warwick wine safari

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Warwick estate’s big five wine safari.

There are two main advantages that Warwick Estate’s Big Five Safari has over other Big Five game drives. The first, of course, is wine. The second is that you’ll never leave disappointed – you’re guaranteed sightings of each one of the Big Five in question, for we are not talking wildlife here. Warwick’s Big Five is comprised of the quintet of South African wine giants – Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Merlot and Cabernet Franc . Authentic safari vehicles take you deep into the vineyards, en route they liken each of the five grapes to one of the real Big Five. If, like me, you like to play guessing games and fancy trying to work out which grape reflects which animal, you might like to place you bets before you read on – consider this a spoiler alert.

We climbed into the truck feeling a little sad that we weren’t actually going game spotting, but any disappointment was washed away at our first stop with a post-breakfast glass of the sublime Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoying the signature winelands view of endless mountains and unrivalled beauty, we sipped and learned why this is the rhino of the wine Big Five. This was the most tenuous comparison – there being more to both than meets the eye – but others are really rather clever.

Cab Sauv, the king of the wine industry, can only be the lion; Pinotage, like the buffalo, stands its ground (when blended with a Cab Sauv. N.B. blending a buffalo and a lion is not recommended); Cab Franc is the elephant of grapes, with its thick skin and resilience to pests, while Merlot, like the leopard, presents a challenge. Just as you don’t always get a glimpse of the latter on a game drive, you don’t always get a good glass of the former in South Africa.

Warwick’s tour is quirky and fun, but more than that it offers real insight into the grape growing process, something often overlooking on winery tours. If you’ve ever wanted to learn to identify a grape from its leaves, know which variety craves cooler weather or why French oak is favoured over South African oak then this is your tour. And even if those things aren’t near the top of your must-learn list, the Big Five Wine Safari is a great way to spend an hour – sipping Sauvignon Blanc alongside the vines that produced it and following up with a tasting of Warwick’s excellent vintages back at the winery. I might have failed to rise to the challenge of identifying the grape from looking at the vine; I might have failed to match the grapes to their animal counterparts but I fared well at working my way through their tasting menu and succeeded at sipping from the famous wedding cup without spilling a drop. It seems I know where my strengths truly lie.

Warwick’s Big Five Wine Safari costs R50 per person, leaving every hour from 11am to 4pm. Bookings recommended. Tastings cost R25 per person and gourmet picnics are available to enjoy in the grounds.

Contact  Warwick Estate

Tel 021-884 -144 Email [email protected]

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If you’re seeking a quirky yet educational winetasting experience in South Africa, look no further than Warwick Estate’s “Big Five Wine Safari.” While you won’t see any lions in Stellenbosch, your guide may help you spot a falcon or two while you cruise around the vineyard. Here, the Big Five refers to the five types of wine grapes planted on Warwick’s farm, from cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc to pinotage, merlot, and cabernet franc. Board Warwick’s safari-style vehicle and leave the driving to your guide as you enjoy the views—and the wine. Advance bookings are recommended.

More Recommendations

Big five wine safari.

South Africa is famous for its Big Five Game Safaris, but in Stellensbosch they provide a different kind of safari. At Warwick guests can choose to go on their wine safari. This fun educational Land Rover Safari takes you on a mountain journey through Warwick’s vineyards where they compare the ‘Big 5’ animals with their ‘Big 5’ grape varieties. The wines are amazing, but so are the views. You will feel like you are on the top of the world as you drive through the farm.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at [email protected].

Warwick Estate

Top choice in Stellenbosch

Warwick’s red wines are legendary, particularly its Bordeaux blends. The winery offers an informative Big Five wine safari (referring to grape varieties, not large mammals) through the vineyards, and picnics (R550 for two people) to enjoy on the lawns. Advance bookings are required for picnics, but simple cheeseboards are available if you just rock up.

Get In Touch

021-884 4410

https://​www​.warwickwine​.com​/

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Norma Ratcliffe’s wine fairytale unfolds over a gourmet picnic at Warwick Estate

Wine is all about stories. There’s the story inside the bottle, there’s the story outside the bottle and then there’s your story, the one that starts the moment you take the first sip of Warwick wine. It could be a Trilogy, an epic story of Three Ladies; the Black Lady, the Blue Lady and Lady Luck. Or perhaps your story involves Professor Black at the Penthouse on the Big Five Wine Drive Safari. At Warwick wine estate in Stellenbosch, a story is always about to unfold.

Once upon a time in 1912 Colonal William Alexander Gordon, of the Warwickshire regiment, decided to settle on a farm he called Warwick after the Anglo Boer war. Stan Ratcliffe bought Warwick in 1964 and together with his wife Norma planted the first Cabernet Sauvignon. The quality of the grapes inspired Norma to study wine making and off she went to Bordeaux. In 1984 Mrs Ratcliffe produced her first wine and soon made a lasting impression on the South African wine industry with the Warwick Trilogy, a wine based on the typical Bordeaux blend. Norma’s style of wine is not all about food pairing but, as with most French influenced wines, it goes well with food anyway.

Which is good because I am here today to taste wines together with some delights from Warwick’s gourmet picnic basket, put together by chef Mark Springhorn. It’s my lucky day. Norma and her son Michael (who is the man in charge on the estate) are sitting down for lunch at an adjoining table. They’ve just bottled a new wine called Blue Lady and it’s time to celebrate.

While the picnic facilities at Warwick also holds promise – besides the spacious lawn, they’ve built a couple of picnic pods that sit like birds' nests amongst the trees overlooking the lake and the mountains in the distance - it’s nice and cosy in front of the fireplace on a winter’s day. The Cape Dutch building that holds the Warwick Bistro dates from 1771 when the farm was still named De Goede Sukses (Good Success). It is also a national monument. 

Gourmet picnic and wine pairing

Warwick released their 2010 sauvignon blanc in June; the wine is called Professor Black, after the Professor Black peach orchard that was replaced with the sauvignon blanc vines. The Warwick Sauvignon Blanc is commonly known as a ‘two bottle wine’. You have one bottle and then you want another. There’s no time to test the theory though, as Norma Ratcliffe starts sending tasters from her private cellar to our table.

“You should really try this 12-year old chardonnay,” she offers and soon a golden wine with the consistency of honey sparkles in my tasting glass.

Next to the 1998, the 2009 Chardonnay looks pale and has a lot more lime and lemon flavours, compared to the nutty treacle of the aged wine. The chardonnay spends around nine months in French oak. These days Norma calls herself the 'style director' of the estate and although she keeps a sharp eye on everything, the winemaking is strictly Jozua Joubert’s baby these days.

Picnic snacks fill the spaces in between sips of wine perfectly. The artisan ciabatta is still warm, and on it I smear smoked snoek pâté; also in the basket is biltong and brandy pâté, oak smoked cheddar, and creamy Camembert. There's a charcuterie selection, and oak-smoked Norwegian salmon, as well as delicate salads of green peas and Feta; and carrot and chickpea. A gourmet smorgasbord for sure, and to finish a decadent chocolate brownie topped with white chocolate ganache.

‘Wine is all about sharing’

The first wine Norma ever made was a Cabernet Sauvignon, which is why the Warwick Cabernet Sauvignon is named First Lady. It’s a rich, peppery, smooth wine which is also light enough not to overpower the flavours of the picnic. A couple of tasters of aged Old Bush Vine Pinotage from the private cellar also makes it over to our table. I thank Norma for sharing her wine and she replies: “Not at all. We share. That’s what wine is all about.”

A honeymoon couple in the corner gets up to have a drink from the wedding cup. Norma first discovered the wedding cup in an antique store. It dates from 14th century Germany and the legend goes that a love struck goldsmith first made the chalice in an attempt to win the hand of a beautiful woman named Kunigunde. Norma has 16 of these antique cups in her personal collection and also commissions and sells Warwick branded ones at the estate. The wedding cup has become the logo of Warwick and a symbol of love, faithfulness and good luck. Many wedding couples visit the estate to drink from the cup and celebrate their love.

Recently Warwick also transformed an old dam on the farm to a function venue, which they like to call the Penthouse. The view spans sunsets over False Bay and the entire Cape Winelands. Warwick’s Big Five Wine Safari takes visitors up there in a Jeep, through the vineyards. Although you may see fish eagles and falcons, the ‘Big Five’ refers more to the five types of wine grapes that is planted on the farm than actual wildlife. Yet the safari guide enjoys likening the grapes to animals: “cabernet sauvignon is the king of the grapes, like the lion is the king of the jungle. Pinotage is unpredictable like a buffalo, while merlot is soft and elegant like a leopard.”

The story of my day on Warwick Estate ends well, with romantic views, generous people and unforgettable flavours imprinted in my mind. All happy memories from a unique wine estate in South Africa, to relive ever after.

P.S. A tasting of seven wines costs R25, but if you buy a bottle it’s free. Wine prices range from R75 to R275. The Big Five Wine Drive Safari costs R50 per person and includes a glass of sauvignon blanc at the Penthouse. Picnics are R375 and serve two people, kiddies picnics are also available at R50.

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Warwick Wine Estate / Stellenbosch

This beautiful Estate is nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands and it stands as a testament to the perfect blend of family tradition and modern sophistication. Warwick estate, located in the Stellenbosch region, offers an enchanting experience for both wine enthusiasts and families seeking a memorable day out. Warwick Wine Estate is not just about fine wines; it’s also a family-friendly destination where adults can savour world-class wines while children enjoy a day of adventure and play.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Warwick Wine Estate offers a wide range of activities to keep children entertained and engaged throughout their visit. Here are some of the highlights:

• Picnic by the Lake: Warwick provides a stunning picnic area overlooking a picturesque lake. Families can enjoy a leisurely picnic while the kids play on the expansive lawns.
• Jungle Gym and Play Area: The estate features a well-maintained jungle gym and play area for children, ensuring they have a blast while parents enjoy wine tastings and breathtaking views.
• Miniature Golf: Try your hand at a round of miniature golf on the estate’s beautifully landscaped course. It’s a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy together.
• Interactive Tours: For older children and teenagers, interactive tours of the vineyards and wine cellars provide an educational experience that introduces them to the world of winemaking.
• Kids’ Menus: The estate’s restaurants offer special kids’ menus with delicious and nutritious options that cater to even the pickiest of eaters.

Delicious Picnic Options & Dining Experiences

Warwick Wine Estate boasts two exceptional dining establishments, perfect for enjoying a family meal or a romantic dinner. The first, “The Bakery at Jordan,” offers artisanal bread, pastries, and light bites in a casual, family-friendly setting. The second, “The Restaurant at Warwick,” is a fine-dining experience featuring a menu curated to complement the estate’s award-winning wines. Both establishments provide kid-friendly options, making it easy for families to dine together.

During the summer season, you can indulge in a mouthwatering picnic basket that is filled with delightful wine and other picnic treats. The Warwick picnic basket is designed for two, but they also cater for individual needs if you prefer individual baskets or follow a special dietary. Picnics must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance and are available 7 days a week during our Summer season, 11:00 – 15:00.

All the menus can be found on their website for you to check before your visit: MENU

Wine Tasting for Adults

While the kids have a blast with the activities, parents can indulge in Warwick’s world-class wine offerings. The estate is known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, among other varietals, and wine enthusiasts can enjoy guided tastings that showcase the estate’s premium selections. Tastings start from R75 per person and can be enjoyed in the indoor seating area, on their tasting deck or the picnic benches.

Our Experience

Warwick is a beautiful estate with lots of space for the little ones and parents. The huge lawn invites the kids to run around or play games while the parents can enjoy their wine right next to them on one of their many benches. It’s also a lovely spot for those hot summer days as they have a little water stream running down the walk way where the kids can cool off their feet and play around. Whether you enjoy a picnic, wine tasting or proper lunch, you won’t be disappointed by the location and its many kid-friendly activities.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Opening Times: Mon – Sun 09:00 – 17:00
• Age Group: 0 – 99
• Baby Changing Facilities: Yes
• Kids Menu: Yes
• Fun Factor: 4/5
• Free WIFI: No

https://www.warwickwine.com/ Phone: +27 (0) 21 884 4410 / [email protected]

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Warwick Estate Claimed

Average reviews, description.

In addition to tastings of our award-winning range of wines, Warwick offers guests gourmet picnics and charcuterie platters in a tranquil, relaxed setting on the lawns or shaded by the trees of our forest courtyard. Our picnic menu revolves around fresh and seasonal ingredients, sourced locally from artisanal suppliers, including a variety of options for vegetarian and vegan visitors.

Tasting Room Details & Offerings

White cultivars, red cultivars, specialities, restaurant description.

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Restaurants and Food

Business info, today closed utc+2.

• Monday 09:00 - 17:00
• Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
• Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
• Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
• Friday 09:00 - 17:00
• Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
• Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

47 Church Street  Stellenbosch, 7599 T   |  +27.218864310 E   |   [email protected]

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• Winery Directory

Best Stellenbosch Wineries & Wine Tours (Updated 2024)

Learn About Some of the Best Wineries in Stellenbosch We Recommend Visiting in 2024

The Western Cape’s Stellenbosch wine region is among the most notable and oldest wine-producing areas in South Africa. Although the region produces a variety of different wines, Cabernet Sauvignon , Pinotage , Merlot and Shiraz are among the most famous. And who can say no to a Stellenbosch Chardonnay or Rosé?

With over 200 different wineries & vineyards set along the lush rolling hills, it may be difficult to decide which ones to visit. In order to stand out, many Stellenbosch wineries have curated tasting experiences beyond the typical wine flight. So, if you dream of pairing cupcakes, picnics and safaris with your Pinotage , these are the winery experiences you should have when visiting the region.

Make sure to reserve wine tastings and tours in advance online, via email or by calling each winery. We also highly recommend staying at the opulent Delaire Graff Estate and using it as a home base while you visit nearby wineries. For a more thorough and epic experience, be sure to also look at our recommended 2-week South Africa itinerary .

Safari & Wine at Waterford

Top wineries & wine tours to try in stellenbosch.

Without further ado, here are some of our top picks for wineries to visit in Stellenbosch if you’re brave enough to do it in a self-guided fashion. If you’d prefer not to drive and want a local’s perspective, our current favorite recommended private wine tour leaves from Cape Town, and includes stops at 5 stunning wineries. However, perhaps the best way to explore Stellenbosch is to go wine tasting by bike. This guided tour offered by Adventureshop Stellenbosch has received countless 5-star ratings from our readers. It takes you on a 4-5 hour bike ride through the historic city center and includes stops at two luxurious wine estates, as well as the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. If you’re still looking for more guided options, we’ve included more of our favorites towards the bottom of this list of top wineries.

Picnic & Wine at Warwick

If lounging on a fluffy picnic blanket and pillow with a glass of wine in hand sounds like the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon, a picnic at Warwick Wine Estate should suit your tastes. Gourmet picnic baskets (approximately $20 per person) come with items like a pear and pecan salad, followed by local specialty beef biltong and gorgonzola, and ending with cape honey cheesecake with strawberries for dessert. Wine is purchased separately, and a bottle of the Warwick First Lady Rosé? It pairs perfectly with the basket on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Winetraveler Tip: Both vegan and vegetarian gourmet picnic boxes are available. Want to sit by the lake? No problem. You can even reserve your exact picnic table or blanket with a sun umbrella via a map of the grounds via the website .

Indian Runner Ducks & Wine at Vergenoegd Löw

The Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate features a variety of wines that are available to try in their tasting room (a five-one tasting costs about $6). Their Runner Duck variety is aptly named, considering the farm on the estate is home to over 1,200 Indian Runner Ducks. But these duckies aren’t just adorable, they’re there for a special purpose: pest control. The ducks consume the snails and bugs that threaten the vines during their daily rounds.

Winetraveler Tip: Make sure to tour the duck pens and breeding rooms post-wine-tasting with a duck herd guide. Or, enjoy one of the duck parades at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm seven days a week.

Cupcakes & Wine at Delheim

If you’ve always wanted to test out how cupcakes and wine mesh, you can do so at Delheim . And not to spoil the outcome, but they actually fit perfectly together. The tasting, which costs about $8.50, features four unique cupcakes each with its own special wine pairing. The honeybush cupcake highlights the Chardonnay Sur Lie’s fruity, floral flavors, while the rooibos cupcake topped with cream cheese and cinnamon highlights the nuanced oak flavors of the Pinotage. The tasting is available daily between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm.

Winetraveler Tip: You’ll never have to worry about lack of freshness at Delheim — all of the cupcakes are baked fresh daily.

Olive Oil & Wine at Morgenster

Morgenster is just as famous for its olive oil as its wine, and they produce pure extra virgin olive oil with no additives. The wine range includes Bordeaux-style blends as well as Italian varieties. You can sample the full range of olive oils paired with three wines for about $5.50. The estate is especially beautiful as less than half is used to house the vines and olive trees. The rest of the lush land is wild and serene.

Winetraveler Tip: Have lunch at the onsite restaurant, 95 at Morgenster , pre- or post-tasting.

Chocolate & Wine at Spier

The grounds at Spier Wine Farm are simply gorgeous, with an onsite lake and even a hotel. The tasting room is luminous and airy, the perfect place to pair wine and chocolate. Sample three of the Spier Creative Block blends paired with special chocolates, both white and dark. This particular tasting is $5, and if you aren’t feeling the chocolate you can always just do a wine and cheese tasting instead.

Winetraveler Tip: Bring the kids along — they can try the children’s grape juice tasting ($3), which includes a play packet, a tasting of two different grape juices, and an educational activity sheet.

Bubbles, Sabrage & Boozy Popsicles at House of J.C. Le Roux

If you ever wanted to open sparkling wine with a sword, this demonstration at J.C. Le Roux will show you how with a traditional ceremonial sabrage demonstration. Plus, you’ll sample four different sparkling wines from the Methode Cap Classiques collection ($7). You can always accompany your bubbly with a platter of cheese or fresh oysters. Make sure to book at least 24 hours in advance.

Winetraveler Tip: Enjoy a refreshing sparkling wine popsicle on a hot day. These come in three flavors: strawberry and Sauvignon Blanc, litchi and Vibrazio demi-sec and a non-alcoholic strawberry and cream option.

This safari is a little different from others in South Africa — instead of lions, expect to see a lot of vines! But the concept is the same: you’ll take a safari vehicle deep out into the 120-hectare Waterford Wine Estate , which is bordered by the Helderberg Mountain (the three-hour adventure is about $90). You’ll learn all about the estate’s organic wine cultivation and of course, enjoy a wine tasting complete with snacks. If you prefer to stroll instead of ride, the winery also offers wine walks of varying intensity which also culminate in wine tasting and a light lunch ($38).

Winetraveler Tip: Wine safaris must be booked a week or more in advance.

Getting to Stellenbosch, Where to Stay, & Tour Options

To explore Stellenbosch vineyards, you’ll first have to get yourself to Cape Town, which is now possible nonstop on United from Newark Airport (EWR). Or, you can fly from the US with a layover in a spot like Johannesburg or London. Check for deals on flights into Cape Town here.

Once there, the Stellenbosch wine region is less than an hour’s drive away. We recommend renting a car , as it’s easy enough to do in a day trip, or you can spend the night there (or several) to ensure you get a chance to try all of the Stellenbosch winery experiences mentioned above. If you still haven’t settled on lodging, take a look at some of the best hotels in the Stellenbosch region here, but if we had to choose a great option as a base with vineyards on site, you should try this luxury vineyard hotel .

Wine Tours in Stellenbosch

As we’ve mentioned, it’s fairly easily visit any of the recommended wineries above in a self-guided fashion, but often, nothing compares to a local’s experience. Tour operators like Afrivista have been around for decades and our readers rave about them. If they happen to be booked (which is common), don’t fret. There are plenty of other guides that operate in the area offering wonderful half-day and full-day wine tasting experiences. Africa Select offers a full-day tour through 3 sub-regions, including local food and wine pairings and a ride on a wine tram.

If you’d prefer to avoid other people, schedule a private full-day trip with Elegant Country Tours , we highly recommend this group for each guide’s exceptional service and love for their country’s experiences. It’s customizable and hotel pickup/drop-off are included.

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• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Saturn Stadium