Ernie Els Wines
Stellenbosch wine estate blending world-class wines with stunning views and a unique golf-themed tasting experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More relaxed atmosphere
Ernie Els Wines
Best Time
More relaxed atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stellenbosch wine estate blending world-class wines with stunning views and a unique golf-themed tasting experience.
"A perfect dining experience with breathtaking views and exceptional service."
🎯 Book Restaurant in Advance
This spot is popular! Secure your dining table well in advance, especially for weekends.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! They offer water bowls and a welcoming atmosphere for dogs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chipping Green Challenge
Outdoor area
Test your golf skills! Sink a chip shot and you might win a bottle of Ernie Els wine. A fun, unique twist on wine tasting.
Stellenbosch Valley Views
Restaurant and tasting room
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Helderberg Mountain and Stellenbosch valley. Perfect for a leisurely lunch or tasting.
Exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine tasting
Experience the award-winning wines, particularly the bold and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted by esteemed winemaker Louis Strydom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Dining
Pet-Friendly Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Restaurant in Advance
This spot is popular! Secure your dining table well in advance, especially for weekends.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! They offer water bowls and a welcoming atmosphere for dogs.
⛳ Golf Chip Challenge
Try your luck at the chipping green for a chance to win a bottle of wine!
🍷 Wine Tasting Experience
Enjoy a selection of their wines, including the highly-rated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Restaurant in Advance
This spot is popular! Secure your dining table well in advance, especially for weekends.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! They offer water bowls and a welcoming atmosphere for dogs.
⛳ Golf Chip Challenge
Try your luck at the chipping green for a chance to win a bottle of wine!
🍷 Wine Tasting Experience
Enjoy a selection of their wines, including the highly-rated Cabernet Sauvignon.
🍔 Small Plates Available
No reservation? Enjoy burgers and small plates in the tasting area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views, exceptional service, and unique atmosphere at Ernie Els Wines. The pet-friendly policy and the fun chipping green add to its appeal. While the food is generally praised as good and satisfying, some reviewers note it's not quite Michelin-star level, though still highly enjoyable for a leisurely lunch.
"This is an intimate restaurant that’s almost always fully booked. We were treated to a LONG, lazy lunch from 12h00 to 16h00. It didn’t seem as though any table had more than one sitting and our waitress never rushed us and took the time to engage us in warm conversation – about the wines, the food, her own journey, and Ernie Els (of course). It was genuinely refreshing to enjoy not just the meal, but the company of our waitress too!
Each dish was homely, flavourful, and satisfying. I honestly cannot fault the restaurant or chef on a single thing – it was a perfect dining experience.
Our table of four enjoyed both starter options: the pork belly croquette served in a brown lentil soup/sauce, and the hanger steak salad. For mains, we had the beef pitivier (pie) and the aubergine masala.
I had actually tried to book a table here back in December, but there wasn’t a single opening for the entire month and into January. Fortunately, our waitress let me know that their wine tasting section doesn’t require reservations, and you can order small plates from the restaurant there. One of those small plates must be a burger as we saw countless orders leave the kitchen while we sat enjoying our meal!"
Lee-Anne Curtis-Cox
"Breathtaking views, aesthetics and great service. We went on a Sunday to enjoy the winter special and the they did not disappoint. What a lovely touch the welcome drink is, with their very tasty rose. Everything about this wine farm is lovely and cozy. The weather was gloomy but the views still spectacular. I can’t wait to be back on a sunny day and do the full wine tasting."
Kearabetswe Rabolele
"I have reviewed many restaurants, always with the responsibility that it is not about any interests, but about the reality of the cuisine. In this sense, the location of Ernie Else Winery cannot be beaten. Architecturally, too, this place is a treat. The view of nature, a high-energy view.
But the food is "just" average, very good food. There is no question of world class or Michelin level here. It's good and without a doubt, but to be honest, I'd rather be one level lower at Guardian's Peak for all the inside. If you talk about stars here, I'd give it 4.5 out of a total of five. Reason enough to visit again and again, but not to speak of a one-off meal. Perhaps it will be better next season."
Kael
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ernie Els Wines is located in Stellenbosch. The easiest way to get there from Cape Town is by car, which takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. You can also arrange for a taxi or ride-sharing service. Many wine tours also include Ernie Els Wines as a stop on their Stellenbosch route.
Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors at Ernie Els Wines. You should have no trouble finding a spot upon arrival.
Absolutely! Ernie Els Wines is a popular stop on many Stellenbosch wine tours. This is a convenient way to visit multiple estates without worrying about transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated in the tasting area, it's highly recommended to book your wine tasting in advance, especially during peak season or on weekends, to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on their operating hours for both the restaurant and tasting room.
There isn't typically an entrance fee to visit the estate, but there are charges for wine tastings and dining. The cost of a wine tasting varies depending on the selection.
Yes, Ernie Els Wines is a pet-friendly estate! They welcome dogs and even provide water bowls for them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, reservations are essential for the restaurant as it's an intimate space that is often fully booked. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially for lunch or dinner.
The restaurant offers homely, flavorful, and satisfying dishes. Popular choices include the beef pitivier, aubergine masala, pork belly croquettes, and a highly-praised sirloin steak.
If you don't have a reservation for the restaurant, you can still enjoy the wine tasting section where they offer small plates, including a popular burger.
While specific menus can change, the restaurant aims to provide flavorful dishes. It's always a good idea to inform the staff of any dietary requirements when booking or upon arrival. The aubergine masala is a notable dish.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of the Stellenbosch valley and Helderberg Mountain are spectacular for photos. The winery's architecture, including the granite boulders and wooden doors, also makes for great shots.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos during your wine tasting experience. Capture the beautiful setting and your wine glasses to remember your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents can enjoy the beautiful views and wine tasting while children can be entertained by the open spaces. It's advisable to book restaurant tables in advance, and if a full meal isn't possible, the small plates and burger option in the tasting area are great alternatives for a more casual family outing.
🐶 Pet Owners
Staff are known to be accommodating, with one reviewer mentioning their waiter, Nicholas, bringing their dog a bowl of water with ice.
⛳ Golf Enthusiasts
+1And the best part? You might even win a bottle of Ernie Els wine if you sink a shot! It's a playful way to engage with the brand and add an element of friendly competition to your wine-tasting day. Even if you're not a pro golfer, it's a lighthearted activity that adds to the memorable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Winemaking Philosophy
+1The winery's location on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch provides a unique terroir, contributing to the distinctive character of their wines. They are known for producing 'big, bold & beautifully South African' wines that possess serious elegance.
Visitors can learn more about this philosophy during tastings and through interactions with the knowledgeable staff. Recent events, like the Inaugural Old Vine Report, highlight the estate's commitment to heritage and the future of winemaking, showcasing wines from precious old vine blocks.
This dedication to quality and tradition is evident in every bottle produced at Ernie Els Wines.A Unique Wine Tasting Experience
+1The tasting room itself is designed to be warm and inviting, featuring expansive spaces framed by panoramic views.
Whether you're enjoying a full wine tasting or opting for small plates, the ambiance is enhanced by the stunning scenery. The staff are praised for their excellent service, engaging in warm conversations about the wines, food, and even Ernie Els himself, making the experience feel personal and refreshing. For those seeking a more relaxed approach, the wine tasting section allows you to order small plates, including a highly-regarded burger, without the need for a restaurant reservation. This flexibility ensures that everyone can enjoy the Ernie Els Wines experience, regardless of their dining plans.
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