All situated along the “wine route within a wine route” that is Annandale Road, my suggestion is start at the top of the hill and gently free wheel down….

Uva Mira

One visit to Uva Mira and you can see why their catchphrase is Wines with Altitude. Perched roughly 500 meters above sea level, the boutique winery offers views second to none. The spectacular vista stretches from the expansive Atlantic Ocean, wraps around Cape Point and stretches off up the West Coast and, on a clear day, you can even make out that stalwart of Cape Town tourism, Robben Island.
Uva Mira is most renowned for their Single Vineyard Chardonnay, voted “The Best Chardonnay in the World” at the 2006 International Wine and Spirit Competition; not bad for a self-proclaimed boutique winery.
My Top Tip: Join them during the summer months for their famous Friday evening sun downers – nothing winds down a busy week better than enjoying a chilled glass of chardonnay while watching the sun set behind Table Mountain.

Hidden Valley

Directly below Uva Mira is the picturesque Hidden Valley Winery. Nestled between olive groves with a few ornate ponds thrown in for good measure, Hidden Valley is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing wineries I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Architecture nuts will appreciate the very slick, modern winery – all glass and chrome – which is neatly juxtaposed against the raw earth behind it.
If you’re in the market for a wedding venue, I would highly recommend you get in touch with the Hidden Valley team, I’m told that they put on a very decent function with exceptional attention to detail. And, with a setting like Hidden Valley as your backdrop, your wedding photos will look like something out of a bridal magazine.
My Top Tip: Hidden Valley will rustle you up a very decent cheese platter to enjoy outside on the lawn, all washed down with their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc of course.

Ernie Els

A stone’s throw away from Hidden Valley, wedged between monolithic granite boulders, is the ever impressive Ernie Els Winery. From the plush leather couches to the framed pictures of the man himself, the Ernie Els tasting room oozes excellence – a quality inherent in every aspect of the tasting experience, including their tasting room staff who are always polite, presentable and knowledgeable.
Take a wander outside and on a raised patch of grass you’ll find a golf ball all teed up and ready to go, a subtle homage to the winery’s namesake. I would recommend you leave your clubs in the car though; having a “longest drive competition” with your mates is generally frowned upon…
My Top Tip: Ernie Els Signature 2007 – amazing!

Peter Falke Wines

Definitely the funkiest winery I’ve ever visited, the Peter Falke tasting room looks like something out of a Contemporary Design magazine. There’s a distinct “Euro chic” feel to the place, reminiscent of a high-end Italian boutique with white tiles, gilded chandeliers and hardwood shelves displaying all kinds of home ware and objet d’art ranging from hand-blown glass to one of a kind pocket knives.
My Top Tip: Make this winery your last port of call, with plenty of comfy seating available in the outdoor lounge overlooking the rolling lawns and the giant red corkscrew art, it’s a great place to end off a long day of tasting.

So, if you have a Saturday morning free for a tasting session but don’t feel like driving around too much, why not consider Annandale road, the wine-route within a wine-route.