7 breathtaking Cape Town vineyards where the food is just as exceptional as the wine

Cape Town is famous for its exceptional wines, and the food is just as remarkable.

These wine estates also feature some of South Africa’s top dining spots, where meals are crafted from fresh, local ingredients often sourced just steps from the kitchen.

While these restaurants boast numerous awards, they maintain a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, and the prices are surprisingly affordable.

The menus, though simple in appearance, focus on local, farm-to-table ingredients, prepared with care and passion.

In no specific order, here are seven vineyards that pair exceptional food and wine with breathtaking views.

Haute Cabriere

Famous for its Pierre Jourdan sparkling wines – locally called Cap Classique to bypass Champagne naming rights – Haute Cabriere’s restaurant offers a refined dining experience nestled inside a mountain.

The tables are situated on an upper level of the cellar, carved into the Franschhoek Mountain.

No need to worry about feeling cramped: soaring vaulted ceilings rise above, while the wine cellar extends down below.

Haute Cabriere is one of South Africa’s rare cultivators of pinot noir, and they feature a special pairing menu during the winter months.

In a nation known for its love of meat, Haute Cabriere offers a vegetarian tasting menu that stands on par with its meaty counterpart.

Haute Cabriere; R45, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa

Noble Hill

Several years ago, a family from California purchased Noble Hill and opened Cosecha (stylized with a trendy lowercase 'c'), one of the first restaurants in South Africa to serve upscale Mexican cuisine.

Since then, South Africa has developed a growing love for Latin flavors, and now terms like 'burrito' are no longer met with confusion.

With expertly crafted ceviche and succulent carnitas, Cosecha continues to set the standard.

Pair a fish taco with their crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a relaxed lunch. For families, there’s a jungle gym to keep the kids entertained for a while.

Noble Hill; Klapmuts-Simondium Rd., Simondium, Franschhoek Valley 7670, Republic of South Africa

Spier

A giant in the South African wine industry, Spier is the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time—whether for a day, two, or even three.

And that’s possible because Spier offers a four-star hotel, a spa, a craft market, an impressive collection of contemporary local art, and a rehabilitation center for injured eagles, where guests can interact with the birds.

But the true draw is the chance to experience multiple meals at Eight, a farm-to-table restaurant with a seasonal menu crafted from Spier’s own organic vegetable garden and pasture-raised beef from the farm.

Given the expansive grounds, another option is to request a picnic basket (best to book in advance) and enjoy a leisurely meal of farmhouse cheeses, fresh salad, and freshly baked bread on the lawn.

It’s also a fantastic option for families, as kids can roam freely, much like the chickens.

Spier Wine Farm; R310 Baden Powell Rd, Stellenbosch, 7603, South Africa

Babylonstoren

With its rich history, Babylonstoren exudes the charm of a classic Cape Dutch farm.

The oldest structure on the property dates back to 1690, with the manor house built in 1777.

While the gables and thatched roofs evoke the 17th century, the food at Babel restaurant embodies a contemporary approach to cooking.

The ingredients are freshly harvested from the garden, thoughtfully combined, and prepared with minimal interference. Fruits are often served with their skins intact.

If the weather is favorable, meals are served in the courtyard. Otherwise, the restaurant features a glass-enclosed room that offers the next best thing to dining al fresco.

By day, the Greenhouse serves tea surrounded by exotic plants such as vanilla and dragonfruit.

Babylonstoren; R45, Simondium, 7670, South Africa

Jordan Wine Estate

Jordan represents the pinnacle of modern South African dining.

The restaurant features a minimalist, open design with wooden chairs and white tablecloths in a room lined with windows offering views of the surrounding vineyards.

The menu may seem deceptively simple, featuring dishes like pot roast or smoked fish, but each one is flawlessly prepared.

The yellowtail is smoked in a wine barrel, while the pot roast is made from springbok, elevating game meat to fine dining.

Breads are baked in a wood-fired oven, and there’s a dedicated bakery worth visiting just for the pastries.

At the end of the meal, guests are invited to explore the walk-in artisanal cheese room and create their own cheese plates.

For those who rely on rankings, Jordan consistently earns a spot among the best restaurants in South Africa and the world.

If the experience is too good to leave, Jordan has recently introduced luxurious suites for guests who want to stay on the farm.

Jordan Wine Estate; Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch, 7604, South Africa

Hidden Valley

Starting from humble beginnings just eight years ago, the restaurant at Hidden Valley has grown into one of the country’s most inventive dining spots.

The menu features classic dishes many South Africans recall from their childhood dinner tables: ox tongue, lamb knuckle, and apple tarts.

For international guests, the menu raises questions like, 'Who is Ouma Jossie, and what are her slaaphakskeintjies?' The answers are a beloved grandmother and small pickled onions.

Here, these traditional dishes are reimagined with fresh, seasonal ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a modern twist that incorporates imported flavors like miso.

Even those who typically shy away from trotters leave with a newfound appreciation for the dish.

Overture at Hidden Valley; Annandale Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Clos Malverne

This restaurant has one standout feature that trumps all others: ice cream and wine pairings. Available only in the summer, they’re so popular that reservations fill up quickly.

Toffee, almond, and vanilla ice cream paired with a glass of Chardonnay is reason enough to visit, but the rest of the menu remains a delight year-round.

Hearty dishes with an international flair begin with gorgonzola-stuffed litchi wrapped in smoked ostrich and move on to South Africa’s famous steaks.

This is a cozy, inviting restaurant offering exceptional food and the stunning views the region is renowned for.

Clos Malverne Wine Farm; Devon Valley Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa