If you’re searching for an unforgettable Cape Town wine tasting experience, Dekkersvlei should be at the top of your list. This vineyard in the Paarl Valley and blends deep Cape heritage with genuine farm-to-glass storytelling,
It’s the home of the world’s first White Pinotage, a pioneering expression that you can taste only here.
Located 45 minutes from Cape Town via the N1, Dekkersvlei is close enough for an easy half-day trip and immersive enough to anchor a full Winelands escape.
Plenty of Cape Town–area wineries offer a beautiful view and a lineup of wines. Dekkersvlei does that and then goes further, focusing on authentic, guided immersion into its vineyards, history, cellar craft, and distinctive terroir beneath the Klein Drakenstein mountains.
A world-first wine you can only taste here: Dekkersvlei’s claim to fame is its White Pinotage, a bold reimagining of South Africa’s signature grape that you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Tasting it at the source, paired with the farm’s stories is a bucket-list moment for wine lovers.
A working farm, not just a tasting room: Instead of a purely commercial bar counter, Dekkersvlei invites you to step into the rhythms of an actual farm: vines, cellar, barrels, and the people behind the wines. The hosted tour makes the craft tangible and memorable.Â
Scenic underground tasting spaces: Select experiences take you down to a cozy, underground tasting room, a mood-setting hideaway ideal for small groups, couples, and private upgrades.
Curated tasting platters (no full restaurant fuss): You’ll find thoughtfully paired cheese, charcuterie, and chocolate boards rather than a full-service restaurant—perfect for complementing the wines without overshadowing them.
The Dekkersvlei name traces back to a farm established in 1693 in this fertile corner of the Western Cape. The broader site’s potential for fine wine came into focus in the late 1990s, and the modern estate identity today celebrates both the old-vine spirit of Paarl and a forward-looking approach to styleÂ
Hello, White Pinotage! Â
The granite-rich soils and slopes under the Klein Drakenstein range contribute structure and freshness, while warm, dry summers ensure ripe, concentrated fruit.
Cape Town is the gateway to the Cape Winelands, with celebrated districts like Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek all within an hour or so by car. Dekkersvlei’s Paarl location makes it a smart first stop before looping through neighboring valleys, or a dedicated destination if you’ve only got half a day.
The experience’s focus on vineyard-to-cellar storytelling and a world-first wine helps anchor your trip with something you simply won’t duplicate elsewhere.
Drive time: ~45 minutes from central Cape Town (traffic-dependent).Â
Tasting room hours: Typically Mon–Sat 11:00–16:00; Sun 11:00–15:00 (confirm before you go)
Experiences: Vineyard walk, guided cellar tasting, 3-wine flight, optional platters, premium barrel/underground upgrades.
Group size: Small groups; private options on request.
Tasting room hours are typically Monday–Saturday 11:00–16:00 and Sunday 11:00–15:00. Always check the latest hours and availability before you travel, especially around holidays and event days.