15 Pet-friendly wine farms in South Africa

Looking for wine farms where you can swirl and sip with your best furry friend by your side? South Africa’s winelands have many estates where good dogs and cats – and their humans – are treated like VIPs.

We’ve rounded up 15 Pet-friendly wine farms in South Africa where your four-legged friends will be welcomed with open arms, water bowls, spacious lawns and even some scenic trails. 

Wherever you roam, remember the golden rules: keep dogs leashed, pick up after them and toast to a stress-free outing together!

1. Van Loveren, Robertson Wine Valley

Van Loveren goes the extra mile to make dogs feel at home. Water bowls are available on request at the tasting room and Christina’s Bistro, and the estate’s lush, shady gardens provide a peaceful spot for pups to rest. 

The biggest drawcard? A 7.5km pet-friendly hiking trail that winds through the vineyards and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and flora.

Dogs must be on leash, but they’ll love stretching their legs and sniffing the trails. Whether you’re stopping by for a tasting or planning a day hike, Van Loveren is a tail-wagging good time.

2. Simon’s at Groot Constantia, Constantia Wine Route

Set within the historic Groot Constantia Estate, Simon’s Restaurant is one of Cape Town’s premier pet-friendly spots. They have a dedicated doggy menu featuring biltong and droëwors (dried sausage) as starters, a variety of main meals (including an option for sensitive tummies), and for dessert – a selection of biscuits by well-known chef Jenny Morris.

Dogs are welcome in the designated outdoor seating areas, where staff are happy to provide water bowls and fuss. Surrounded by the leafy Constantia Valley, The leafy Groot Constantia estate is leashed-dog-friendly making it the perfect place for a scenic walk before or after your meal.

3.  Nitida, Durbanville Wine Route

Nitida is a firm favourite for families and their pets in the Durbanville Wine Valley. While dogs must stay leashed and be well-socialised, they’re welcome on the outdoor decks at both on-site restaurants – Cassia and Tables.

Tables is especially loved for its laid-back bistro vibe, generous lawns and jungle gym for kids. Water bowls are provided, and the relaxed space means dogs can enjoy the fresh air while owners tuck into hearty breakfasts and lunches. The estate also features a rustic wine tasting room where leashed dogs are welcome. It’s a welcoming environment for all.

4. Warwick Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Wine Route

Famous for their picnics courtyards and plenty of open space – Warwick is a top spot for dog-lovers. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the estate, including the popular picnic pods and lawn areas where you can share a shady patch with your furry companion.

Water bowls and shaded seating are available, and the chilled atmosphere makes it easy for dogs and their owners to relax. There’s even a splash-friendly fountain for kids and dogs to cool off in. Add vineyard walks, jungle gyms and a wide range of wine tasting options, and you’ve got a winning destination for humans and hounds alike.

5. Groote Post, Darling Wine Route

Hit the road and just an hour from Cape Town, you’ll feel totally immersed in the countryside. Groote Post has a rustic farm life charm – and that includes being welcoming to dogs. 

Pets are allowed throughout the estate as long as they’re kept on a leash, and you’ll often find friendly staff ready with a scratch behind the ears. While there are no dedicated pet menus or trails, Groote Post’s wide-open farm space, fresh air, casual setting and warm hospitality more than make up for it. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a slow-paced tasting with your pet beside you.

6. Benguela Cove, Bot River Wine Route

Set on the edge of the Bot River Lagoon outside Hermanus, Benguela Cove blends delicious wine and food, with a variety of child-friendly activities and pet-friendly options to keep everyone in the family happy.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the tasting room and at Moody Lagoon Restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating options.

Staff provide water bowls on request, and the 11 kilometres of estate trails give energetic hounds plenty of leg-stretching opportunities. Book a waterfront villa with a fully fenced garden to stay over for the night, then amble down to the private beach for sunset stick-chasing while you sip a chilled Sauvignon.

7. Pink Valley Wines, Stellenbosch Wine Route

At Pink Valley Wines, dogs of all sizes are welcome to join while you enjoy an alfresco tapas experience. Pets can lounge beside you on the outdoor verandas, lawns or deck areas while you enjoy wine and shared plates with a view. 

While dogs aren’t permitted inside the restaurant, the outdoor spaces are generous and tranquil, with ample shade and space to relax, and water bowls always available. 

8. Vrede en Lust, Franschhoek Wine Valley

Vrede en Lust is a beautiful estate at the intersection between Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch. Pets are welcome on a leash across much of the estate including the gardens and outdoors seating areas – but also at certain accommodation options, making it ideal for a full weekend getaway with your pet.

For overnight stays, Jacques Cottage and the Vineyard Rooms are both pet-friendly (with a refundable safety deposit). You’ll find plenty of space for your pet to relax while you enjoy a tasting or a stroll through the vineyards with the mountains as your backdrop.

9. Lourensford Wine Estate, Helderberg Wine Route

Lourensford is a spacious estate nestled in the Helderberg mountains, and it welcomes leashed dogs in most outdoor areas. 

With over 4,000 hectares of vineyard, forest and fynbos, it’s a dream destination for leisurely strolls. The estate is home to a weekend market, coffee roastery and wine tastings, with ample shady spots and open lawns where dogs can lie beside their owners. Water bowls are typically placed outside many businesses on the estate.

10. Gabriëlskloof, Bot River Wine Route

Gabriëlskloof is located on a hillside, in the beautiful Bot River Wine Route – an ideal stop-over on the N2 en route to your holiday destination. Dogs are very welcome on a leash throughout the estate’s outdoor spaces and tasting room.

Staff are happy to provide water bowls, and under specific circumstances, well-behaved dogs may even be allowed off leash in designated areas. 

While the restaurant is temporarily closed, the tasting room remains open and offers a relaxed, scenic setting where pets can chill out next to you.

11. Darling Cellars, Darling Wine Route

Darling Cellars offers a laid-back experience in a country West Coast setting. The estate’s open spaces are perfect for dogs to explore on a leash, and water bowls are available at the tasting room.

The welcoming atmosphere and ample outdoor space make it a relaxed place to visit with your furry friend. Remember to bring your own snacks for your pets to spend a lazy afternoon here with a wine in hand and a tail wagging beside you.

12. Boschendal, Franschhoek Wine Valley

Boschendal’s sprawling estate with its wide-open lawns, shady oak avenues and beautiful gardens is always an amazing outing for the entire family. 

Dogs can join you on the Werf lawns for picnics, tag along on the farm’s easy walking trails, or snooze under your table at the outdoor deli. While pets may not enter the formal restaurants, one of the accommodation options – Cottage 1685 – welcomes small-to-medium dogs for overnight stays, so the whole pack can linger longer. The stylish farm cottage can sleep up to ten people and has an eco-swimming pool and large verandah, with breakfast served at the cottage.

13. Bellevue Estate, Stellenbosch Wine Route

Bellevue has a casual setting to enjoy a classic Stellenbosch tasting experience with your pet. Pinotage will of course be front and centre on the tasting menu, since Bellevue was the first farm in the world to produce commercially bottled Pinotage.

Bellevue welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs to join you for the tastings on the shaded veranda or under the plane trees beside the historic manor house. 

Water bowls are available and the open lawns between the vineyards are perfect for a stroll. Heritage, mountain views and wagging tails – Bellevue ticks every box.

14. South Hill Vineyards – Elgin Valley

Cool-climate wines, beautiful art, expansive lawns, delicious cuisine and lovely accommodation make South Hill a firm favourite for families.

The good news is that dogs are also welcome at the tasting terrace and courtyard restaurant, where water bowls are available for thirsty pups. Planning a longer escape? Book one of the estate’s pet-friendly rooms so your hound can snooze fireside after a day of exploring Elgin’s leafy lanes.

15. Middelvlei, Stellenbosch Wine Route

Middelvlei’s laid-back, “proudly South African” atmosphere extends warmly to pets too. Dogs on leads are welcome at the tables on the spacious lawns next to the dam.

Enjoy their famous Boerebraai Restaurant for an authentic outdoor barbeque experience that celebrates local dishes. For a truly unique wine tasting experience – try the “braaibroodjie” and wine pairing, a selection of gourmet sandwiches toasted over the open fire.

Weekend plans sorted: pack a blanket, some treats, and your sense of adventure. The South African Winelands offer the best backdrop for you and everyone in your family to experience a fun outing together!  15 Pet-friendly wine farms in South Africa