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Best South African Wine Farms for Families

As a couple we love visiting wine farms to sample the latest vintage and soak in the country atmosphere, but our kids haven’t always felt the same way! To them visiting “another” wine farm is “so boring”, so we’ve had to discover the best South African Wine Farms for Families over the past few years…. and we have discovered some gems in and around the Cape Winelands.

Since I’m so often asked by fellow parents about which are the best wine farms for families I thought I’d share a few of our favourites and then get some other well known travel writers to share their own recommended family-friendly wine farms near Cape Town and further afield.

Best South African Wine Farms with kids

Boschendal, Franschhoek

 

Our family favourite, over the years Boschendal has become our “go-to” wine estate. We’ve celebrated birthdays, enjoyed lazy lunches, explored the gardens and recently enjoyed visiting the new farm shop. But what makes this wine farm particularly family friendly is the incredible offerings for kids. There is a mini bike ramp, a number of wooden climbing frames and treehouses and The Tree House – a gorgeous space created with kids in mind and tucked away in a picturesque part of the estate under beautiful plane trees. Here kids aged 4 – 14 will be kept entertained with an array of exciting activities. Booking is essential. Please bear in mind that various Covid-19 restrictions may not be in place.

Tel: +27 21 870 4200

Email: enquiries@boschendal.co.za

Web: www.boschendal.com

 

Babylonstoren, Franschhoek

Always a winner, Babylonstoren is famed for its’ glorious garden and kids of all ages will love exploring the secrets of this garden. It’s a beautiful destination in all seasons and one that will delight both parents and children. Amble through the various garden “rooms”, discover hidden pathways and marvel at the variety of produce grown here, then make your way to the far end where you can enjoy a cool drink while admiring the glass greenhouse.

Tel: +27 21 863 3852

Email: enquiries@babylonstoren.com

Web: babylonstoren.com

 

Dornier, Stellenbosch

When choosing to eat out at a wine estate with family friends of ours from the UK, we almost always end up at Dornier. Lying beneath the majestic Stellenbosch Mountains and housed in a historic barn, Bodega Restaurant offers a relaxed environment with a wide, cool patio offering exquisite views. There’s also a great jungle gym within sight of the tables making this a very popular lunch spot for families.

Tel: +27 21 880 0557

Email: info@dornier.co.za

Web: www.dornier.co.za

 

Vergenoegd Low, Stellenbosch

Nominated by: Claudia Tavani from My Adventures Across The World

Wine tasting in Stellenbosch is a must and you will have ample choice between a plethora of vineyards. Families with children should head straight to Vergenoegd, a gorgeous winery and vineyard a bit outside Stellenbosch, where kids will be entertained by the show of the Indian Runner Ducks which are used to keep its grounds clean from bugs. The ducks are freed every day at 4:00 pm sharp so make sure to go a bit earlier to enjoy the show, as it is lovely to see. Needless to say the wines are delicious, the farm charming and there is lots of space for children to be able to roam around undisturbed and safe.

Tel: +27 21 843 3248

Email: webmaster@vergenoegd.co.za

Web: vergenoegd.co.za

Fairview, Paarl

Nominated by: Campbell and Alya from stingynomads.com

Fairview is a wholesome, family friendly wine farm and cheesery located between Stellenbosch and Paarl in the Western Cape. This beautiful farm is one of the most popular attractions in the Cape winelands. At Fairview, adults can taste several wines and a variety of goat and cow cheeses produced at the estate. The wine tasting includes a very popular wine and cheese pairing. Children love the iconic ‘Goats Tower’ , an enclosure with goats next to the tasting room with bridges and a tower they like climbing. After tasting and being entertained by the goats the whole family can enjoy lunch at Goatshed restaurant.

Tel: +27 21 863 2450

Email: info@fairview.co.za

Web: fairview.co.za

Buitenverwachting, Constantia

Nominated by: Annika from Midnight Blue Elephant

Few wine farms are so kids friendly as Buitenverwachting. Right in the middle of the Constantia Valley, you will find it the perfect place for a lazy afternoon for the whole family. Instead of a stiff tasting room, you got a beautiful terrace next to a huge lawn. Kids can play while parents make their way through the impressive and blissfully inexpensive wine list. Alternatively, grab a bottle and a cooler and join the kids on the lawn. And for those who prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, there is a great coffee shop and a restaurant on the grounds.

Tel: +27 21 794 5190/1

Web: buitenverwachting.com

Rickety Bridge, Franschhoek

Nominated by: Janine Avery from 5 Star Stories

The reason I love Rickety Bridge in Franschhoek is because of the wide variety of offerings available here. You can enjoy cellar tours, blending experiences, and even a delicious panna cotta and wine pairing! Scenic walks, cycling and boules can be enjoyed with the family on the property while the weekly Franschhoek park run takes place here. Also, the farm is one of the stops on the Franschhoek Wine Tram for those who don’t want to drive and has its own accommodation on site if you never want to leave!

Tel: +27 21 876 2129

Email: info@ricketybridge.com

Web: ricketybridge.com

 

Grande Provence, Franschhoek

Nominated by: Fiona from Passport and Piano

The Grande Provence wine estate in the stunning town of Franschhoek is one of the best in the world. It offers a unique 5-star experience for all the family. The most exciting way to arrive is on the wine tram although it is only a 5-minute walk from town. In addition to the vineyard, Grand Provence has an art gallery, a restaurant, and some stunning sculptures to admire in the beautiful gardens. The kids can join in with a special grape juice tasting menu and the opportunity to mix their own blend. There’s also a supervised jungle gym and creative activities to occupy them while the adults learn about wine.

Tel: +27 21 876 8600

Web: grandeprovence.co.za

Vergelegen, Somerset West

Nominated by Jacs from Flashpacking Family

Vergelegen wine estate, located around 50 km east of Cape Town in Somerset West, has been producing top quality wines in South Africa for over 300 years. It has twice won the highly coveted Pichon Longueville Trophy for Best Red Blend in the International Wine Challenge.It’s also home to one of the most beautiful Cape Dutch buildings in South Africa and the gardens are spectacular. There are playgrounds for the kids and family-friendly restaurants but they also offer one of the best wine estate picnics in South Africa. The picnics consist of delicious, locally sourced items and can be enjoyed in their enchanting camphor forest.

Tel: +27 21 847 2100

Email: info@vergelegen.co.za

Web: vergelegen.co.za

 

Kay & Monty, Plettenberg Bay

Nominated by: Jen from The Married Wanderers

The beautiful wine farm of Kay & Monty located in the Plett Wine Route offers a horse drawn carriage, wine tasting experience. This is unique to any other wine farm we have visited in South Africa. The vintage carriage stops between the vineyards, giving you time to picnic and taste wine. The carriage ride is ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a romantic and fun experience.

Tel: +27 79 965 9779

Email: hello@kayandmonty.com

Web: kayandmonty.com

So now that you know our recommendations for best wine farms for families in South Africa… which would you add to this list? Leave a comment below.

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