The Western Cape province of South Africa is spoiled for choice when it comes to wine tasting experiences. The world-class wine region has plenty of top-notch farm and vineyards that provide many options for wine lovers. Impeccable estates are dotted throughout the province and there are dozens of wine routes that can be followed – each makes an exceptional day trip from Cape Town. However, with so much to choose from, it’s hard to determine which experience stand out from the rest. If you are looking for a truly unique experience, something completely outside of the ordinary, then you may want to consider heading to one of these superb estates when you find yourself in the Cape Winelands.

Underground Candlelit Wine Tasting at Weltevrede Wine Estate

Weltevrede Wine Estate, located in the Bonnievale valley is a place of pure passion and soul. Established in 1912, this family-owned wine estate offers one of the most unique wine experiences in the country. Guests of Weltevrede can attend a very special candlelit dinner and wine tasting in their 100-year-old underground cellar. Enjoy an intimate and unhurried experience free of distractions from the outside world. During the evening you will get to taste the best that Weltevrede has to offer such as vintage and non-vintage MCCs, dessert wines and ‘muscadels’ which the area is well-known for.  Visitors are entertained by the hosts who are excellent storytellers and will share amusing stories about the history of the estate and philanthropic founder. This truly is a one-of-a-kind experience in the Cape Winelands and a great option for couples or a group of friends wishing to have a jolly night out. Weltevrede means “well-satisfied’ or “to be content” in Afrikaans and that is exactly how you will feel when leaving this estate.

Have Fun Blending Your Own Wine at Excelsior Estate

Excelsior Estate is known for their wide variety of wines but most of all for the views that accompany any wine tasting. Located in the Robertson Valley, Excelsior was established in 1859 and has been producing high-quality varietals ever since. This farm exports about 80% of their wine to over 20 countries and the vineyard adheres to strict policies. These include limited chemical use and hand-picked grapes which ensures the health and quality of the wines. Guests can visit the tasting/wine-blending facility that offers wonderful views of the dam and Langeberg Mountains in the distance. On their stilted wooden deck, visitors get a chance to sample their three signature wines before the blending fun begins. After the initial tasting, visitors can decide on how to combine the three into their own delicious blend. Once blended, the guests can bottle, cork, seal and label their wine before taking it home to enjoy again. Feeling like a winemaker for a day is definitely worth a trip to Excelsior, but so are the magnificent views.

Designer Cupcakes and Wine Pairing at Delheim Estate

True wine lovers know the importance of pairings when sampling high-quality wines. Since there are so many vineyards in the Cape Winelands, some of the estates have had to get creative with their offerings. Delheim Estate is one property that has found a unique pairing that allows them to stand out from others in the region. Situated in the gorgeous University town of Stellenbosh, Delheim Estate provides visitors with an unusual but tasty wine pairing. Their internationally acclaimed wines can be sampled along with gourmet cupcakes. These cupcakes aren’t generic either, but incorporate their varietals such as Chenin blanc and pinotage to perfectly partner with a glass of wine. The cupcakes are changed regularly but some of the designer flavors that can be expected are pomegranate (with pinotage rose), rooibos (with Chenin blanc wild ferment), and pumpkin and vanilla (with pinotage) just to name a few. Visitors are free to sample their wines paired with cupcakes while enjoying a riverside picnic in their gardens.

Timeless Tasting in Historic Locations at Muratie Wine Estate

Muratie Wine Estate is one of the oldest in the area and was founded in 1685. As it dates back to the 17^th century, this estate captures the essence of the rich history of this region. Everything at this farm has historical significance and the wine tasting experience represents this stunningly. This experience is ideal for the history buffs who want to step back in time while savoring delicious wines. Muratie Wine Estate has a number of tasting rooms each with their own unique features and distinct personality. Each historic location seems to have been frozen in time and transports guests back to another era. The cobwebbed Tasting Room comes complete with old paintings and beautiful stained-glass windows for an added effect. The well-maintained old-styled George Paul Canitz room honors this original owner of the farm who was also a celebrated painter in Stellenbosch. Finally, visitors can also have a wine tasting experience in the cellar standing between the old looking wine tanks.

Gourmet Ice-Cream and Wine Pairing at Clos Malverne

Clos Malverne is another wine estate in the Devon Valley of Stellenbosch that offers a wonderfully unique wine pairing. This is the place to be during the summer months as guests can cool off with a refreshing glass of wine and some gourmet ice-cream. Clos Malverne was one of the original wine estates in the Cape Winelands to offer a unique pairing. Their clever combination of world-class wines with unusual flavors of ice-cream attracts plenty of visitors. The ice-cream is made on-site and according to seasonal ingredients, so it changes regularly. Some of the flavors to expect are pineapple, chocolate cookie crumb; coconut meringue, honeycomb, lemon shortbread, and raspberry just to name a few. These are served with the estates Sauvignon Blanc Brut, Chardonnay, Cabernet/Shiraz, and Pinotage Reserve for an exceptionally decadent wine tasting experience.