Somerset West sits at the southern tip of the Stellenbosch wine region, on the slopes of the Helderberg. The estates here benefit from cooling breezes off False Bay, and they're far quieter than the big names around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Most are 15 to 20 minutes' drive from Green Gables, so you can be tasting by mid-morning and back on the beach by late afternoon.
This is our short list. Several of these estates have their own guides on this site with more detail.
Vergelegen
Founded in 1700, Vergelegen is one of the oldest and most beautiful estates in the Cape. Come for the eighteen gardens, the camphor trees and the historic homestead as much as the wine. There's a restaurant and picnics on the lawns in summer.
Lourensford
A huge estate of vineyards, orchards and fynbos at the top of Somerset West, with tastings every day and a market on Fridays and Sundays. It's the easiest choice for families, with space to run around and plenty to eat.
Waterkloof
On the slopes of the Schapenberg, off Sir Lowry's Pass Road. The restaurant sits in a glass building above the vineyards, with views over False Bay. The tasting room is open daily, and cellar tours are by appointment.
Idiom
Italian and South African cooking on a mountainside terrace, with the whole Helderberg basin and False Bay below. It has one of the best restaurant views in the area.
Morgenster
Known for its olive oils as well as its wines, Morgenster is off Lourensford Road, next door to Vergelegen. Its olive oil tastings are a good alternative if not everyone in your group drinks wine.
Avontuur
On the R44 between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, Avontuur is a wine farm and thoroughbred stud with a restaurant, so it's an easy stop on the way to Stellenbosch.
Vergenoegd Löw
Near Faure, about 20 minutes from Green Gables. Time your lunch at Geuwels with the daily parade of Indian Runner ducks as they march out to work in the vineyards. Children love it.
More on the Somerset West wine route
Other names worth knowing on the Helderberg include Journey's End, Flagstone, Post House and Longridge. Check opening times before you go, as some smaller cellars are by appointment only.
Tips for a day of tastings
Book lunch ahead on weekends and in summer. Choose a designated driver, or book a driver or tour; South Africa's drink-driving limit is strict. Two or three estates in a day is plenty: Vergelegen, Morgenster and Lourensford are all on or just off the same road, so they pair easily.
