Wine Tourism South Africa has reviewed and rated the top cellar-door restaurants on all 25 wine routes featured in the 2013 Wine Tourism South Africa Handbook. Our focus is mainly on wine farms as destinations so we do not feature restaurants in Wineland towns, unless there are too few wine farm restaurants that make the grade. To cater for the whole spectrum of wine tourists, the guide encompasses a range of traditional cellar-door bistros, country kitchens and heritage, contemporary and global cuisine establishments, as well as informal, family and fine dining venues. Something for everyone.

Our criteria

Our reviewers take into account the entire eating-out experience – from the vineyard setting, views and wine farm ambience to the welcome, service, comfort and style of the venue. Review criteria also focus on the use of local Winelands produce, seasonal menus, food- and wine-tasting menus and authenticity of cuisine – as well as culinary technique, flavour, balance and presentation. We are looking for that special wow factor that makes eating out in the Winelands a memorable experience – and raises the bar for wine tourism, helping to make the Cape Winelands a global gastronomic destination offering world-class cuisine.