Simonsig
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Simonsig upholds the legendary status of pioneering wine excellence shaped by the Malan Family's devotion to quality and innovative winemaking. Named after its dramatic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, the estate is ideally situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa's premier wine region, 45 km east of Cape Town. Tasting & Tours: Taste and learn more about our award winning wines from our knowledgeable team at our tasting room, set amidst the tranquil gardens on the estate. As a founding member of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Simonsig enjoys widespread popularity and attracts visitors from all over the world. With a cosy fire crackling in the tasting room during winter or flutes of chilled Kaapse Vonkel served on the cool, shady veranda during summer, we welcome our visitors to cellar tour experiences all year round. Opening Hours Tasting and Wine Sales Mon to Sun 10:00 - 17:00 with last seating 30min before closing. Closed on Christmas, New Year's Day & Good Friday.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
278 reviews
Excellent
163
Very good
67
Average
21
Poor
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Johannesburg, South Africa39 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Our wine adventure took us to Simonsig, which was an amazing experience all round.
We choose a late morning wine tasting on this wonderful estate. So much history and so many incredible wines to taste. Bianca looked after us, and educated us, every step of the way.
A definite must if you're in the area.
Thank you Simonsig and Bianca
We choose a late morning wine tasting on this wonderful estate. So much history and so many incredible wines to taste. Bianca looked after us, and educated us, every step of the way.
A definite must if you're in the area.
Thank you Simonsig and Bianca
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike_G6308
Cape Town, South Africa424 contributions
Aug 2023 • Business
The wine farm is beautiful. We found the wines not so great and the hostess wasn’t very attentive to the needs of the guest. For the Cellar tour she was in a hurry.
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maui1728
Boston, MA115 contributions
May 2023
Incredible experience! Would highly recommend. Had a case of wine shipped home! Thank you for a fun time!
Written 9 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akoth A
Nairobi, Kenya34 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Great wine, great explanations, could have been abit more engaging, but I understand they've attended to many people. Great selection of wines.
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Femke K
3 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Beautiful estate. However.. the lady who served us today our wine tasting told all the information about 4 wines in 30 seconds. She forgot our 5th wine and she disappeared.
Written 14 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
World Traveler
United Kingdom125 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Recap >> Simonsig Estate is set on a catchy corner of Stellenbosch valley and offers relaxing views. Sounds worthwhile speding some time although not returning what promises. More importantly, how overrated wines and disappointing food pairings /platters are. Not willing to return.
Story >> Went with friends (table of 10 circa) over a weekend in mid-August and enjoyed a sunny warm winter day which let us indulge of wines, food, views et cetera ie. the full package deal.
Actually the wine tasting turned very disappointing as it starts with the flagship top level sparkling - or MCC ie. Method Cap Classique - and goes down to Brut and Rosè et cetera. Technically you should always start with the entry-level and go up not viceversa hence the approach, experienced palates shall be acquainted to skip any wine tastings which offer the top line for entry.
The Simonsig Brut is plain like a tasteless juice almost, the Rose bitter, unbodied and with almost zero perlage (barely can finish a glass), the flagship Cuvée Royale doable yet not unforgettable. Perlage ie. the aggregation of tiny bubbles which forms on the surface of a glass of sparkling wine - in general very poor for any Simonsig MCC.
The wine farm has also a full range of red / white cultivars but it is well known for their MCCs. To not leave any stones unturned we decided to go with their range of white and skip red on the account of the weather (+22* degrees C). The Sauvignon does not worth, the Chenin does worth trying, the Gewürztraminer too rich in flavors and sweetness.
We ended up ordering full range of mixed cheese & meat platters (2) speaking of which, also was not returning the expectation. For R220 platter - give or take - you’ll get 4 (yes four) slices of meat and 4 pieces of cheese big enough to accompany the three slices of crunch bread on the side for each platter. If I hadn’t seen with my eyes wouldn’t believe it.
Debrief >> Stellenbosch wine tastings offer quality standards waay different from Simonsig’s. Their sparklings do not deserve the sound attention they have. Ultimately, never look for sparkling wine from Stellenbosch as the wine district for MCCs is Franschhoek with some unexpected great stuff in Constantia area (don’t say too loud and don’t ask for dets, it’s a secret).
Story >> Went with friends (table of 10 circa) over a weekend in mid-August and enjoyed a sunny warm winter day which let us indulge of wines, food, views et cetera ie. the full package deal.
Actually the wine tasting turned very disappointing as it starts with the flagship top level sparkling - or MCC ie. Method Cap Classique - and goes down to Brut and Rosè et cetera. Technically you should always start with the entry-level and go up not viceversa hence the approach, experienced palates shall be acquainted to skip any wine tastings which offer the top line for entry.
The Simonsig Brut is plain like a tasteless juice almost, the Rose bitter, unbodied and with almost zero perlage (barely can finish a glass), the flagship Cuvée Royale doable yet not unforgettable. Perlage ie. the aggregation of tiny bubbles which forms on the surface of a glass of sparkling wine - in general very poor for any Simonsig MCC.
The wine farm has also a full range of red / white cultivars but it is well known for their MCCs. To not leave any stones unturned we decided to go with their range of white and skip red on the account of the weather (+22* degrees C). The Sauvignon does not worth, the Chenin does worth trying, the Gewürztraminer too rich in flavors and sweetness.
We ended up ordering full range of mixed cheese & meat platters (2) speaking of which, also was not returning the expectation. For R220 platter - give or take - you’ll get 4 (yes four) slices of meat and 4 pieces of cheese big enough to accompany the three slices of crunch bread on the side for each platter. If I hadn’t seen with my eyes wouldn’t believe it.
Debrief >> Stellenbosch wine tastings offer quality standards waay different from Simonsig’s. Their sparklings do not deserve the sound attention they have. Ultimately, never look for sparkling wine from Stellenbosch as the wine district for MCCs is Franschhoek with some unexpected great stuff in Constantia area (don’t say too loud and don’t ask for dets, it’s a secret).
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizaN
Nelspruit, South Africa1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Friends
We visited the farm with friends after we tasted the vonkel on their visit to the lowveld. We were super excited to visit the farm, but left with the most unpleasant experience ever.
On arrival we were asked if we made a reservation. When our friend said no, the manager told us that we can sit in the other tasting room, as the first one was full. From what we saw, there was still quite a few tables open the entire time we were there. But we went to the other roomband was seated. The room was freezing cold (even though it had a fire place, that was not lit) and had a uninviting feeling to it. Our friend then asked if we could rather sit outside, and our waiter, that looked like he had no idea what he was doing, then directed us outside. Again the manager, with a rather big attitude, told us that we could sit anywhere outside except on the grass. We then went outside only to find the tables and chairs all soaking wet. Standing around for another 30 minutes waiting for them to dry the tables and chairs (this was at 12:30 and I think the tasting room opens at 10:00) we finally was seated. Waiting another 20+minutes for tasting menus, our friend finally went to ask for service. When our waiter arrived about ten minutes later, we were told that they had to go and print menus as they had none. We could finally start our experience after almost an hour after arrival. People that came in after us was seated immediately, and served without hassles and not asked if they made reservations. When it started to rain everyone moved inside, then there was no issue with reserved tables in the main tasting room as everyone that moved in was seated. When we got to the door, the manager arrogantly responded with "There's no space for yòu in here". Our friend asked if we could sit on the stoep and she responded with "No". Not explaining that the stoep's veranda cannot close, just No. We were then moved to a crappy table in the corner next to the reception door. We eventually moved ourselves to a table in the other room and sat there.
I have to mention that we weren't allowed to sit on the grass, but during the whole time we were there, nothing happened on the grass. All the tables stayed empty for no reason. We have never been treated so poorly at any establishment. Never experienced such slow service or seen such a unorganized venue. They must really step up their game.
According to the waiter they only have one speaker alternating between the two tasting rooms, so if it is on in the main room, the other room has no music and sounds like an empty bathroom. 🙈
The bathroom is filthy and there was no hand towels so people had so use toilet paper to dry their hands. There was not enough soap and lotion for all the ladies. And nobody attending the bathroom. Sorry to say, but I will never recommend Simonsig to any of my friends. I will purchase their vonkel in store and enjoy it at home.
I have one question for management.
If you know you are fully booked, why do you still have wet tablesand chairs at 12:30, why is there not enough no menu's, why is your bathroom a mess and why is there not enough staff on duty to run the place?
On arrival we were asked if we made a reservation. When our friend said no, the manager told us that we can sit in the other tasting room, as the first one was full. From what we saw, there was still quite a few tables open the entire time we were there. But we went to the other roomband was seated. The room was freezing cold (even though it had a fire place, that was not lit) and had a uninviting feeling to it. Our friend then asked if we could rather sit outside, and our waiter, that looked like he had no idea what he was doing, then directed us outside. Again the manager, with a rather big attitude, told us that we could sit anywhere outside except on the grass. We then went outside only to find the tables and chairs all soaking wet. Standing around for another 30 minutes waiting for them to dry the tables and chairs (this was at 12:30 and I think the tasting room opens at 10:00) we finally was seated. Waiting another 20+minutes for tasting menus, our friend finally went to ask for service. When our waiter arrived about ten minutes later, we were told that they had to go and print menus as they had none. We could finally start our experience after almost an hour after arrival. People that came in after us was seated immediately, and served without hassles and not asked if they made reservations. When it started to rain everyone moved inside, then there was no issue with reserved tables in the main tasting room as everyone that moved in was seated. When we got to the door, the manager arrogantly responded with "There's no space for yòu in here". Our friend asked if we could sit on the stoep and she responded with "No". Not explaining that the stoep's veranda cannot close, just No. We were then moved to a crappy table in the corner next to the reception door. We eventually moved ourselves to a table in the other room and sat there.
I have to mention that we weren't allowed to sit on the grass, but during the whole time we were there, nothing happened on the grass. All the tables stayed empty for no reason. We have never been treated so poorly at any establishment. Never experienced such slow service or seen such a unorganized venue. They must really step up their game.
According to the waiter they only have one speaker alternating between the two tasting rooms, so if it is on in the main room, the other room has no music and sounds like an empty bathroom. 🙈
The bathroom is filthy and there was no hand towels so people had so use toilet paper to dry their hands. There was not enough soap and lotion for all the ladies. And nobody attending the bathroom. Sorry to say, but I will never recommend Simonsig to any of my friends. I will purchase their vonkel in store and enjoy it at home.
I have one question for management.
If you know you are fully booked, why do you still have wet tablesand chairs at 12:30, why is there not enough no menu's, why is your bathroom a mess and why is there not enough staff on duty to run the place?
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom W
Childer Thornton, UK9 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Excellent service; cute piano which we played! Bianca, our server, was friendly & warm. She was engaging & knowledgeable
Written 6 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
coen_12
Johannesburg, South Africa2 012 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Unfortunately we didn't read the reviews beforehand,Big mistake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In these times you would think that they would fall over their feet to service clients,big mistake!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Service,what service 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️charcuterie board for two,disgrace!!!really,how could you serve that????
The moment 8 people walked in,we were treated like dirt,pathetic really!!!!
We are still waiting to taste any wines.No coffee,no water,no coldrink.
The manager tried her best to help,but it was to little to late.
Will we be back,never!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You give the Stellenbosch wine route a terrible bad advert.
We've never been treated like this.
In these times you would think that they would fall over their feet to service clients,big mistake!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Service,what service 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️charcuterie board for two,disgrace!!!really,how could you serve that????
The moment 8 people walked in,we were treated like dirt,pathetic really!!!!
We are still waiting to taste any wines.No coffee,no water,no coldrink.
The manager tried her best to help,but it was to little to late.
Will we be back,never!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You give the Stellenbosch wine route a terrible bad advert.
We've never been treated like this.
Written 29 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoinFrancais
Franschhoek, South Africa73 contributions
Nov 2020
What a disappointment. We like their wines, but the way the restaurant and tasting is managed is a disaster. The whole premises seem unkept, old and dirty. They didn't even manage to clean up the tables or sweep under the tables. Service invisible, had to walk in for each order. Extremely limited choice of food - just a cheese platter or a charcutery platter, both at R175. We ordered the cheese platter and when it arrived, it turned out to be a complete joke. Simonsig deserves the medal for the most ridiculous cheese platter we've come across on any wine estate. The chef (if there's a chef) should be ashamed to send this out. And the manager should visit some other wine estates to see what a proper cheese platter should look like. When we left, again, service had disappeared so we had to walk to the counter to pay. Nobody cared about our experience or showed any interest in us at all. - What we found even more surprising as we see other places go the extra mile to survive in these difficult times without international tourists.
Written 23 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingSIMONSIG: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Simonsig
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Simonsig:
- Vine Hopper: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour - Northern Route (From R 416,85)
- Cape Town City Pass including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Transport (From R 1 824,83)
- Private Wine Tour with Wine Expert to Stellenbosch-Franschhoek Wine Regions (From R 3 455,50)
- SPARKLING Sensation - Private Stellenbosch Bubbly tour (From R 1 728,22)
- Small Group tour to Stellenbosch with wine tasting (From R 1 976,28)
- Hotels near Simonsig:
- (3.84 km) Sugarbird Manor
- (2.39 km) Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate
- (4.89 km) Zarose
- (4.46 km) The Log Cabin
- (7.78 km) 10 Alexander B & B
- Restaurants near Simonsig:
- (3.23 km) Kunjani Wines and Restaurant
- (0.65 km) Kleine Liebe
- (4.60 km) The Restaurant at Clos Malverne
- (8.22 km) Helena's Restaurant
- (8.27 km) Stellenbosch Kitchen