South Africa’s undervisited wineries worth the journey

There is a new side to South African wine waiting quietly to be discovered.

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When people think of South African wine, their minds often go straight to Stellenbosch’s vineyards and Franschhoek’s elegant tasting rooms. Yet beyond the well-loved Cape routes lies a quieter collection of wineries that are equally rich in character, flavour and innovation. These undervisited estates are redefining the country’s wine landscape, one press at a time.

Abingdon Wine Estate, KwaZulu-Natal

Abingdon Wine Estate was the first certified wine estate in the rolling Midlands hills of KwaZulu-Natal. It remains one of the province’s most exciting discoveries. The vines grow at an elevation of 1 100 metres, where cool air shapes wines that are crisp, layered and elegant. This family-run estate produces small batches of Chardonnay, Syrah and Viognier. Visitors can enjoy an intimate countryside tasting surrounded by trees and open fields. The relaxed rhythm of the estate, combined with its fine wines, makes Abingdon the quiet heart of the KZN wine scene.

Highgate Wine Estate, KwaZulu-Natal

A short drive from Abingdon leads to Highgate Wine Estate, a farm that has reinvented itself beautifully. Once focused on vegetables, it now thrives as a sustainable vineyard. The family transformed the land with care and commitment to the environment. Today, Highgate’s wines reflect the purity of its soil and the patience of its growers. Guests can enjoy a meal made with seasonal produce at the restaurant overlooking the vines. It is peaceful here, yet full of life. The balance between sustainability and hospitality shows how the Midlands can nurture both nature and flavour.

Bezalel Wine and Brandy Estate, Northern Cape

Deep in the Green Kalahari, Bezalel Wine and Brandy Estate adds life to the desert. The vineyards stretch along the Orange River, where the soil is rich and the sunlight intense. This family-owned estate produces handcrafted wines and small-batch brandies with remarkable depth. Tastings take place in shaded gardens surrounded by birdsong and the hum of cicadas. The wines capture the minerality of the soil and the warmth of the region. A visit to Bezalel feels far removed from the usual wine routes. It is a reminder that creativity can flourish even in the most unlikely places.

Klein Goederust Wine Farm, Western Cape

Klein Goederust stands out in Franschhoek for more than its wines. It is one of the valley’s first fully black-owned wine farms and a proud symbol of transformation. Owner Joseph Hendricks restored this historic property with care, reviving both the buildings and the soil. His team replanted the vineyards and brought new life to an old estate. Visitors can enjoy a smooth Merlot or a bright Chenin Blanc while learning the story behind the farm’s revival. It is a place where passion and perseverance blend as perfectly as the wines themselves.

Landzicht Winery, Northern Cape

Landzicht Winery sits in the quiet town of Jacobsdal. Established in the 1990s, it has become one of the Northern Cape’s most respected producers. The vineyards draw life from the Orange River, creating wines with bold character and balanced flavour. Landzicht’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc are local favourites. Visitors often remark on the warmth of the people and the relaxed pace of tastings. Here, wine is not rushed or commercial. It is crafted slowly, with respect for the land and for generations of family farming tradition.

Orange River Cellars Tasting Room, Northern Cape

Along the Orange River lies a collective of small wineries known as Orange River Cellars. Together, they represent one of South Africa’s most distinctive wine regions. The main tasting room introduces visitors to a variety of wines born from this desert landscape. Fruity Chenin Blancs, soft rosés and rich reds reflect the range of the region’s terroir. Cooperative winemaking sustains local farmers and strengthens rural communities. Travellers often stop here on the way to Upington or the Augrabies Falls. It is more than a tasting stop. It is a celebration of resilience and collaboration in one of the country’s toughest environments.

These undervisited estates prove that South Africa’s wine heritage extends far beyond the most popular spots. Travellers who seek authenticity over glamour will find these wineries deeply rewarding. They offer quiet tasting rooms, genuine conversation and unforgettable flavours. In many ways, they represent the next great frontier of South African wine.

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