Waterford Estate

"On the outdoor patio at Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch, guests can relax while tasting South African wines with help from the knowledgable staff. For those with a sweet tooth, the “Wine & Chocolate Experience” is particularly appealing. Created by Waterford founder Kevin Arnold in partnership with chocolatier Richard von Geusau, the tasting pairs shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and sweet wine with a series of dark and milk chocolates for a delicious adventure. If you’re itching to get out and explore, opt for experiences like the “Wine Drive Safari” (a three-hour trip in a safari-type vehicle that allows guests to taste wines among the vineyards of their origin) and the “Porcupine Trail Walk” (three routes of varying difficulty that traverse the vineyard- and natural fynbos–filled landscape)."

"The drive through the picturesque Blaauwklippen valley, outside Stellenbosch, sets the tone for the arrival at Waterford, an unpretentious winery surrounded by Cape fynbos vegetation and mountains. Avenues of sweet-smelling citrus trees and rolling lawns invite you toward the cellar and tasting room, and a Staffordshire terrier might be basking in the sun. It feels like you’re visiting someone’s home. The excellent wines here represent the best of the region, and you can taste them inside an Italian-style winery courtyard or out in the vineyards." - Jane Broughton