10 biggest wine farms in Africa

Africa’s wine industry stands as a remarkable blend of heritage, scale and growing global relevance, with the continent producing an array of internationally respected wines. 

At the heart of this evolution is South Africa, which accounts for over 90% of the continent’s wine production and is home to the largest and most historic wine farms on the continent. 

From estates established in the 17th century to sprawling cooperatives covering hundreds of kilometres of vineyards, South Africa’s Winelands, particularly the Cape Winelands region, drives both economic impact and tourism growth through wine exports, tasting experiences and hospitality.

Beyond South Africa, other African countries are developing wine sectors. While still smaller in scale than the Cape, estates in Morocco are expanding vineyards in Meknès and other Mediterranean climate regions, and in Ethiopia, producers are exploring high-altitude viticulture. 

This expansion underscores Africa’s diverse terroir potential, from semi-arid river valleys to cool coastal slopes, and growing global interest in quality wines produced on the continent. 

The following profiles highlight the top 10 biggest wine farms chronicled by Shore Africa in Africa by reputation, scale, heritage, and influence.

1. Vredendal Cellar
Located in the Olifants River region of the Western Cape, Vredendal Cellar stands as South Africa’s largest winery and the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere by production capacity. Established in 1948, the cooperative operates at an industrial scale, supplying both bulk and bottled wine markets. Unlike boutique estates in Stellenbosch known for limited premium releases, Vredendal processes vast grape volumes sourced from an extensive network of member growers across the region. The operation forms part of Namaqua Wines, formerly Westcorp International. Its current structure dates to 2002, when the Vredendal and Spruitdrift cellars merged to create a consolidated large-scale producer. While it functions as a cooperative, Namaqua Wines oversees production and distribution, anchoring its position in South Africa’s mass-market wine segment.

2. Orange River Cellars
Location: located in Upington, a town in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa
Country: South Africa
Orange River Cellars, established in 1965, is one of South Africa’s largest wine producers, sourcing grapes from vineyards stretching over more than 300 km of the Orange River in the Northern Cape. It works with hundreds of growers to produce a wide range of wines, from dry whites and reds to dessert wines, for both domestic and export markets, and operates multiple depots with a central production facility in Upington.

3. Groot Constantia
Location: Located in Constantia, Cape Town
Country: South Africa
Founded in 1685, Groot Constantia is the oldest wine estate in South Africa and one of Africa’s most historic vineyards. Located in Constantia, Cape Town, it is renowned for producing premium red blends and dessert wines like Grand Constance, revived in 2003 after over a century. The estate also serves as a major wine tourism destination, combining heritage architecture with tasting experiences.

4. Boschendal
Location: located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Boschendal traces its roots to 1685 and remains one of South Africa’s largest and oldest estates, covering extensive farmland between the Simonsberg and Groot Drakenstein mountains. Known for a broad portfolio of wines and a strong tourism presence, Boschendal balances viticulture with hospitality, restaurants, and historic farm experiences, continuing to be a major contributor to the region’s wine economy.

5. Babylonstoren
Location: Drakenstein Valley in the Cape Winelands, South Africa
Country: South Africa
Founded in 1692 in the Drakenstein Valley, Babylonstoren blends heritage winemaking with award-winning gardens, luxury accommodation and farm-to-table dining. Owned by billionaire investor Koos Bekker and his wife Karen Roos, the estate has grown into a globally recognized wine and lifestyle destination while preserving its Cape Dutch roots and sustainable farming ethos.

6. Vergelegen Estate
Location: Lourensford Rd, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130, South Africa
Country: South Africa
Vergelegen, established in 1700 in Somerset West, is a historic wine estate celebrated for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, its landscaped gardens and conservation efforts. Owned in part by Anglo American, the estate blends centuries-old architectural legacy with modern viticulture, making it among South Africa’s most respected large estates.

7. Van Loveren Family Vineyards
Location: Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Van Loveren has been family-owned since 1937 and is one of South Africa’s most prominent large wineries. Located in the fertile Robertson Valley, it is known for consistent quality across a range of varietals, innovative viticultural practices, and a strong presence in domestic and export markets. Its extensive vineyards support both wine production and wine tourism.

8. Meerlust Estate
Country: South Africa
Meerlust Estate, founded in 1756 in Stellenbosch, is best known for its iconic Rubicon blend that helped define South Africa’s premium red wine identity. Still managed by the Myburgh family, the estate combines heritage vineyards with global distribution, making it one of the continent’s most respected fine wine producers.

9. Rust en Vrede
Location: Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Rust en Vrede is a historic wine estate dating back to 1694, specialising in premium reds such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Located in Stellenbosch on north-facing slopes with a warm microclimate, its estate-grown wines have earned international acclaim and have been selected among top global lists multiple times.

10. Delaire Graff Estate
Location: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
Country: South Africa
Delaire Graff Estate is a luxury wine property in the Banhoek Valley near Stellenbosch that combines fine winemaking with world-class hospitality, art and gourmet dining. While boutique in volume compared with some estates, its high-end wines and tourism offerings position it as one of Africa’s most prestigious vineyard destinations.