Stellenbosch · Lower Stellenbosch
Meerlust Estate
Eight generations of the Myburgh family and the iconic Meerlust Rubicon — South Africa's original Bordeaux blend.
About Meerlust Estate
A 300-year-old family estate closer to False Bay, famous for Meerlust Rubicon — the wine that put South African Bordeaux blends on the world map.
Meerlust ('pleasure of the sea') is one of the oldest working farms in South Africa, set on flat lower-Stellenbosch land cooled by False Bay breezes. The whitewashed manor, dovecote and old cellar are national monuments; the wines have been made by the Myburgh family for eight generations.
History
The farm was granted in 1693. Rubicon, first released from the 1980 vintage, was one of the earliest Cape Bordeaux blends and remains a benchmark. Cellar master Chris Williams took over from long-serving Giorgio Dalla Cia in 2004 and has kept the classical, cool-climate house style.
The wine experience
Tastings are seated on the veranda of the old manor, with a view across the vineyards and Table Mountain in the distance. The core tasting covers Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rubicon and Meerlust Red — quiet, unhurried and beautifully priced for the quality.
- Classic tasting
- Guided vertical of Rubicon (by appointment)
Signature wines
- Meerlust Rubicon
- Meerlust Chardonnay
- Meerlust Pinot Noir
- Meerlust Red
Food on the estate
Cheese and charcuterie boards; no full restaurant.
Pros and cons
An honest read from a driver who's been to every farm on this list.
Pros
- Historic Cape Dutch estate — one of the most beautiful properties in the country
- Rubicon is a genuine collector's wine at a fair door price
- Cooler-climate style stands apart from most Stellenbosch reds
- Convenient stop for guests coming from Cape Town International Airport
- Never overrun — retains a calm, working-estate feel
Cons
- No restaurant and limited food offering
- Closed Sundays
- Location is off the main wine route, so harder to combine with the Simonsberg estates
- Vertical tastings must be arranged in advance
Best for
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about visiting Meerlust Estate.
How much does a wine tasting at Meerlust Estate cost?+
Tastings at Meerlust Estate start from R120 per person. Options include Classic tasting, Guided vertical of Rubicon (by appointment). Prices are typically waived or discounted with a bottle purchase — confirm current rates directly with the estate as they change seasonally.
What are Meerlust Estate's opening hours?+
Meerlust Estate is open Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00, Sat 10:00–15:00. Tastings are pre-booked and the last tasting slot usually closes 60–90 minutes before the estate does, so arrive with time to spare.
How far is Meerlust Estate from Cape Town and Stellenbosch?+
Meerlust Estate is roughly 35 minutes by car from central Cape Town and about 15 minutes from Stellenbosch town, traffic depending. The estate is at R310, Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch.
Do I need to book in advance at Meerlust Estate?+
Yes — like most Stellenbosch estates, Meerlust Estate works on pre-booked tastings, especially on weekends and in peak season (November–April). Walk-ins are sometimes possible mid-week but never guaranteed.
Is there food available at Meerlust Estate?+
Cheese and charcuterie boards; no full restaurant.
Can Stellenbosch Shuttles drive me to Meerlust Estate?+
Yes. We run private, all-inclusive day tours to Meerlust Estate and the wider Stellenbosch winelands from Cape Town, Stellenbosch and the Winelands hotels. One flat rate covers the vehicle, driver, fuel and tolls — you taste freely, we drive safely. Request a quote for your dates and group size.
More wine farms in Stellenbosch
Waterford Estate
Mediterranean courtyards, Kevin Arnold Shiraz and a chocolate-and-wine pairing that redefines the category.
Delaire Graff Estate
The most spectacular view on the wine route, a two-restaurant estate and Laurence Graff's private art collection.
Kanonkop Wine Estate
First Growth of the Cape — Paul Sauer Cabernet blend and open-fermenter Pinotage.
Visiting Meerlust Estate? We'll drive.
One flat all-day rate — driver, fuel, tolls and cellar-door bottle collection included.