Stellenbosch · Polkadraai, Stellenbosch
Neethlingshof Estate
Historic pin-oak avenue, family-friendly picnics and outstanding Noble Late Harvest.
About Neethlingshof Estate
A 330-year-old estate on the Polkadraai Hills with a famous pin-oak driveway, family picnic offering and one of the Cape's finest sweet wines.
Neethlingshof is best known for its dramatic 400-metre pin-oak driveway and its sweeping views across the Polkadraai Hills back to Cape Town. The wines are consistently well-priced and the estate is genuinely welcoming to families.
History
Farmed since 1692, the modern chapter began under German owner Hans-Joachim Schreiber in the 1980s, who replanted the vineyards and built the current tasting room and restaurant.
The wine experience
Options include a standard tasting, the excellent Wine & Chocolate pairing, and a Noble Late Harvest flight. Family picnics on the lawn run in summer.
- Standard tasting
- Wine & chocolate pairing
- Family picnic
Signature wines
- Maria (Bordeaux blend)
- The Owl Post Pinotage
- Noble Late Harvest Weisser Riesling
- Short Story Collection
Food on the estate
The Palm Terrace restaurant plus summer picnic hampers.
Pros and cons
An honest read from a driver who's been to every farm on this list.
Pros
- One of the best-value tasting experiences in Stellenbosch
- The pin-oak avenue is a genuine bucket-list photo
- Excellent Noble Late Harvest for dessert-wine fans
- Family-friendly with a proper picnic and playground offering
- Great view back over Cape Town from the tasting deck
Cons
- Wine range is very broad — some entry-level labels are unremarkable
- Restaurant can be slow when busy
- Feels commercial versus the smaller boutique estates
- Windy in summer — the Polkadraai catches the south-easter
Best for
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about visiting Neethlingshof Estate.
How much does a wine tasting at Neethlingshof Estate cost?+
Tastings at Neethlingshof Estate start from R90 per person. Options include Standard tasting, Wine & chocolate pairing, Family picnic. Prices are typically waived or discounted with a bottle purchase — confirm current rates directly with the estate as they change seasonally.
What are Neethlingshof Estate's opening hours?+
Neethlingshof Estate is open Mon–Sun 09:00–17:00. 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 Neethlingshof Estate from Cape Town and Stellenbosch?+
Neethlingshof Estate is roughly 45 minutes by car from central Cape Town and about 12 minutes from Stellenbosch town, traffic depending. The estate is at Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch.
Do I need to book in advance at Neethlingshof Estate?+
Yes — like most Stellenbosch estates, Neethlingshof 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 Neethlingshof Estate?+
The Palm Terrace restaurant plus summer picnic hampers.
Can Stellenbosch Shuttles drive me to Neethlingshof Estate?+
Yes. We run private, all-inclusive day tours to Neethlingshof 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 Neethlingshof Estate? We'll drive.
One flat all-day rate — driver, fuel, tolls and cellar-door bottle collection included.