Seven Oaks Winery

At the northern end of the Breedekloof wine region, where the Breede River bends through a valley of majestic mountains, Seven Oaks Winery and Vineyard Cottages occupies 55 hectares of working vineyard near the small town of Breerivier. Founded in 2021, it is one of the youngest wineries in the Breedekloof, yet it has quickly earned a reputation for award-winning wines, innovative tasting experiences, and a warmth of hospitality that draws visitors back.

The estate produces both white and red wines from sixteen grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Rosé, MCC, Noble Late Harvest, and red blends. Notable wines include the Per l'Amore di Andie Brut Cap Classique, the Mavis Thelma Reserve, and the Padre Red Nose Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. The tasting room offers two options: five wines from the value range at R30 per person, or the full range at R90 per person.

What sets Seven Oaks apart is Africa's first Theatre of Aromas -- an intimate, purpose-built space filled with Perspex containers, each holding a specific aroma associated with various wines. The 50-minute experience trains visitors to identify wine aromas before tasting, with entry at R50 per person. The estate also runs Wine Safari drives through the farm, a 75-to-90-minute excursion with tasting stops among the vineyards.

Once a month, Seven Oaks hosts Salt of the Earth, a pop-up fine dining experience featuring a different guest chef each time. Five courses paired with estate wines run at approximately R550 per person, making it one of the more exciting culinary events in the Breedekloof. The estate also offers platters and cheese boards in the tasting room.

Four cosy self-catering cottages sit among the vines, each well-equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay, including Turkish hot tubs. The property is dog-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and suited to couples, small groups, and weekend getaways. The estate also hosts functions and weddings.

Seven Oaks is open Wednesday to Sunday -- Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 to 16:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00 to 17:00, and Sunday 10:00 to 15:00. It is about 90 minutes from Cape Town, not far from the Huguenot Tunnel.