Stanford Hills Estate

Located just 90 minutes from Cape Town along the Cape Whale Coast, Stanford Hills Estate offers a quintessential Western Cape wine farm experience with magnificent views of the Klein River Mountains. This family-owned boutique wine estate combines excellent cool-climate wines with diverse accommodation options and authentic country hospitality.

Wine Experience Worth the Journey

The estate's proximity to the coast creates ideal conditions for winemaking, with cool sea breezes allowing grapes to ripen optimally. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate their flagship Jackson's Pinotage, the elegant Stanford Hills Shiraz, and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. The Tasting Room, open daily from 8:30am to 5pm, provides a relaxed setting for sampling these handcrafted wines.

For those keen on wine pairing, the Pinotage works brilliantly with earthy dishes like mushroom risotto, while the Sauvignon Blanc complements seafood from the nearby coast perfectly. Winter visitors should grab a spot near the fireplace during tastings.

Diverse Accommodation Options

The estate offers several accommodation choices:

• The Manor House - A beautifully restored farmhouse with historical significance (built by Stanford's founder in the 1850s), sleeps up to 11 people with private pool
• Self-catering cottages - Cozy retreats with wood-fired hot tubs and private patios
• AfriCamps - Luxury glamping tents with hot tubs overlooking the Klein River Mountain range
• Vineyard Villas - Modern accommodations with premium finishes and vineyard views

All accommodation options are pet-friendly, making this an ideal getaway for the whole family, including four-legged members. The fenced villa areas work especially well for pups not yet off-leash trained.

Dining at Casa Cello

The on-site Casa Cello Restaurant serves Portuguese-inspired cuisine under acclaimed Chef Jose Marinho. Open daily from 8am to 5pm for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant uses fresh, seasonal ingredients, including produce from their own garden. The date and jalapeño spring rolls come highly recommended by locals.

For self-catering guests, pre-order breakfast baskets (R165/adult) or South African braai baskets (R225/adult) delivered to your accommodation.

Activities on the Estate

Beyond wine tasting, the estate offers numerous activities:

• Horseback riding through vineyards and foothills with African Horse Company
• Hiking and mountain biking trails with stunning views
• Bass fishing in the farm dams
• Swimming in summer months
• From August through November, the farm blooms with colorful indigenous proteas and pincushions

Kids will enjoy feeding the ducks and meeting the farm's pot-bellied pig, often seen wandering the grounds.

Exploring the Surroundings

Stanford village, just minutes away, retains its old-world charm with period houses and wide streets. The village common hosts regular markets and fairs. Stanford is also within easy reach of Hermanus, one of the world's best whale-watching destinations (best visited between June and November).

For those wanting to explore the Klein River, book a scenic cruise to enjoy the abundant birdlife. The estate can also arrange Dyer Island cruises for marine wildlife encounters,