We, the WineTots, recently relocated to Plett – new views, new people, and, of course, new wine farms to visit! With a balance of charming family-owned boutique vineyards and modern, rustic wine estates, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication. See individual winery websites for up-to-date info!
Read on as we reveal our favourite family-friendly spots in the pristine Plett Winelands, from warm, toasty fires to magnificent mountain views & tantalizing wines that tingle the tastebuds!
Bramon Wine Estate
A delightful family-owned boutique vineyard with captivating views over the Tsitsikamma Mountains (and the occasional elephant). By pioneering vineyards in the Plett region, they’ve brought an abundance of new vineyards to the area, paving the way for a new “Sparkling Wine Route”.
Bask in the sun while enjoying a delicious family picnic under the shade, or feast on their fresh tapas-styled dishes prepared for the entire family – either way you won’t want to miss out! Expect food that is fresh, flavourful, and absolutely divine.
Their tasting room is always vibing with customers and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with a glass of their award-winning wines paired with one of their cheese boards. Pop down to their tasting room for frequent, awesome discounts & savings on their wines!
Newstead Wines
Another Plett must see - Newstead Wines. A crowd-pleaser for all, with lively summer solstice parties, Saturday artisan markets, pleasant picnics in the vineyards, and exceptional wine tasting experiences!
Their tasting room is warm, welcoming & intimate – you’ll never want to leave! Newstead doesn’t have standard menus, they simply serve fresh, delicious dishes inspired by the moment using locally sourced ingredients (sometimes from their own garden!).
Recently opened is the much-anticipated Bubble Bar, serving bubbles, craft beer, signature cocktails & gins infused with herbs & spices – a must-visit! Also new is the tasty, fresh home bakes & preserves (found in their tasting room).
Looking to enjoy the simple things in life? Stay in one of Newstead’s private self-catering guest accommodation suites where you can sip on a strong morning coffee overlooking the vineyards or cosy up and read a good book next to the roaring fire.
Kay & Monty Vineyards
Kay and Monty is an enchanting experience for kids and adults alike, with wine tastings being offered in their tasting room restaurant – an old greenhouse at the foothills of the mountains with a modern feel & rustic charm.
On chilly winter days you can keep warm in the comfort of their fireplaces making for a cosy social affair, so bring friends & family (the giant wooden Jenga is bound to keep the tots entertained!). If you’re looking to grab some lunch, they also offer picnics which include a blanket & small umbrella (kids’ packs are also available!). Picnics include their delectable dark chocolate tart and crisp MCC Champu – an absolute treat.
Wind down, leave the stresses of life behind and spend the weekend at this idyllic estate. With views of rolling hills, majestic horses, and striking lilies, it’s the perfect country getaway!
Luka Vineyards
Luka Vineyards, a slice of paradise, serves tastings and delectable food with views over to the Knysna Elephant Park, making elephant & zebra sightings a regular occurrence. They’re a charming child-(and dog-)friendly venue with a little play area alongside the lawn with a jungle gym for the tots to clamber on.
Indulge in their gourmet picnic baskets or start your day with a hearty breakfast of delicious locally sourced baked goods & pastries in their tranquil gardens overlooking the vineyards & dam.
Choose from 2 unique picnic boxes (both serve 2 @R650)– the Lighthouse Picnic Box (featuring roasted chickpea grape salad, baby potato & smoky bacon salad & chocolate mousse with Amarula chantilly cream to top it off… yum!) & the Karibu Picnic Box (with peri-peri chicken, roasted sweet potato & pecan salad with bacon, rocket and parmesan, & a sensational lime and ginger cheesecake). Kids Picnic Boxes are also available for only R165pp!
Besides their own wine, Luka also offers a range of other local wines, bubbly, beer, and gin – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Feeling hungry? Take advantage of their weekly lunch specials with awesome deals like their soup of the day for only R55 or buy a pizza & receive a free margarita! Check out their insta for more info.
Plettenvale Wines
If you are looking for an intimate private tasting overlooking the hills, valleys, and vineyards of Plett, Plettenvale Wines is the place to visit. Broadly MCC & Rosé, this family-owned boutique estate produces only 10 000 bottles of wine each year – a true reflection of their quality and dedication!
Stunning wines that are hand crafted with careful attention to detail, producing vintages of excellent quality.
Their main focus is on their award winning Brut Rosé MCC - fashioned in the French tradition from Pinot Noir & Chardonnay grapes.
They more recently expanded their range of wines to include a Pinot Noir/ Syrah blend, an unwooded Chardonnay and a Syrah (as well as their gorgeous Dry Rosé).
This family-run estate provides a personal and transparent wine making experience to visitors during their winery and cellar tour (booking is essential). Plettenvale also offers cheese/chocolate & wine pairings, so be sure to book and make a day of it!
Lodestone
This exquisite modern wine farm sits in the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, surrounded by olive orchards & fynbos… a nature-lover’s dream. Idyllic, unspoilt views of vineyards, a large lily-covered pond and expansive green gardens for tots to play on – heaven!
Lodestone possesses the only olive press in the greater Plett area, producing their own homegrown olive oils and pressing olives for other local producers. They also grow and sell honey bush tea & king proteas – absolutely stunning!
Their wine range includes a dry Rosé, a red blend “The Jimdog” (named for the Tonkin’s border terrier), and a Sauv Blanc Semillon blend - a first in the Plett region. Their newest venture is a limited release brut rosé bubbly made from Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, named Stonechat – a must-try!
Lodestone’s wine tasting room, overlooking the dam & vineyards, is modern yet welcoming with a contemporary kitchen serving meals suited to the season using locally sourced ingredients (even produce from their own garden!).
Please note: Unfortunately their tasting room & restaurant are currently closed, but you can still order their wines & olive oils online. Please support them!
Packwood
Most recently ticked off our To-Taste list, this rustic down-to-earth winery offers an authentic countryside wine tasting experience with fresh, homegrown produce and enchanting views of the Harkerville Forests between Plett & Knysna.
See more on our latest adventure at Packwood here!
“Say Cheese!”!
Bitou Vineyards
And the latest addition to the Plett Winelands - Bitou Vineyards. This gorgeous estate, situated along the Bitou river bordering Plett, opened to the public this April 2022!
It is quickly becoming a local favourite with delectable dishes for diverse palates and family-friendly fun to make for one awesome day!
Want to read more about our family fun-filled day? Click here where we review our adventures at Bitou Vineyards!
Visit all these special spots with us and you’ll find further hidden gems along the way.
Contact Me – Hilary - at hello@winetots.com for more details on your favourite spots & 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 adventures.
Read about our decade-long journey here!
Important info:
Bramon:
www.bramonwines.com ; therestaurant@bramonwines.com ; 044 534 8007
Trading Hours: daily 11am – 5pm (closed 25 Dec)
Newstead:
www.newsteadwines.com ; info@newsteadwines.com ; 076 300 9740
Trading Hours: Wed – Sun 11am – 4pm
Kay and Monty:
www.kayandmonty.com ; hello@kayandmonty.com ; 044 534 8387
Trading Hours: Tue – Sun 11am – 4pm
Luka:
www.lukavineyards.co.za ; laura@lukavineyards.co.za ; 076 575 4768
Trading Hours: Tue - Fri 9am - 4pm, Sat 9:30am - 4pm, Sun 9:30am - 3pm
(Closed Mon ; tasting by appointment only)
Plettenvale:
www.plettenvalewines.co.za ; info@plettenvalewines.co.za ; 082 322 0765
Trading Hours: Saturdays 10am – 1pm
(All other times by appointment)
Lodestone:
https://www.lodestonewines.co.za
Packwood:
www.packwood.co.za ; info@packwood.co.za ; 078 244 9400 / 083 999 9521
Trading Hours: Tue – Fri 10am – 4:30pm, Sat & public holidays 10am – 3pm
Bitou:
https://www.bitouvineyards.co.za/ ; 044 004 0369
Trading Hours: Tue – Sun 11am – 6pm