Spier Wine Farm: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

Richard Foote

Spier Wine Farm: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

This image shows the full Spier wine tasting enjoyed by a woman. By: D Koen

This image shows the vast grounds of the estate and the tasting room on the lawns. By: D Koen

Located on the outskirts of the Stellenbosch wine region, Spier is one of South Africa’s largest wine farms.

It’s also one of the oldest, having been established way back in 1692.

What separates Spier from other wine farms is how much there is to do. Food, culture, art, play and scenic walks are all part of the experience.

Spier’s relaxed, informal atmosphere and range of activities make it a good choice for families or people looking for a full day out.

Read on to find out why!

The Spier Wine Farm Experience

We spent the day at Spier and tried out the wine tasting experience and food.

What to expect

✔️ Informal, relaxed vibe.

✔️ Very child-friendly.

✔️ Something for everyone, including wine lovers, picnickers, foodies, kids and more.

✔️ Miles of scenic walking trails.

We recommend

☕ The Farm Cafe serves the world’s best almond milk latte and brownie.

🌭 Boerewors roll and burgers from Bubbles and Braai.

🍫🍷 Chocolate and wine pairing.

If I had to sum it up…

Spier has something for everyone—adults, children, wine connoisseurs or casual visitors. It somehow manages to be both big and relaxing at the same time.

💡 Visiting Information

Spier Wine Estate is in the wine-producing region of Stellenbosch. The estate is about 31 miles from Cape Town or, if you are staying in Stellenbosch, it’s a short 12-minute drive from the center of town.

Address:

R310 Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (21) 809 1100

info@spier.co.za

Opening times: 

Daily from 9:00 to 17:00

Parking:

Free

Activities:

Book online

Wine tasting:

Book online or ring +27 (021) 809 1147

First Impressions

If you’re a newcomer to Spier then its size can be overwhelming. It is massive—621 hectares—and you might not know where to go first.

While exploring is part of the fun, I recommend going to the website to download a map before you arrive. Alternatively, you can grab one when you arrive.

This image shows the farm map each visitor gets and a cup of coffee purchased on the estate. By: D Koen

You’ll also notice that Spier looks and feels very natural. As we approached the tasting room, we walked past a huge pond surrounded by rocks, trees, and grass. It fits perfectly with the landscape and helps give Spier its relaxing charm.

This images shows the river running through the estate, with the picnic lawns and buildings in the background. By: D Koen

On the day we visited, we headed straight for the tasting room for a session we had pre-booked.

Our wine experience

The best place to start at any wine farm is with wine tasting!

Spier’s open-plan tasting room is lovely and relaxing, and the staff are friendly and welcoming.

This image shows the wine tasting set up that was hosted by the estate's sommelier. By: D Koen

This image shows one of the tables in the tasting room, located in front of the fireplace. By: D Koen

Wine tasting sessions are done on a per-table basis, as opposed to large groups. Each table has a waiter who’ll tell you about the wines. After that, you’ll be left to try them by yourself.

There is no limit to how long you spend on each wine tasting session or how many you do. I recommend putting aside at least two hours per session.

This is great for people who want a relaxed, informal experience. The staff are very knowledgeable and the sommelier is almost always there and available to answer questions.

This image shows the full Spier wine tasting enjoyed by a woman. By: D Koen

Chocolate and wine pairing

Spier has seven wine tasting options to choose from—we’ve listed them in full further down in this article.

We chose the wine and chocolate pairing (R95 or $5.10). These are two of my favorite things, so I had to try this!

Here’s how it works:

1. You’re presented with three bottles of wine from Spier’s 235 Creative Block range. Each is paired with a single, small chocolate.

This image shows the wines on offer at the Spier wine tasting. By: D Koen

  • A 2022 sauvignon blanc semillion (labeled 2), paired with a fruity white chocolate.
  • A 2019 shiraz-mourvedre viognier (labeled 3), paired with a milk chocolate
  • A 2020 cabernet sauvignon (labeled 5), paired with dark chocolate.
  • We also had a 2020 Cap Classique Brut to cleanse our palate between wines.
 

This image shows the chocolate and wine pairing that Spier offers. By: D Koen

2. Begin by taking a bite of the chocolate by itself and noting the taste.

3. Next, take another bite of the chocolate, but this time sip some of the wine with it. You’ll notice that the wine changes the chocolate’s flavor.

4. Have some fun mixing and matching different wines and chocolates. This helps you realise how good the recommended pairings are.

Highlights:

🍷🍫 The Shiraz was my favorite wine. This was paired with chilli chocolate, and the two flavors together were very interesting.

🍷🍫 My favorite chocolate was the white passion fruit flavor. This was paired with the sauvignon blanc. Together they caused a pleasant fizzing sensation in the back of the mouth!

🍷🍫 The dark chocolate had a strong liquorice flavor which I didn’t enjoy. But the cabernet sauvignon toned it down, making it taste good.

This image shows a close-up of the chocolates offered during the wine tasting. By: D Koen

This image shows a woman enjoying the chocolate and wine pairing. By: D Koen

This image shows a selection of the chocolates offered with the wine pairing, alongside a tasting room menu. By: D Koen

My opinion

I have done this tasting twice. Once two or three years ago and again just last month.

I love that they continue to improve and adjust the pairings and flavors. When I did it two years ago, I liked it, BUT they have truly made it exceptional since then!

They have spent a long time working on the different flavors and chocolates to pair with the wines—they’re made specifically for each wine, so they’re paired to perfection!

The whole experience was one burst of flavor after the next! I loved trying to guess the different chocolates and then experiencing their effect on the wines. It was like wine meeting science!

Wine expertise

I was lucky enough to have a one-on-one tasting experience with Spier’s in-house sommelier, Georgio Meletiou.

Georgio was recently voted one of South Africa’s top 8 sommeliers of 2023.

He was super-friendly and shared his knowledge in a digestible way. He made the wine tasting an eye-opening experience!

It’s important to note that this was a one-off. You cannot guarantee that Georgio will be in the wine-tasting room when you visit, and you can’t book a session with him. But if he is around, he is always happy to share his knowledge.

This image shows the sommelier swishing the wine in the glass. By: D Koen

This image shows the sommelier explaining the different wines on offer during the tasting. By: D Koen

This image shows a woman holding a glass of Spier red wine. By: D Koen

This image shows a close-up of the two red wines on offer during the tasting. By: D Koen

Wine Tasting with Kids 🧒👦🏿

Spier’s wine-tasting room has a kiddies’ corner with a mini table and chair, books and blocks to keep little ones busy while parents enjoy their tasting.

Kids can get involved in the tasting. Spier offers grape juice tasting and activity sheets to keep them busy (R50 per person).

I’ve also been told Spier plans to introduce an ‘on-farm’ babysitter soon.

Don’t like the idea of listening to other people’s kids playing? Don’t worry—there are also plenty of spots to sit far away from the kids’ area.

For example, you could enjoy one of the tasting room’s many quiet nooks or go out on the deck overlooking the property’s beautiful landscapes and water features.

Other wine tasting options

Spier has several other wines on offer, and they also have different tastings to choose from.

The main options are:

    • Signature range (R85 $4.62 USD): Spier says that its Signature wines capture their commitment to sustainability and people. The range consists of everyday wines made using eco-conscious practices. It features a selection of white wines—Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc—as well as reds—Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, and a signature blend.
    • 21 Gables (R85 $4.62 USD): According to Spier, this range is an ode to the estate’s architectural heritage. It pays tribute to the 21 gables found on the buildings surrounding the farm. It features a Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinotage.
    • 235 Creative Block: (R85 $4.62 USD)One of Spier’s most award-winning selections, 235 Creative Block is inspired by local arts. The range gets its name from the 2, 3, and 5 vineyard block varietals used to make the three wines. Choose from a Sauvignon Blanc (2) and Sémillon blend, or opt for one of the reds—you’ll have a pick between a spicy Shiraz (3) or complex Cabernet Sauvignon (5).
    • Seaward (R85 $4.62 USD): The Seaward grapes are selected from vineyards across South Africa’s Atlantic coast. Spier says that the cool temperatures and sea breeze create a unique flavor profile that is light and refreshing. The range includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc.
    • Organic wine tasting (R120 $6.58 USD): This focuses on Spier’s Good-Natured organic range which blends the flavors of fynbos with white and red wine grapes. The wines are refreshing and light and suited for drinking in summer. The range consists of two white wines—a Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc—or two reds—a Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
    • A winemaker’s selection of curated flavors (R110 $6.01 USD): This consists of selected wines from across Spier’s ranges, including 21 Gables, Creative Block, and Good Natured.
 

You can also try making your own wine with Spier’s Wine Blending Experience (R300 $16.31 USD).

You’ll learn about the basics of wine-making from a professional sommelier before you have a chance to create your own blend.

🍷Frans K. Smit

One of Spier’s ranges isn’t available for wine tasting but is still worth a mention.

Named after one of Spier’s cellar masters, Frans K. Smit is produced in limited quantities—and this is reflected in the price.

The white blend is a soft and round wine with hints of fig and elderflower flavors. For a heavier wine, the red blend is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Opening Times: Daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (last tasting at 16:00).

Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment—especially in the busy summer months. You need to book at least 48 hours in advance.

Hungry, anyone? What we ate (and what we’ll go back for)

Spier has so many options for food that you might feel overwhelmed. The good news is everything we tried was amazing, so you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.

For a Picnic: The Spier Farm Café (then sit anywhere!)

What’s awesome about Spier is very few areas are ‘off limits’, so finding somewhere to have a picnic can be an adventure.

First, grab your picnic goodies at the Spier Farm Cafe deli, including a bottle of wine. For snacks and drinks, you have two options:

🥪 Build your own picnic: Choose from any of the treats and drinks at the Farm Café. You’ll also need to bring your own blanket, but cutlery can be hired on request.

🥪 Grab a pre-made basket: These are quite popular and are filled with local delicacies, including a savory lunch, some snacks, and dessert. It’s usually enough for two people, and you can also arrange for special dietary requirements to be met. Kids baskets are also available.

We weren’t too hungry after the chocolate and so grabbed a toasted cheese sandwich and a ham and cheese pie.

The toasted cheese sandwich was divine. It was made using farm-style bread with a generous amount of cheese. It took us ages to decide where to sit, so mine went cold—but it still tasted amazing!

The pie was also incredible. It had the perfect amount of filling—no wasted space! They had a few pie flavors and we’d be keen to try more of them.

This image shows the baked goods on sale at the Spier deli. By: D Koen

This image shows the sandwich options available at the deli don't he estate. By: D Koen

This image shows Spier wine sold in a can, which was an innovative product for the estate. By: D Koen

The open lawns right outside the deli are an awesome spot for families to sit and eat, with trees for the kids to climb and interactive gardens to play in! There are also a few tables and benches for those who don’t want to sit on the ground.

This image shows one of the eateries on the farm in front of the picnic lawns that guests can use when they visit. By: D Koen

💕Looking for a Secluded Spot?

We recommend taking a stroll around the pond and finding a spot under the trees or on the giant boulders. Finding our perfect spot took us about 10 minutes, but it was worth the stroll.

The walking trails are wonderful. We recommend heading to the rose and protea gardens and crossing the bridge across the river.

For The Kids

Spier has an elemental play area. It’s divided into four areas representing the elements—water, air, fire, and earth—and is filled with a number of spots to explore.

This natural play area is built within the rocks, with slides, tunnels, and steps.

There are also wind sculptures that produce relaxing sounds and kids can splash around in the water on a hot summer day.

There are tables and chairs overlooking the area for parents to relax while their kids have fun!

I see most kids climbing the giant trees scattered around the estate and exploring all the hidden spots across the farm!

Sip and stroll

One of the best things about Spier is you can enjoy the wine while on the move. I grabbed a can of wine (yes, you read that right—a can!) and went for a stroll around the farm.

This image shows Spier Rose in a can next to one of the baked goods offered at the Deli. By D Koen

There are loads of spots to explore. I was living my best life—can in hand!!!

I really loved walking around the lake and watching all the different types of people enjoying the farm in so many different ways!

💻Need to Get Some Work Done?

Spier is a great location for remote workers. There’s free Wi-Fi and the place is quiet and peaceful, so you’ll be able to focus.

Plus, you can treat yourself to a well-deserved glass of wine when the time comes to log off!

Not Your Average Wine Farm

Wine and food is obviously Spier’s highlight so that’s what we did during our visit.

But there are so many other cool experiences that we didn’t have time to try—but we plan to on our next visit!

For a formal-ish Meal: Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery.

Open Every Day:

Breakfast: 9:00 to 11:00

Lunch: 12:00 to 16:00

Dinner: 18:00 to 21:00 (Thursday – Saturday only)

View menu

Book online

This image shows the menu design of Vadas, one of the restaurant on the estate. By: D Koen

I fell in love with this restaurant. Their philosophy is food should be shared, and they encourage this when you dine there.

With small plates on offer, you get to try everything, which is a real win when everything tastes so good!

I’m a vegetarian and Vadas mostly serves meat-focused dishes. But I was still able to have an amazing dining experience. Whoever thought broccoli could knock your socks off?!

I would also highly recommend their pasteis de nata.

This image shows the string lights used to decorate the outdoor area at the Vadas restaurant. By: D Koen

🍖🥂Bubbles and Braai

Opening Times:

Good weather weekends and public holidays from 12:00 to 16:00.

View menu

This image shows the menu of one of the pop-up eateries on the farm. By: D Koen

A braai is a traditional charcoal barbeque. This is a uniquely South African addition to the farm.

It’s located in a small container just to the right of the deli. It has a wonderful backyard charm, with fairy lights loosely hanging above it.

On Saturdays, this little container opens its doors to offer visitors a braai and bubbles experience! Think food truck, but fancy!

🥑 Not a Meat Eater?

Bubbles and Braai also has a falafel option available for all the veggies—I can confirm it’s delish!!

🚲 Segway tours

Spier offers segway tours of the estate. A guide will take you through the vineyards and teach you about the estate’s regenerative farming practices.

Whenever I see someone glide past on one of these things, they’ve always got a smile on their face!

If you’ve never been on a segway before, don’t worry! Each group gets to practice in the parking lot before heading off.

Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 17:00.

Book: Email spier@segwaytours.co.za or phone (021)-809-1157.

This activity is weather permitting, so it might be closed at short notice.

🦅 Eagle encounters

Spier has been rehabilitating and releasing birds of prey since 2001.

Visitors can meet and hold the birds and watch interactive flying shows and falconry.

There are various experiences hosted each day, from witnessing the handlers train the eagles to going to hunt for lunch with the resident secretary bird.

Opening Times: Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:30 to 17:00.

Entrance fee: Prices start at R75 ($4 USD) for children and R100 ($5.30) for adults.

Book: Visit the Eagle Encounters website or phone (021)-858-1826.

👨‍🌾 Farmer Angus tours

Farmer Angus tours teach visitors about the behind-the-scenes processes at Spier.

Farmer Angus is a real person who is a pioneer in South Africa and is well-known for his organic products and sustainable approach to farming.

You’ll visit the chicken coops, where you’ll feed the birds their breakfast and collect their eggs.

Farmer Angus will also teach you about Spier’s regenerative farming approach and how the estate utilizes it for a more sustainable production process.

Spier’s Growing for Good Initiative

The SA wine industry pioneered the sustainable wine-making movement, and Spier is at the forefront of that movement.

For example, 100% of its wastewater is recycled, and only 3% of its waste goes to landfill.

It aims to put community and sustainability at the heart of everything it does This inspired its Growing for Good Initiative.

This program teaches local communities—primarily made up of farm workers and their families—how to farm sustainably.

In turn, this helps these communities to produce nutrient-rich foods and empowers a new generation of farmers.

Opening Times: Monthly from 10:00 to 11:00.

Book: Email farmerangus@protonmail.com for more information.

🎭 Explore local arts and crafts

The Spier estate’s art collection celebrates South African culture and is displayed in buildings across the farm.

The works are often rotated to ensure that all the artists supported by the estate have a chance to shine.

Spier also hosts an arts and crafts market, where local entrepreneurs display their goods.

You can browse the paintings, wire-frame figurines, and other handmade products as you stroll through the market.

🛁 Visit the spa

Spier Spa is a great place to unwind. The spa is located on a deck that overlooks the river.

It offers a number of treatments, from full-body massages to facials and pedicures.

The spa also has various packages—whether you are looking for something romantic for your partner or want to treat yourself to a self-care day.

Opening Times: Daily from 8:00 to 19:00.

Book: Email thespa@spier.co.za for more information.

🛏️Spier Hotel

Spier has an on-site hotel. This allows you to spend several days there and gives you enough time to experience everything there is to do.

You can even use it as a base to explore the wider Stellenbosch wine region.

Opening Times: Daily from 7:00 to 23:00, depending on which course you want to sit down for.

Book: Email dine@spier.co.za or by phoning (021)-809-1100.

Events and seasonal

Spier has events on throughout the year including gigs, festivals, markets and art shows. It also has seasonal offerings. For example, I went to Spier on Christmas day last year and they had an amazing Christmas-themed picnic basket.

Book: Visit the website’s events page for more information.

📜History

Spier dates back to 1692, making it one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. It was established by the Van der Spuy family before being passed to the Enthovens in 1993.

When the farm’s management changed, Spier transformed from a commercial estate to a wine destination that offers a range of unique experiences.

Over the centuries, the farm has aimed to become a beacon of excellence in winemaking and eco-conscious farming practices.

Read more about Spier’s heritage and legacy on their website.

☕🧃Beyond Wine

Not a drinker? Don’t like wine?

There’s still plenty here for you. Spier has a great selection of non-alcoholic wines, juices, ice teas, coffee, and kombuchas.

The Last Sip

Our day at Spier was amazing, and I’d recommend it to anyone who visits Cape Town—wine lover or not!

I’ve become a regular at Spier because there is so much to explore, and it feels so homely.

Things I’d go back for? The freedom. I love the idea of going to a wine farm and being able to explore it like it’s your own garden.

Sit where you want, go alone, go with friends, family, children… the list is endless. This farm really is for everyone.

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About EpicEscapesSA

EpicEscapesSA was founded by a team of passionate South Africans who want to share all that our beautiful country has to offer.

We pride ourselves on our adventurous and explorative spirit. We want to make your South African journey memorable, offering safe and unforgettable travel experiences.

Join us as we share the wonders of South Africa and create lasting memories.

Spiers Explorer: Megan Haskis

Image of the site explorer.

Megan has lived in Cape Town for 5 years and has dedicated much of her free time to exploring the amazing wine farms in the area.

Favorite Wine:

Red – Shiraz;

White – Chenin Blanc

Ideal Wine Farm Is: 

Relaxed with mountain views

Our Editor: Richard Foote

Image of the Editor

Richard is a UK-based writer and editor. He regularly visits Cape Town to enjoy a glass of wine with colleagues.

Favorite Wine:

Red – Anything from the Duoro Valley in Portugal!

White – Marlborough Sauvignon

Ideal Wine Farm Has:

Knowledgeable and engaging sommeliers.

Here’s an area to maybe place a quote from someone who took the tour or maybe someone that works at one of the wine places. Here’s an area to maybe place a quote from someone who took the tour or maybe someone that works at one of the wine places. Here’s an area to maybe place a quote from someone who took the tour or maybe someone that works at one of the wine places. Here’s an area to maybe place a quote from someone who took the tour or maybe someone that works at one of the wine places. Here’s an area to maybe place a quote from someone who took the tour or maybe someone that works at one of the wine places.

Like the sound of this? Book an experience today.

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