March 2025

You might remember our last post where we mentioned that we were on a quick visit to Cape Town and, while Berto had to work, I had the opportunity to visit two lovely wine farms in the Stellenbosch region with my friend, Riana.

After our visit to the picturesque Stark-Condé Wines in the Jonkershoek Valley where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast (read here), we drove towards the Helderberg Mountains just outside Stellenbosch to visit another wine farm.

A long and narrow road leads to Hidden Valley

I was very excited to visit Hidden Valley Wine Farm because their Sauvignon Blanc is one of my favourite wines. And, while their wine bottle labels are pretty simple, it’s also quite unique.

Hidden Valley’s modern building is located on top of a hill (Photo Credit: Riana Smit)

I could see Hidden Valley’s floating restaurant, The Deck from the parking area. But since we had enjoyed a late breakfast just an hour ago, we walked straight to the Wine Tasting Centre.

Note: Hidden Valley Wine Farm will undergo renovations from the middle of May 2025. Please contact them for tasting by appointment. The Deck (their restaurant) will remain open, weather dependent, for relaxed visits and breathtaking views. (Source: Hidden Valley Website)

Floating restaurant at Hidden Valley, The Deck

A large bronze mask, one of many, welcomed us at the entrance of the Tasting Room. This mask is also on their wine bottles which make it easy to recognise Hidden Valley’s wines.

Hidden Valley’s logo at the entrance of the Tasting Room

The views from Hidden Valley Wine Farm are breathtaking – as one might expect because it is located high on the northern slopes of the Helderberg Mountains. On one side is the majestic Helderberg Mountains and in the opposite direction one looks over the lush vineyards and picturesque town of Stellenbosch (and on a clear day I am sure that Table Mountain would also be visible).

Spectacular views from Hidden Valley Wine Farm

The wine tasting room’s large glass windows offer panoramic views of the vineyards and beyond. One can also look at the modern cellar through glass windows while tasting wine. I’d love to see what this area is going to look like after the renovations.

Cellar and Wine Tasting Room

Hidden Valley Wines

My friend introduced me to Sonja, who runs the wine tastings and sales at Hidden Valley. I haven’t met anyone so cheerful and welcoming in a long time. Riana, my friend, suggested that I do a wine and chocolate pairing and Sonja was on hand to offer a fun and delightful wine tasting.

Wine and chocolate pairing

I’m ready for a delightful experience

Of course, I can’t remember at all what type of chocolate went with which wine. But I can confirm that both were outstanding – the wine and chocolate! Besides their Sauvignon Blanc, I also liked their rosé wine. The Hidden Treasure Rosé with its rose gold colour and fruity flavour is a wine suitable for any occasion.

Sonja entertained me with a fun-filled wine and chocolate pairing

After a great wine tasting, it was time for us to return home. I always wondered, when I enjoyed Hidden Valley’s wines, what this wine farm looked like. Now, excuse the pun, Hidden Valley is no longer hidden to me!

Another bronze mask at the entrance of Hidden Valley (Photo credit: Riana Smit)

As always, I also looked out for pretty flowers along the way. And just before we left Hidden Valley Wine Farm, I noticed the ever-beautiful Cape fynbos along the way. This marked the perfect end to my visit of two beautiful wine farms in the Stellenbosch area.

Fynbos (Protea species) at Hidden Valley Wine Farm