Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch

It’s over 300 years old and always full of surprises

Latest update: Thursday, 13 March 2025

How does the 333-year-old Spier, one of the first farms to be established in Stellenbosch, succeed in always surprising its visitors? They do it by letting them in on every part of their story. By being as upfront about their history, from the pristine 21 Cape Dutch gables to the slave bell, as they are about their ever-evolving present, which is experienced through its art-filled grounds, enchanting annual events – and its superb wines.


The magnificent 333-year old Spier. Image: Spier

CHOCOLATE-AND-WINE TASTING 

Everybody thinks they know Spier wines until they settle in for a tasting.

In the chocolate and wine tasting, for example, you get to try the sophisticated Chocolate Block range and the crisp French-style-crafted Spier Cap Classique.

You can sit inside the modern tasting room, with its chandelier made from 334 recycled bottles, and walls that are adorned by a collage of contemporary art.

Or outside on the covered deck overlooking the lake with the floating bronze sculpture “Ophelia” by Nandipha Mtambo.

Some of the wine ranges are only available at the wine estate. Image: Spier 

AN OPEN-AIR GALLERY 

Spier’s most-awarded wine is the range of blends called Creative Block.

It’s named after the 11-year-old art project where artists submit blocks of art, for which, if accepted, Spier pays the artist instantly.

Already an open-air gallery with works and artefacts across the estate, Spier has more than 500 Creative Blocks in many of its buildings, which when bought are replenished by new works.

The 21 Gables wine range is also rooted in Spier’s cultural heritage. It’s named after the farm’s meticulously-restored Cape Dutch gables, the most on any wine farm in South Africa.

The walls of the tasting room are lined with art from the Creative Block project. Image: Spier.

FAIR TRADE CRAFT MARKET 

From the tasting room, across the river, you will spot the neatly-lined white containers that make up the craft market, carrying everything from gallery-worthy animal sculptures to miniature mementoes.

It’s open daily and operates under Fair Trade principles, where the artists take the majority share of the sale.

The craft market is open daily. Image: Spier

CARE-FREE PLAYGROUND 

And then there are the delightful discoveries that are “off the beaten path”.

Many bring their families to Picnickery across the laws where kids climb on trees and boulders; yet not enough couples know about the romantic riverside location that is free of kids.

Kids love the Elemental Garden natural playground, a corner away from Picnickery; and might miss the large-scale “Uthomi” mosaic fountain by Lizette Chirrime, behind the Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery, where they can cool off.

Mozambican artist Lizette Chirrime’s “Uthomi” mosaic fountain. Image: Spier

And how many know that past the white-pillared slave bell, across the bridge that runs over the Eerster River, is a vast fynbos garden with over a million indigenous wildflowers waiting to be explored?

Bird watchers, who are coming in to photograph birds more and more, have cottoned on to Spier’s incredible wildlife and birdlife.

You’ll find more nature in the Soil Room, filled with indoor plants, hand-made wreaths, planters, seedlings and aromatherapy candles.

There is incredible wildlife and birdlife at Spier. Image: Spier 

INTRODUCING THE NEW HOTEL 

Something that needs a re-introduction is the new hotel, which has had a complete restoration.

The 5-star Spier Hotel suites, with fireplaces and custom-made Casamento pillows and cushions, are carefully curated in the natural textures and tones of the Cape wild garden.

The hotel will have two new restaurants, three bars (including a rooftop bar), the largest heated pool in the Winelands and a spa.

The 5-star Spier Hotel opened in March 2025. Image: Spier

PLAYFUL WINE FARM 

Yes, some parts of Spier, especially the hotel, are upscale, but the farm is never starchy, and you can experience its playfulness through its annual events.

Like A Summer Dream, the evening spectacle performed by an ensemble of dancers, clowns and haunting live music. This enchanting family-friendly show returns every December.

The Light Art Exhibition, which is free to see, is an experimental adventure of light, sound and video artworks.

It runs for a month around March and April. The best time to visit is at dusk, when the sun goes down and the lights come up, and you can even do a guided tour.

The annual Light Art Exhibition is free to the public. Image: Spier

There are many ways to see Spier, and it will take you more than one visit to experience the full range of the farm and its wines. That’s why we've compiled this guide of the 21 things to do at Spier.

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT SPIER

Spier is open: Monday - Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Find it: R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch
Get bottles delivered: Sign up for the Spier Wine Club
Craft market is open daily: 10am to 5 pm
Spier has events: Visit their Events page
Book: www.spier.co.za
Contact on: 021 809 1100

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SO MUCH TO DO IN THE WINELANDS

Interesting tastings to add to your list: Curious tastings in Cape Town.

Looking for a unique way to taste wine? Try the Wine Tractor.

Visit a premium wine-tasting spot: Stellenbosch restaurant with over 100 wines by the glass.

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