On the upper reaches of the Helderberg Mountain between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, Alto finds itself in ‘first growth’ terroir with perfect soils and an ideal aspect. This was the first wine estate registered in South Africa and it has been producing top quality red wines for decades.

For further details visit www.alto.co.za

Legend has it that a cat resides at the Uitkyk Manor, one of the Cape’s three surviving, two-storied, flat-roofed 18th century houses near Stellenbosch.   Flat Roof Manor wines possess a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that reflect the poise of that elusive cat, the aristocracy of its residence, and the hallmark of quality we can expect from winemaker Estelle Lourens.

For further details visit www.flatroofmanor.co.za

The grapes for this range of easy-drinking wines are sourced from vineyards around Stellenbosch. Award-winning winemaker Guy Webber strives to make a range of wines that is classic yet contemporary, offering value though not sacrificing quality.

For further details visit www.hillanddale.co.za

The rare Ixia is one of the most striking and unusual indigenous flowers found in the Tulbagh District, particularly amongst the vineyards on the farm Theuniskraal. By naming this range of wines after an indigenous flower, Theuniskraal affirms its commitment to conserving the biodiversity of the area wherein the farm is situated.

The farm Theuniskraal has been in the Jordaan family for almost a century and the Ixia wines are made by Andries Jordaan, the third generation to grow wine in this pristine corner of the Cape Winelands where life is still slow enough to savour simple beauty, be it a rare flower or a good wine.

For further details visit www.theuniskraal.co.za

Cornelius Dumas’s proud French heritage is reflected in the legendary Jacobsdal Pinotage. Made in the same manner for over 40 years, using only natural occurring yeasts, the wine ferments spontaneously in open tanks, creating a refined Burgundian style wine with a restrained nose and a delicate palate.

For further details visit www.jacobsdal.co.za

One of the Cape Winelands’ best kept secrets, Le Bonheur is a quaint Cape Dutch wine farm which produces a limited range of very fine wines made in the classic French style showing richness and complexity with great ageing potential.

For further details visit www.lebonheur.co.za

Rounding the Gansbaai peninsula, a bay sweeps before you. At first glance it appears desolate, and it is. This landscape at the southern tip of Africa is far from the lush vineyards of the traditional Cape Winelands, yet its unique climate and varied soils create wines filled with the character and vigour needed to tame this terrain.

For further details visit www.lomond.co.za

Neethlingshof is a benchmark for excellence. Its imposing stone pine avenue opens out to pristine Cape Dutch buildings, rolling green vineyards and a cosy cellar where a wide and versatile range of award winning wines are made.

For further details visit www.neethlingshof.co.za

This historic farm is a rare treasure where verdant vineyards, towering mountains and crisp, white architecture only add to the experience in the glass. Plaisir de Merle wines are richly textured with smooth tannins and complex flavours that never fail to impress

For further details visit www.plaisirdemerle.co.za

Stellenzicht fits comfortably into its icon status, achieved over a decade by a consistent stream of award-winning wines. Winemaker Guy Webber ascribes their success to the farm’s superb terroir, situated in what is locally referred to as the Wineland’s Golden Triangle, but his skill as a winemaker definitely plays a significant role.

For further details visit www.stellenzicht.co.za

The unpretentious Theuniskraal Riesling won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Wine Show in London in 1950 and since then this wine has become a Cape legend. First made by Andries Jordaan senior, the wine, amongst others in the range, is made today by grandson Andries in much the same unpretentious manner.

For further details visit www.theuniskraal.co.za

Named for the deep, red Tukulu soil in which the bush vines grow on the farm Papkuilsfontein in the Groenekloof near Darling. The farm, a black empowerment project, produces the highly rated wines.

For further details visit www.tukulu.co.za

This estate has it all: a magnificent Georgian manor house set on lush lawns with a view of Table Mountain, and a superb range of quality wines made by Estelle Lourens. The farm is situated in the Simonsberg ward, a small corner of the Cape Winelands renowned for its excellent terroir.

For further details visit www.uitkyk.co.za