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Stellenbosch · Western Cape

Annandale Wines

Annandale Wines is a wine farm in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. About 39 km from Cape Town.

39 km from Cape Town Restaurant

Historic Helderberg red-wine estate on Annandale Road

Annandale Wine Estate lies off Annandale Road near the R44 in Stellenbosch's Helderberg valley — the so-called Golden Triangle of Cape red-wine country, cooled by False Bay air and framed by mountain slopes. The farm is widely described as the oldest in this premium Helderberg red valley: in 1688, Simon van der Stel granted the land (then known as Brakelsdal after Herman van Brakel) that later became Annandale. Mid-1700s manor fabric and an older cellar still give the visitor experience a rustic, unpolished character that stands apart from manicured Winelands showpieces.

For much of the twentieth century the property sheltered horses and operated as a riding school, with vines scaled back. Winegrowing returned in earnest in the mid-1990s under Hempies du Toit — the former Springbok and long-time Alto winemaker who settled on Annandale around 2000 after decades crafting Alto's reds. Today the estate continues under Willem and Louanne Briedenhann (Hempies' daughter and son-in-law), who keep the focus on serious Helderberg reds while welcoming guests into a deliberately low-key tasting environment. The continuity from rugby-era winemaker to the next family generation is part of what visitors notice: this still feels like a working home farm more than a branded tourism pavilion.

Wines: Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz and friends

Annandale's reputation rests on red wine. Core cultivars include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, with further bottlings and special releases that have appeared over the years (including Cabernet Franc and port-style wines in trade listings). A Chardonnay also features in the current collection on the estate site, so white wine is not entirely absent, but the story visitors hear is still red-led: structure, oak maturation and Helderberg fruit rather than a long white portfolio.

Tastings tend to feel personal and unhurried. Guest reviews repeatedly mention hosts who talk through the wines in the historic cellar buildings, sometimes with horses still visible on the grounds — a living reminder of the farm's riding-school chapter. The logo's horse motif nods to that history. Expect a quieter atmosphere than neighbouring high-traffic cellars: fewer crowds, more conversation, and a sense that you have stepped slightly off the main R44 circuit. Older vintages occasionally surface in conversation or private sales; ask what is open rather than assuming a fixed flight every day.

What to do on the farm

Plan Annandale primarily as a tasting and cellar-door stop rather than a full-day resort. Typical visitor offerings associated with the estate include:

  • Guided or hosted wine tastings in historic Helderberg buildings
  • Cheese and charcuterie platters or simple deli-style lunch options when available (the Familier deli concept has been linked to the manor)
  • Occasional braai or evening food experiences when scheduled
  • Time outdoors beside the river and under old trees — a slower pace than polished deck restaurants

Horse heritage remains part of the landscape; public riding packages have been promoted in older visitor guides, but availability changes — confirm directly if riding is essential to your visit. Rugby memorabilia and family stories often surface in conversation, reflecting Hempies' sporting and winemaking path. Bring comfortable shoes if you want to walk the grounds after tasting; this is not a paved resort loop.

Helderberg context and why it matters

The Helderberg Golden Triangle is prized for Cabernet- and Shiraz-friendly mesoclimates: warm enough for ripe red fruit, tempered by False Bay breezes. Annandale's claim as the valley's oldest farm places it in a lineage with neighbours that built Stellenbosch's modern red-wine fame. Views can open toward Table Mountain and the bay on clear days, reinforcing the coastal influence that distinguishes these slopes from hotter inland pockets.

For itinerary planning, Annandale pairs naturally with other Helderberg or Annandale Road stops. It is less of a spa-and-suite destination and more of a heritage cellar visit — ideal after a big restaurant lunch elsewhere, or as a contrast to contemporary design-led estates. Collectors who already know Alto's red history often find Annandale a meaningful next chapter in the same family-of-practice story, even though the farms are separate businesses.

Visit tips

  • Address: Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Helderberg / off the R44)
  • Phone: +27 72 675 5558
  • Email: info@annandale.co.za
  • Website: annandale.co.za
  • Typical hours: often around Monday–Saturday 09:00–18:00 — confirm before travel
  • Allow time to talk with hosts; the experience is conversational rather than high-volume
  • Focus on reds; ask what is open for tasting on the day
  • Combine with other Helderberg Golden Triangle farms for a red-wine-focused half day
  • Not a large restaurant destination — eat nearby if you need a full meal

FAQ

Is Annandale only a red-wine farm?

It is primarily known for Helderberg reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and related bottlings). Some white or fortified styles may be available — ask what is pouring when you visit.

Who makes the wine today?

The estate is led by Willem and Louanne Briedenhann, continuing the family lineage after Hempies du Toit's long stewardship.

How old is the farm?

Land grant history dates to 1688 (Brakelsdal / Annandale). Manor and cellar fabric from the eighteenth century still shape the visitor feel.

Do I need to book?

Small groups often manage walk-in tastings in quieter periods, but phoning ahead is wise for weekends, larger parties or if you want platters or a specific host.

Things to do at Annandale Wines

  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Standard Wine Tasting

    Tasting of 4 Annandale wines in the historic Helderberg tasting room (parts of the building pre-date the 1700s). Estate focuses on premium reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) under the Briedenhann / Hempies du Toit family legacy.

    Price R110 per person (4 wines)

    Booking: Book via info@annandale.co.za; tasting room +27 72 675 5558 / WhatsApp +27 72 675 5558; https://annandale.co.za/experiences/

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Premium Wine Tasting

    Tasting of 5 Annandale wines in the historic tasting room on Annandale Road, Stellenbosch.

    Price R130 per person (5 wines)

    Booking: Book via info@annandale.co.za; tasting room +27 72 675 5558 / WhatsApp +27 72 675 5558; https://annandale.co.za/experiences/

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Braai Experience with Annandale wines and Toevlug Restaurant

    Lazy afternoon braai under the oak trees with Annandale wines and Toevlug seasonal cuisine (minimum 4 guests). Held at the wine tasting area; guests order their own wine from the tasting room. Farm spring water provided; sparkling water charged on consumption. 12% gratuity automatically included for all groups. Suggested menus subject to change.

    Booking: Bookings essential. Toevlug: 021 007 5779 / info@toevlug.co.za; Annandale tasting room 072 675 5558; https://annandale.co.za/experiences/

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Restaurants & dining

    Wine Appreciation (quarterly event)

    Quarterly Wine Appreciation Event exploring 6–8 handpicked wines paired with a light meal by Chef Drikus Brink of Toevlug restaurant at Annandale.

    Booking: Phone tasting room 072 675 5558; https://annandale.co.za/experiences/

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Food and Wine pairing celebrations

    Private/celebration food and wine pairings for birthdays, corporate gatherings or special occasions under ancient oaks or in the historic Cape Dutch cellar, with handcrafted Annandale wines and locally inspired cuisine.

    Booking: Tasting room 072 675 5558 or Chef Drikus Brink info@toevlug.co.za / 021 007 5779; https://annandale.co.za/experiences/

    Details on the farm website ↗

Browse all experience types

Wines made here

  • Annandale Cabernet Sauvignon 1971
  • Annandale Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
  • Annandale Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 oak
  • Annandale Cavalier 2001 · Merlot

Wine list from wine.co.za. The taste words are drawn from those notes, which are not reprinted here. Ask the cellar door what is pouring on the day.

Visiting with kids

Relaxed Helderberg tasting with casual deli/platters and a children’s menu noted on Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

Possible with kids. About 38 min from Cape Town.

Kids menuLawnsCasual food

Annandale Wine Estate is a limited Helderberg family stop: relaxed tasting with casual deli/platters and a children’s menu noted on Stellenbosch Wine Routes (secondary source). Outdoor lawns help between courses. A permanent playground is not verified. Harvest-festival kids activities are event-only, not year-round play. Cottage guests historically picnic by the dam, but that is not confirmed as a day-visitor picnic programme on main visit pages — do not rely on it. Booking is needed. Come for a simple meal with a kids menu option — not a play park — and confirm current offerings before you drive. Treat Wine Routes kids-menu notes as secondary and verify on the day.

Before you go

  • Book ahead, especially on weekends and in school holidays.
Is there a playground?

A permanent playground is not verified.

Is there a kids menu?

Yes — a children’s menu is noted on Stellenbosch Wine Routes (secondary listing).

Do we need to book?

Yes — booking is needed.

Nearby with children

  • Cheetah Outreach — Animals, Firgrove / Somerset West · 8 km Website
  • Mooiberge Farm Stall — Berry picking, Stellenbosch · 3 km Website
  • Helderberg Nature Reserve — Nature reserve, Somerset West · 5 km Website
  • Vredenheim Dierewerf & Roofdierpark — Animals, Vlottenburg · 7 km Website

Family notes checked 5 October 2026. Confirm on the farm’s website before you drive. Source. More family farms in Stellenbosch. Things to do near this farm. Stay on this farm.

Staying here

Family-friendly 3-bedroom self-catering farm cottage with built-in braai, dam swimming and Toevlug restaurant (Bertus Basson partnership) on the farm

Place to stay. About 38 min from Cape Town. Annandale Farm Cottage|2-bed mountain-view apartment.

Cottage, Self-catering, Farm stay. Sleeps Cottage 6 (3 bed) + infant cot|Apartment 4 (2 bed) a unit. Up to 10 guests. 2 units.

RestaurantKitchenKids welcome

vineyards|Helderberg mountains|farm dam|views towards Cape Town

Annandale Wine Estate is a verified wine-farm accommodation listing in the Helderberg / Somerset West side of the Stellenbosch wine region (audit region: Stellenbosch). Stay types noted: cottage, self_catering, farmstay.

Named properties: Annandale Farm Cottage; 2-bed mountain-view apartment.

Family-friendly 3-bedroom self-catering farm cottage with built-in braai, dam swimming and Toevlug restaurant (Bertus Basson partnership) on the farm.

Setting / views noted: vineyards, Helderberg mountains, farm dam, views towards Cape Town.

Amenities flagged in the audit: kids welcome, self-catering, onsite restaurant.

Official rack rates were not published as a dated rate_from in our audit — confirm pricing on the estate’s booking page.

We only publish facts from official sources gathered in the stay audit (Last checked 5 October 2026). Re-confirm units, min stays, child policy and load-shedding backup on the estate’s own booking page before you pay a deposit.

Travellers comparing Somerset West / Helderberg wine-farm stays should match stay type (hotel vs cottage), dated rate basis, and child or pet rules before shortlisting Annandale Wine Estate.

Does Annandale Wine Estate offer wine farm accommodation?

Yes — our audit marks has_accommodation as

yes

, with named stay products listed above.

What are the property names?

Annandale Farm Cottage; 2-bed mountain-view apartment.

Do you publish a current rate for Annandale Wine Estate?

No dated `rate_from`/`rate_year` pair is available to quote as current. Check the official booking page.

Which amenities are flagged?

Audit flags include: kids welcome, self-catering, onsite restaurant. Policies change — confirm in writing for your dates.

Are children welcome?

Kids welcome is flagged yes in the audit — confirm cot/extra-bed policy and any min age for spa or restaurant areas.

Stay notes checked 5 October 2026. Confirm the rate and what is open before you book. Book. Source. More stays in Stellenbosch. With kids.

Tours that stop here

All wine tours

Questions before you go

Where is Annandale Wines?

Annandale Wines is in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Most visitors drive there from Cape Town in 45–60 minutes.

When is Annandale Wines open?

Closed Sunday. Hours change, so check the farm website before you drive.

How much is a wine tasting at Annandale Wines?

From R110. Prices change, so confirm when you book.

Can I eat at Annandale Wines?

Yes, there is a restaurant on the farm. Book ahead for weekend lunches.

Wine of Origin

Geographical unit: Western Cape → Coastal Region → Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the flagship Wine of Origin district of the Cape: granite mountains, university town, and the densest cluster of visitor-ready wine farms in the country.

Terroir snapshot

Elevation and soil figures are modelled at the pin, not a vineyard block survey. Use them to compare farms, not to quote a technical sheet.

Latitude
-34.0208
Longitude
18.8302
Elevation
164 m (Open-Meteo)
Soil pH
6.3 (SoilGrids 0–5 cm)
Clay
12% (SoilGrids)
Organic C
45.8 g/kg (SoilGrids)

Sources

  • Wine route membership: association listing
  • Wine list: wine.co.za
  • Family notes: farm website, checked 5 October 2026
  • Stay notes: farm website, checked 5 October 2026
  • Tours: operator pages
  • Elevation: Open-Meteo
  • Soil: ISRIC SoilGrids

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