Enjoy great wines, a Big Five wine safari and a leisurely picnic at the acclaimed Stellenbosch winery founded by the first women in history to chair the Cape Wineland Guild.
As a frequent visitor to the Cape Winelands over the past 15 years, I lost count of how many times I’ve been asked ‘What are the best wine farms to visit’, ‘Where can one have the best wine tasting experiences, ‘Where can you eat well in the Winelands’ and many variations of thereof.
Answering these questions isn’t easy, even for someone well acquainted with the area.
On last count, there are more than 800 wine estates across South Africa’s Cape Winelands. From the Groot Constantia founded in 1685 as the first wine farm at the Cape and several more following suit, to the more recent additions springing up in areas like Elgin Valley, Swartland, and Plettenberg, you will hardly find one that disappoints.
So, the only honest answer I can give is to highlight my favourite wineries. And while my list of ‘favourite’ wine farms is constantly changing while exploring more of them, there are those I will always pay a visit when returning to this amazing part of the world.
I discovered Warwick Wine Estate on my first visit to the Cape Winelands over 15 years ago thanks to the recommendation of a savvy waiter at my hotel who recommended the wine to me at dinner. Long story short, ever since I’ve been back to the farm on nearly every trip to enjoy some leisure time on the lawn, glass of wine in hand.
What to know about Warwick Wine Estate
Nestled at the foot of the dramatic Simonsberg Mountain Range just outside of Stellenbosch, Warwick Wine Estate is surrounded by the lush vineyards that herald the winery’s excellent winemaking heritage.
This is also a place where intriguing history was made. And while you can say this of many of South Africa’s century-old wine farms, Warwick’s story is a more recent but truly amazing one.
The winery was founded by husband-and-wife team Norma and Stan Radcliffe in 1964, with Norma taking the helm of winemaking from the start. Which made her one of South Africa’s first female winemakers. She also was the first women to become a member of the Cape Wineland Guild, and so far, the only women to serve at its chairperson. An achievement that brought her the nickname ‘the first lady’ and resulted in most of the wines made at the estate bearing a ‘Lady’ in their names.
Having founded their winery on the grounds of a fruit farm looking back at nearly 200 years of history, turning the estate into the wine farm the two imagined took a lot of careful work and dedication. Their first wine, La Femme Blue Cabernet Sauvignon, was released twenty years later, in 1984.
The winery later made headlines to bottle the first ever ‘Cape Blend’, won many international wine awards, and Warwick wines featured on various James Bond movies.
After more than five decades, the Radcliffe family ceased ownership of the estate in 2017, selling it to an American investment company. A move that is not without risk, but thankfully the transition to an institutional leadership did not tarnish any of the estate’s commitment and dedication to make outstanding wine, pay close attention to the environment, and provide an outstanding experience to those who come to visit.
Visiting Warwick Wine Estate
Like most of South Africa’s wine farms, Warwick offers more than just wine. If you have ever been to one of the Cape Winelands wineries, you know food is imperative here too. And that is true for Warwick Wine Estate too.
From its popular picnics, various wine tasting options and the unique wine safaris, the estate is the perfect spot if you are looking to spend a couple of hours relaxing, leaving the bustle of the city behind you, celebrate a family get-together, meet with friends, or simply taking in the stunning views of the surroundings.
Wine Tasting and Food Options at Warwick Wine Estate
Wine tastings are available in the dedicated tasting room, the outside tasting deck, or you can book one of the estate’s picnic spots.
There are various tasting options, from tasting two different flights of Warwick’s ‘Lady’ range, a flight of the three conversation wines including the ‘Professor’ wine range and the Three Cape Ladies, or a vertical tasting of four different vintages of the Blue Lady flagship wine. Recently, the winery added a new food and wine pairing option which pairs for of their wines with four Danish pastries.
In addition, you can order a cheese and charcuterie platter, a cheese platter and a vegan platter to be served with the flights of wine.
Love picnics? Then collect your chosen gourmet picnic basket and head to your spot on the lawn or in one of the cozy picnic pods. Or order one of the above platters.
If wine is not enough, and you come hungry but without a prior booking a picnic spot, you’ve got a delicious alternative. At Warwick’s Burger Bar, you have the choice of three delectable burger variations. Though, take in mind, spaces at the dedicated Burger Bar area are on a ‘first-come, first serve’ basis.
Warwick Big Five Wine Safari
If you want to head to the pristine mountain range, feeling the wind in your hair, and admire the views over the Stellenbosch vineyard area, all the while you learn about the farm’s winemaking, all you need to do is hop on the estate’s jeep to join Warwick’s Big Five wine safari.
If you think the denominator is mimicking the Big Five Game safaris, you are right, but there is more to it. Warwick associates each of its flagship grapes with one of the big five, and it’s quite an interesting comparison.
Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape standing for the first wine ever bottled at the estate is related to the lion. It represents the king of the grape varieties and likely the best-known globally.
Meanwhile, big, bold, and earthy Cabernet Franc reflects the elephant. Merlot, the most difficult variety to identify in a blind tasting represents the elusive leopard. While the variety the easiest to distinguish in a blind tasting, Sauvignon Blanc, reflects the rhino. Finally, Pinotage, South Africa’s own flagship variety, reflects the Cape buffalo as it’s a sturdy grape.
The Wines: Warwick Wine Estate Tasting Notes
Warwick Wine Estate is particularly renowned for its excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the latter being its flagship wine. However, the award-winning winery produces a wide range of wines, including white, rosé, red and a MCC sparkling wine.
Below check out my tasting notes of some of the estate’s wines I recently tasted.
Warwick The Blue Lady Cabernet Sauvignon
Recognize the name? Yes, this is the descendent of the very first wine made at Warwick, originally called La Femme Blue. Today, the bottle with the dark blue label is one of the most iconic that you can find across the Cape Winelands.
The wine is characterized by intense aromas of blackcurrant, black cherries, and plums, followed by notes of tobacco and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with silky tannins. It’s a great wine to pair with beef, lamb, or poultry.
Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon
A somewhat lighter version of the Blue Lady, this variety was the first produced in the Lady Range. The wine offers aromas of mulberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry, followed by notes of cigars, toasted barrique, and oak. On the palate, the wine presents itself very balanced, with a very velvety texture. The distinctive fruit acidity makes the wine fresh and lively. Pair it with grilled meat, grilled vegetables, lamb, game, pasta, or pizza.
Warwick The First Lady Sauvignon Blanc
This Sauvignon Blanc offers expressive aromas of gooseberry, papaya, mango, and green grass followed by notes of green pepper, and Mediterranean herbs. Light-bodied with a light texture and lively fruit acidity, the wine presents itself fresh and light with a long finish. It pairs perfectly with seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
Warwick The White Lady Chardonnay
Named white wine of the year by renowned wine critic Platter Wine Guide twice, this is a fresh, fruity white presents itself with aromas of orange blossoms, lime, and lemon zest followed by notes of roasted almonds and oak. On the palate, elegant and creamy with a refreshing acidity and flavours of dried apricots, apples, and vanilla. A long and precise finish ending with a fine mineral citrus note. This wine is a perfect match with rich fishlike salmon and tune, poultry, pork, and vegetarian dishes.
Warwick Three Cape Ladies
The first blend ever made in the Cape Winelands, Three Cape Ladies is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Pinotage. It offers intense aromas of mulberry, cherry, liquorice, leather, and tobacco followed by a deep, spicy scent. Rich and expressive on the palate with intense red fruits, cigar, and dark chocolate on the finish. It’s a perfect match with grilled and red meat, lamb, game, and hard cheeses.
Warwick Estate Trilogy
This unique Bordeaux-style blend was first created nearly 40 years ago. Comprised of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a small addition of Merlot, Warwick Trilogy offers aromas of blackcurrants, raspberries, and plums followed by hints of vanilla, mint, and chocolate. Matured for two years in French oak, the wine boasts a velvety elegance and perfect harmony. Round and pleasant, with a strong tannin structure and flavours of dark barriers and fine wood notes. This is a great wine paired with veal, game, and hard cheeses.
Final Thoughts about Warwick Wine Estate
Imagine yourself sitting in a posh picnic spot overlooking the stunning backdrop of the Simonsberg Mountain Range all the while sipping on a glass of delicious crisp white or juicy red wine.
If that picture resonates with you, Warwick Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa is the place you should not miss when visiting South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Personally, the winery remains one of my favourite local wine farms and it is always a pleasure to revisit this beautiful estate.
Warwick ships to various destinations globally, so if you do not have the opportunity to visit the winery in person, it’s worth seeking out some of its wines at home.
Carrots and Tigers 