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection. Set in the heart of the valley, there are some wonderful gourmet experiences, from picnic lunches in the vineyards to dinner in the renowned MIKO restaurant.

Paarl

Paarl offers the country's second oldest wine route after Stellenbosch. Nestled in the Drakenstein Valley, it's a peaceful town surrounded by mountain scenery with a host of picturesque vineyards to discover.

Like the rest of the towns on this list, Paarl features delicious wines produced on award-winning estates. You can find some of South Africa's most famed varieties here, like chenin blanc, though the region is also celebrated shiraz and other full bodied reds.

Paarl is around a half-hour drive from both Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, so you can easily spend a day touring its vineyards before retreating back to your base.

Constantia

Constantia is Cape Town's closest wine suburb, situated just below Table Mountain and a short drive from the city centre, making it perfect for a day trip.

This region has a unique terroir, resulting from its unique peninsula location on the Cape of Good Hope. Thanks to these conditions, Constantia produces a signature varietal of sauvignon blanc - the area even has a sauvignon blanc route, which you can explore to taste the many different expressions and learn about the wine making process behind them.

Ideas for including the winelands in your South Africa tour

Not sure where to start with your South Africa wine trip? Take a look at some of our best itinerary ideas, all of which can feature One&Only Cape Town.

Cape Town to Kruger National Park

This 10-night itinerary starts in Cape Town, where you can opt to spend a day at Constantia should you wish. You'll then venture to Hermanus for some whale watching before heading to Franschhoek for a two-night stay. Your trip finishes with a safari at Kruger National Park.

Tour stops:

• Cape Town

• Hermanus

• Franschhoek

• Kruger National Park

Cape Town to Shamwari Game Reserve with Garden Route

Opt for a longer 13-night itinerary, covering wine, food and a fabulous safari. Along with time to explore Franschhoek and surrounding wine routes, you'll get to cover the iconic Garden Route from Hermanus to Plettenburg Bay. Finally, enjoy a safari at Shamwari Game Reserve.

Tour stops

• Cape Town

• Franschhoek

• Hermanus

• Plettenburg Bay

• Shamwari Game Reserve

Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Looking to experience as much as possible in your trip? With this 10-night holiday idea, you can combine your South African wine tour with a safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve and a visit to Zimbabwe's stunning Victoria Falls.

Tour stops:

• Cape Town

• Sabi Sands Game Reserve

• Victoria Falls

Plan your tailor-made South African wine tour

Our team of Travel Specialists are here to help create your personalised holiday. Simply contact us today with your wish list, and we'll create a bespoke itinerary, with unique experiences just for you.

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