Backsberg, Paarl – The first SA winery to achieve carbon neutral status. They have launched the Tread Lightly brand, bottled in an innovative soft bottle made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Find their Merlot 2008 and Sauvignon Blanc 2010 in Pick n Pay.

La Motte, Franschhoek - This estate owned and run by the Rupert-Koegelenberg family has many stories to tell, not always to do with wine. For example, along with a collection of contemporary SA art, there is also a previously unseen collection of Pierneef works, sourced directly from Pierneef’s daughter, for the purpose of revealing them to the world. Then there are the certified organic wines and the Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant serving historically researched Cape Winelands food using ancient recipes, like you have never tasted before.

Seidelberg – This estate may have over 300 years of tradition, but there’s always room for new innovation. The Leuwenjagt Restaurant serves typical fresh, local and seasonal Cape Malay flavours reflecting history, stories and generations of cooking skills on the Estate. Adjoining the restaurant is the extraordinary Red Hot Glass Studio. Watch the mastery of one of the oldest crafts on earth, as the glassblowers work the molten glass into colourful artworks right before your eyes.

Waverly Hills, Wolseley – Named as Best Wine Tourism winner for Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices 2011, Waverley Hills is an organic estate. Taste their extremely smooth wines with robust fynbos characteristics. Their certification also extends to a range of olive products.

Barefoot Wine Company, Elgin – Talented winemaker Cathy Marshall started BWC as a ‘Garagiste’ winery, characterised by hands-on methodology and an annual foot-stomp. BWC are now opening their cellar doors to the public, in a renovated apple-storage on Morningstar Farm, Elgin. As well as the beautifully labelled premium wines under Catherine Marshall Wines (CMW), they are launching a range of easy-drinking, affordable red and white blends. Wines will be handcrafted in the same unpretentious, holistic style that reflects Cathy’s philosophy.

Which estate’s your favourite?