5 of the best: Wineries with a view

Monday, 26 January, 2015
Shante Hutton
Nothing beats relaxing in the winelands on a warm afternoon basking in the sun and enjoying a glass, or two of wine. Now add a fabulous view and you’re winning at life. Here’s my pick of the best wineries with views for you to visit this Summer...

Trying to squeeze this list down to 5 was almost impossible and I know everyone has their personal favourites. But, after much deliberation, and from the great times I have had at each recently, here's the pick:

Jordan

Sitting outside the tasting room, you will have spectacular panoramic views of False Bay and Stellenbosch and with an ample lawn in front of a dam, it's far too easy to lie on the grass and finish copious amounts Jordan Chardonnay.

Continually adding to the Estate, Jordan offers an award-winning restaurant and The Bakery where visitors can unwind and enjoy the freshly produced fare amongst the aromas of baking bread, pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Jordan will soon unveil their accommodation...which is kinda perfect if you need to stagger to a bed.

De Grendel

Not only are they open until 7pm Mon-Sat, but watching the sun disappear behind table mountain with a chilled glass of MCC is really something special.

Located in the Plattekloof area, De Grendel makes exceptional wines which can be tasted on their long veranda. If you feel peckish, go and eat in their restaurant, the food is 100% South African and they source their produce from local suppliers.

To taste the full range of wines is R50 and I must recommend their Op Die Berg Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

(This is also a good space for families) 

Beau Constantia

A view to take your breath away; located at the top of Constantia Nek next to Constantia Glen, Beau Constantia looks over vineyards, Constantia and towards the Northern Suburbs.

It's recently been "done up" and the winery consists of a restaurant on the bottom floor and tasting on the top (you can order platters and wine and food pairing here). There is an "amphitheatre" of sorts for outdoor concerts and it's amazing. Oh, and the bathrooms have a killer view with near floor-length windows. 

If you get Joy to head up your tasting then you're in for a real treat. Make sure you leave with a bottle of the Pierre (only so many available so don't miss out!)

Clos Malverne

In the heart of the Devon Valley, this lovely winery sits purveying vineyards and the surrounding mountains.

The restaurant offers an ice cream and wine pairing and a superbly priced tasting menu. Wine tasting can be done under shady trees but the real view is in the restaurant and it feels somewhat private with vineyards and rolling greenery for as far as the eye can see.

Ernie Els

Gloriously surrounded by mountains and vineyards, you can enjoy the Ernie Els wine range with sweeping views over Stellenbosch and out towards Table Mountain. You wouldn't expect anything less from the golfing legend and if wine isn't enough for you, they host a chipping competition on the last Fridays and Saturdays of every month.

I recommend you buying a bottle and drinking the day away.

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Jordan
Jordan

De Grendel
De Grendel

Beau Constantia
Beau Constantia

Clos Malverne
Clos Malverne

Ernie Els
Ernie Els

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