1/5 Spier
Best for… eagle encounters & segway adventures
One of the better-known wine farms in South Africa, Spier offers everything a family could want for a great day out. There’s a children’s Grape Juice Tastings so the kids can join in while the adults sample the stronger stuff. It includes three different juices and a fun activity sheet.
Families can eat at the restaurant or choose a less formal option and pre-order their own picnic from the deli.
Once you’re well fed and watered there are plenty of options for some serious fun. Check out the Eagle Encounters to get up close and personal with birds of prey and learn how they keep the farm balanced and healthy.
For an alternative way to explore the vineyard and experience some spectacular views, jump on a Segway. Various tours are available for Children aged 10 and above.
Find out more: spier.co.za
2/5 Middelvlei
Best for… Barbecues and farm animals
Another lovely vineyard that serves up a non-alcoholic tasting for children is Middelvlei. They aim to test your senses by identifying different flavours, textures and tastes.
For lunch, join the Momberg family for one of their famous braais, a traditional South African barbecue which includes spicy sausages, rich meat stews, delicious grilled sandwiches and pumpkin fritters – not to be missed!
Kids can play in the oversized sandpit, feed the farm animals, ride kick bikes, braai their own marshmallows or simply enjoy the vast open space of a working wine farm.
Find out more: middelvlei.co.za
3/5 Delheim Estate
Best for… Family riverside picnics and traditional cape cuisine
Delheim Estate is a beautiful vineyard in Stellenbosch and visitors are welcomed throughout the year to taste wines at leisure. Tasting tours are available and recommended! You’ll sample some incredible wines and explore the grounds of the estate.
Once you’ve finished exploring you can enjoy a tranquil picnic by the river at Delheim. Not only is this a lovely child-friendly spot to enjoy lunch, the picnics are offered with a low-waste approach consisting of natural goodies wrapped in eco-friendly bamboo packaging – thumbs up from us!
Find out more: delheim.com
4/5 Lourensford
Best for… perfect pairings and the Sunday harvest market
Lourensford is the perfect wine estate for a family day out. They offer a fun kiddies pairing of juices, savouries and sweets. It’s restaurant, The Millhouse Kitchen, welcomes children with a specially designed kid-friendly menu.
If you can make a trip to Lourensford on a Sunday then it will definetly be worthwhile – the Lourensford Harvest Market takes place on Sundays and it’s a brilliant day out. You’ll mingle with the locals, fill your shopping basket with fresh local produce and bespoke craft items and try the incredible range of food vendors. There’s live music and lots of space for kids to play – they will even provide the picnic blanket!
Find out more: lourensford.co.za
5/5 Tokara
Best for… olives and art and beautiful views
For a special treat, Tokara’s newly revamped delicatessen is a cool, child-friendly spot for a delicious breakfast or light, season lunch. This modern, arty deli has a trendy play area outside which includes the “bird’s nest” in a large tree that the kids can climb into – kids love it!
The vineyard itself is simply stunning and looked after pristinely and the wine reflects that. Adults can enjoy a few glasses of wine with peace of mind knowing the whole family is happy.