Stellenbosch · Simonsberg, Stellenbosch
Warwick Wine Estate
Family-friendly Simonsberg estate with picnics, kids' play areas and the Trilogy Bordeaux blend.
About Warwick Wine Estate
One of the most family-friendly wine farms in the Cape — famous for its outdoor picnics, a Big 5 tasting and the flagship Trilogy Cabernet blend.
Warwick sits at the foot of the Simonsberg on the R44, just north of Stellenbosch. The estate has built a national reputation for combining serious red wines with a genuine welcome for families — safaris for the kids, big lawns, playgrounds and picnic hampers.
History
Bought by the Ratcliffe family in 1964, Warwick was one of the first Cape estates to be led by a female winemaker (Norma Ratcliffe) and one of the first to plant Cabernet Franc in South Africa. The estate now sits under the international Vinimark group but retains the family-hospitality feel.
The wine experience
Options range from the classic seated tasting to Big 5 (a five-flight comparison), Cape Winemaker's Guild flights, safari-style vineyard tours in an open Land Rover, and outdoor picnics on the lawns.
- Classic tasting
- Big 5 tasting
- Safari tour
- Outdoor picnic
Signature wines
- Warwick Trilogy (Bordeaux blend)
- Cabernet Franc
- The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon
- Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc
Food on the estate
Warwick Kitchen à la carte lunch, picnic hampers, wood-fired pizza on weekends.
Pros and cons
An honest read from a driver who's been to every farm on this list.
Pros
- One of the most genuinely family-friendly estates in the Cape
- Picnic hampers on the lawn are a beloved summer tradition
- Safari vineyard tour is fun even for non-wine drinkers
- Wide wine range — something for every palate and budget
- Located right next to Kanonkop and Muratie for easy pairing
Cons
- Very busy on summer weekends — book everything ahead
- The family focus means it can feel noisy for serious tasters
- Picnic season effectively runs October to April only
- The Kitchen restaurant is casual, not fine dining
Best for
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about visiting Warwick Wine Estate.
How much does a wine tasting at Warwick Wine Estate cost?+
Tastings at Warwick Wine Estate start from R130 per person. Options include Classic tasting, Big 5 tasting, Safari tour, Outdoor picnic. Prices are typically waived or discounted with a bottle purchase — confirm current rates directly with the estate as they change seasonally.
What are Warwick Wine Estate's opening hours?+
Warwick Wine 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 Warwick Wine Estate from Cape Town and Stellenbosch?+
Warwick Wine Estate is roughly 50 minutes by car from central Cape Town and about 15 minutes from Stellenbosch town, traffic depending. The estate is at R44 between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts.
Do I need to book in advance at Warwick Wine Estate?+
Yes — like most Stellenbosch estates, Warwick Wine 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 Warwick Wine Estate?+
Warwick Kitchen à la carte lunch, picnic hampers, wood-fired pizza on weekends.
Can Stellenbosch Shuttles drive me to Warwick Wine Estate?+
Yes. We run private, all-inclusive day tours to Warwick Wine 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 Warwick Wine Estate? We'll drive.
One flat all-day rate — driver, fuel, tolls and cellar-door bottle collection included.