Stellenbosch Winelands Family Adventures with WineTots: Revisiting some of our Favourite Wine Farms

Hilary - The Winemom
11 hours ago
6 min read

This summer, we hopped onto one of our all-time favourite wine routes, and one of the very first regions we explored with our kids leading to the birth of WineTots almost 15 years ago - Stellenbosch!

Collage of Stellenbosch Winelands: vineyard, mountain, winery, pizza with wine, and sparkling wine bottle. Text: Stellenbosch Winelands, Summer 2026.

From relaxed tastings of phenomenal Stellenbosch vintages and long lunches on spacious lawns, to playgrounds and sunset vineyard views, this summer journey was a joyful mix of nostalgia and discovery as we revisited some of our most beloved wineries in the stunning Stellenbosch Winelands.

Dornier

This family-owned winery is set at the foot of Stellenbosch Mountain in the upper Blaauwklippen Valley and remains a quietly elegant estate with panoramic views and some of the best wines in the region.

Their new tasting room, now on the veranda of their old Bodega building, is the perfect spot to take in the gorgeous views of the towering mountain and surrounding vineyards while sampling a thoughtfully curated selection of wines (Classic Wine Tasting – 5 wines @R100pp, Estate Wine Tasting – 6 wines @R140pp, Premium Wine Tasting – 5 wines @R180pp).

Red wine with pizza and a burger at an outdoor restaurant. White building reads "bodega". Green plants in the foreground.

We opted for a Premium Dornier wine tasting paired with tasty flammkuchens and juicy burgers, soaking up the views and flavours.

Dornier Wines collage: scenic view with mountains, a wine menu, and glasses on a table next to a plant; relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Previously one of our all-time favourite family-friendly wineries, Dornier has undergone a few changes and no longer has it's old pirate jungle gym. They have, however, just reopened their fabulous wine porch to visitors this summer, so continue to be a wonderful option for couples, friends or family looking for a refined, relaxed Stellenbosch experience.

Eikendal

Eikendal instantly feels welcoming, with its iconic barrel-vaulted cellar, towering fountain, a big sparkling dam and large green lawns for kids (and dogs) to play on.

Embark on a wine tasting journey – choose from their Express Wine Tasting (3 wines @R100pp), Classic Wine Tasting (5 wines @R150pp), and Vertical Wine Tasting @R200pp. For a flavour explosion, try their delectable Cheesecake & Wine pairing, a heavenly blend of rich cheesecake and fine wines @R250pp (bookings are essential). Involve the little ones in the fun with their Kiddies Tasting @R100 per set (includes a glass of strawberry milk with cookies and a fun decorating kit for the tots to unleash their imagination).

Patrons dine under large umbrellas near trees at Eikendal Vineyards. Kids play by a playground. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.

While the adults enjoy their wines or a leisurely lunch at the unforgettable, consistent Cucina di Giovanni, the Italian-meets-South-African onsite restaurant, kids are happily occupied at the shaded playground nearby - complete with swings, slides, a sandpit and space to roam. Always a favourite for the family!

Wine tasting room with wood shelves displaying bottles. Sunflowers in a vase. Papers on a counter. "Tasting Room @Eikendal" sign above.

Don’t miss out on the weekend Tractor Rides through the vineyards – a must-do if you have little ones. For more information or bookings contact info@winetractor.co.za or 067 146 7390 (https://winetractor.co.za/).

Kleine Zalze

Nestled in the centre of the lush greens of Kleine Zalze golf estate, this relaxed spot caters to a wide range of wine lovers, with an impressively varied tasting offering from accessible, easy-drinking Cellar Selection wines to their more serious & fabulous Family Reserve (their flagship wines) and Cap Classique options - perfect whether you’re popping in for a casual sip or settling in for a longer tasting.

Wine tasting setup with bottles and glasses on a patio table, lush greenery overhead. Price list paper with notes visible. Cozy, inviting setting.

Tasting prices range from R90-R195pp, depending on your tasting of choice. Feeling peckish? Tuck into one of their Platters to Share (all platters are served with homemade bread, freshly baked each morning) – choose between their Snack Platter @R250, Cheese Platter @R295, Charcuterie Platter @R250, or Cheese & Charcuterie Platter @R350.

We dined at the De Zalze golf club with our friends on a balmy summer eve

Their onsite restaurant, now under the guide of chef Nic van Wyk, offers a regularly changing yet timeless menu designed to suit a variety of appetites. Whether you’re sharing small plates, enjoying a light lunch or indulging in a full meal, the focus is on honest, generous food paired with wines that shine.

Man holding wine bottles under vine canopy, table with glasses and paper. Beside, scenic mountain view with houses and trees, labeled Kleine Zalze Wines.

Outdoor terrace seating makes this an especially appealing summer stop, where long lunches easily stretch into lazy afternoons. Their Taste, Explore, Relax offers a selection of new dishes (and you get the choice of what portion size you'd like!) ranging from tapas to traditional main courses. Round off the perfect meal with one of their delicious desserts.

Spier

Spier remains one of our all-time favourite family-friendly wine farms - a place where every visit reveals something new. Established in 1692, one of SA's oldest farms, and now proudly organic, it offers something for absolutely everyone. We recently returned for my daughter’s 12^th birthday, where the youngsters delighted in a sparkling grape juice tasting while the adults sipped on premium Spier wines.

Wine tasting at Spier; glasses filled with red and white drinks, colorful art, cozy interior, bread on table. Text: Sparkling grape juice tasting.

Spier seamlessly blends wine, food, art and nature. From picnics beneath ancient oaks to riverside lounging & boulder hopping, farm-to-table dining and self-guided walks through vineyards, gardens and art installations, it’s easy to spend an entire day (every season) here without feeling rushed. Add in nature playgrounds, seasonal events, live performances and multiple dining options, and Spier truly delivers a full Winelands experience for all ages.

Wine tasting collage: Left shows a white building with "Wine Tasting" sign. Middle has a hand holding a wine glass. Right displays three wine bottles.

They have a vast collection of wine ranges from traditional reds, whites, rosés and cap classiques (MCC) to canned wine, premium bag-in-box wines, and sparking grape juice… there’s truly something for everyone! We had the pleasure of tasting a selection of their incredible, top tier award-winning wines (Winemaker Selection @R110pp) from various ranges.

Stellenbosch Reserve

One of the newer additions to our summer route was Stellenbosch Reserve, now operating from the former Haskell/Dombeya space (also a previous Top 20 family-friendly Stellies vineyard). What a wonderful night of celebration at an old favourite under new ownership with good-old friends – experience the same stunning views with a fresh perspective and fabulous wine, food & service!

A person holds a wine bottle at a dining table. A glass of red wine is next to the Stellenbosch bottle. A wine menu lists various wines.

Their seven-wine range reflects the diversity of Stellenbosch’s vineyards, offering expressive, approachable wines from crisp Chardonnays to bold Cabernet Sauvignons. We had the privilege of sharing their 2025 Donkiesbaai Steen (a medium-bodied Chenin Blanc with a lively acidity and undertones of fruit) and the 2023 Stellenbosch Reserve Vanderstel (a complex deep ruby-coloured Bordeaux-style blend with notes of cassis, blueberry, tobacco leaf and mocha).

Burger, wine bottle, and a menu are on a restaurant table. A plated meal with vegetables and sauce is served beside drinks and rolls. Warm lighting.

We feasted leisurely on a perfect summer's eve at their onsite restaurant, built around a wood-fired oven and rotisserie, serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a distinctly South African soul.

Vriesenhof

Tucked away in the Paradyskloof Valley, Vriesenhof is the perfect setting for a Stellies vineyard stroll. This traditional wine farm focuses on perfecting classic varietals, with a particular passion for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

So wonderful to be back strolling through the vines of Vriesenhof with the Stellenbosch mountains towering above one.

Their wine range caters to every palate – crisp refreshing whites, robust full-bodied reds, and a delightful Rosé. With more red than white varietals, Vriesenhof is known for their passion for Bordeaux, seen in their Kallista red blend.

Their recently restored restaurant, Die Stoep, brings new life to the historic manor house. With sweeping views and a warm, rustic atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes, wood-fired pizzas and open-flame grilled meats and fish. Vriesenhof is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more intimate Stellenbosch experience that still delivers on flavour and charm.

A Summer Well Spent

Returning to Stellenbosch was the perfect way to ease into the year - familiar yet fresh, relaxed yet inspiring. Whether you’re travelling with your own tots (or older kids), planning a couples’ getaway or gathering friends for a summer escape, the Stellenbosch Winelands continue to offer something for everyone.

Sunny park triptych: Left, vineyard under blue sky; center, wooden toys by a pond; right, two girls with backpacks walking on a path. — A birthday stroll through Spier Wine Estate

*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication, February 2026. See websites below for up-to-date info!

Contact Me – Hilary - at hello@winetots.com for more details on your favourite spots to visit & to book a personalised tour of your own – behind the scenic routes of the Cape Winelands & beyond!

Please register on www.winetots.com to stay up to date with new discoveries and ideas for Wineland & Eco Adventures in South Africa and beyond!

Click here to check out our previous blog “Beaches, Forests & Birthday Celebrations in NSW, Australia”!