Ridgeback Wines
A serene wine estate with exceptional wines, set by a tranquil pond, offering a relaxed and friendly tasting experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Ridgeback Wines
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene wine estate with exceptional wines, set by a tranquil pond, offering a relaxed and friendly tasting experience.
"One of our favourite wine tasting spots because it is unpretentious, friendly service, stunning setting, and consistently great wines."
🎯 Savor the Scenery
Enjoy the beautiful, shaded setting by the pond – it's a major draw!
🍷 Taste the Cabernet Franc
Don't miss their highly-rated Cabernet Franc, a consistent award-winner.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Pondside Tasting
Tasting Room Area
Relax under shady trees by a serene pond, enjoying exceptional wines in a beautiful, unpretentious setting.
Award-Winning Cabernet Franc
Tasting Menu
Savor the rich flavors of their consistently praised, award-winning Cabernet Franc.
Knowledgeable Wine Guides
Tasting Room
Engage with passionate staff who share deep knowledge of the wines and estate history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquil Setting
Wine Tasting Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Savor the Scenery
Enjoy the beautiful, shaded setting by the pond – it's a major draw!
🍷 Taste the Cabernet Franc
Don't miss their highly-rated Cabernet Franc, a consistent award-winner.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the tasting experience.
🍽️ Limited Tasting Food
Food options at the tasting room might be limited; consider this if dining is a priority.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Savor the Scenery
Enjoy the beautiful, shaded setting by the pond – it's a major draw!
🍷 Taste the Cabernet Franc
Don't miss their highly-rated Cabernet Franc, a consistent award-winner.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the tasting experience.
🍽️ Limited Tasting Food
Food options at the tasting room might be limited; consider this if dining is a priority.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ridgeback Wines is highly praised for its stunning, tranquil setting by a pond and its consistently excellent wines, particularly the Cabernet Franc. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable and friendly staff who make the tasting experience enjoyable. While some reviews mention slow service or limited food options at the tasting room, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it a favorite wine tasting spot. +2
"We wanted to do a tasting, but when we entered the almost empty tasting room, we were shushed. So we decided to rather just have a glass of wine. The guy was super rude.
I would love to try the restaurant, but definitely will not visit the tasting room."
Casey Wood
"Like tasting great wine in a great location, stop here!
We never pass through Windmeul (just north of Paarl) without stopping at Ridgeback Wines. The setting is absolutely beautiful - tranquil and shaded by Wilger trees next to a large pond, offering the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a wine tasting. They now have a tasting room separate from the restaurant, and I wish they will consider to add more food options at the wine tasting venue (like it was before).
The wines are excellent, with their Cabernet Franc being a particular favourite and a regular award-winner. Ryno always makes the tasting experience very enjoyable with his witty, knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and genuinely passionate about the wines demeanour. It’s the kind of place where you arrive as a visitor and leave feeling like a friend.
We never leave here without a case or two! One of our favourite wine tasting spots because it is unpretentious, friendly service, stunning setting, and consistently great wines.
See you next time!"
Bernhard VDM
"Wonderful scenery and that is about it. Service is very slow and food and wine is mid for the prices you pay."
Ryno Holm
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ridgeback Wines is located north of Paarl. From Cape Town, take the N1 highway towards Paarl. Follow signs for Windmeul. The drive typically takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, ample parking is usually available for visitors at the tasting room and restaurant areas.
Public transport options are limited in this wine-growing region. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange for a taxi or ride-sharing service.
The closest town is Windmeul, which is just north of Paarl. Ridgeback Wines is situated in this picturesque wine-producing area.
Yes, the Paarl region is known for its many wine estates. You can easily combine a visit with other nearby wineries or explore the town of Paarl itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always mandatory, booking a wine tasting in advance is recommended, especially for weekends or larger groups, to ensure availability.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date tasting room hours.
Tasting fees can vary depending on the selection. It's advisable to inquire about current tasting prices when booking or upon arrival.
Yes, some visitors opt to purchase a glass of wine to enjoy the setting without committing to a full tasting experience.
Generally, there is no entrance fee to enjoy the grounds and the ambiance. Fees typically apply only for structured wine tastings or restaurant meals.
🍽️ 🍷 Wine & Dining
Ridgeback Wines is known for its excellent red wines, including their signature Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also offer white wines like Chenin Blanc.
Historically, they offered more food options with tastings. Currently, food options at the tasting room might be limited, so it's good to check in advance if you plan to eat.
Yes, Ridgeback Wines has a restaurant, and many visitors express interest in dining there, though some reviews note slow service.
Absolutely! Many visitors leave with cases of their favorite Ridgeback wines, praising the quality and value.
Prices are generally considered reasonable for the quality offered. Specific prices can be found on their price list or by inquiring at the tasting room.
📸 📸 Photography
The tranquil pondside setting with the shady trees offers beautiful photo opportunities. The vineyard views and the tasting room architecture also make for great shots.
Yes, taking photos of the wines and the beautiful surroundings is generally welcomed, as long as it doesn't disrupt other guests' experiences.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, while mornings can offer a serene, misty atmosphere over the pond.
While generally relaxed, it's always good practice to be mindful of other guests and staff. Avoid intrusive photography, especially in private areas.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to contact Ridgeback Wines directly to inquire about their regulations regarding drone photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check if there are any specific family-friendly amenities or if the restaurant offers a children's menu. Bringing along some snacks or activities for younger children might be a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time enjoying the scenery.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider visiting during weekdays when the atmosphere is more relaxed. You can also enjoy the scenic grounds without necessarily opting for a full tasting if you're on a tighter budget, perhaps by purchasing a single glass of wine.
💑 Couples
Consider booking a tasting in advance to secure a good spot, perhaps with a view of the pond. The knowledgeable staff can help you select wines to share, enhancing the intimate experience. The unpretentious vibe ensures a comfortable and enjoyable outing for two.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ridgeback Wines Experience: More Than Just Wine
While the wines, particularly the award-winning Cabernet Franc, receive consistent praise, some guests have noted that food options at the tasting room can be limited, and service might occasionally be slow. However, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors leaving with cases of wine and vowing to return. The separate tasting room and restaurant offer distinct experiences, catering to different preferences.
For those seeking a memorable wine tasting experience in a beautiful natural setting, Ridgeback Wines offers a compelling option. The combination of high-quality wines, a stunning location, and friendly service creates a truly enjoyable visit. It’s a place where the ambiance complements the wine, making for a well-rounded and satisfying outing.
Exploring Ridgeback's Signature Wines
Beyond the celebrated Cabernet Franc, Ridgeback also produces notable Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a robust portfolio for red wine enthusiasts. While their red wines often take center stage, they also produce white varietals such as Chenin Blanc, providing a balanced offering. The knowledgeable staff are adept at guiding visitors through these different profiles, sharing insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each bottle.
For those interested in the 'Lion Hound Wine' or 'Rhodesian Ridgeback Wine' keywords, these likely refer to the brand name itself, emphasizing the connection to the breed. When exploring their offerings, be sure to ask about any special releases or limited editions, as these can offer unique tasting experiences. The price point for Ridgeback wines is generally considered fair, offering good value for the quality.
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