Bells HardingstoneJohannesburg may not be nestled in South Africa’s famous Cape Winelands, but it has cultivated a vibrant wine culture all its own. From boutique tasting rooms and elegant hotel bars to lively annual festivals and hidden speakeasies, the city offers an impressive array of wine experiences. This guide presents 25 of the best wine tasting destinations in Johannesburg for 2026, combining established favourites, exciting new openings, and unmissable annual events.
Top 25 Wine Tasting Experiences in Johannesburg (2026)
How to Use This Guide
| Category | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique Tasting Rooms & Wine Bars | Dedicated wine-focused venues with guided tastings | Serious wine enthusiasts, intimate dates |
| Restaurants with Exceptional Wine Lists | Dining destinations where the wine programme rivals the food | Special occasions, food and wine pairings |
| Wine Festivals & Events | Large-scale annual celebrations | Groups, discovering many producers at once |
| Unique Wine Experiences | Unconventional venues with a wine focus | Adventurous palates, Instagram-worthy moments |
Boutique Tasting Rooms & Wine Bars
1. QLounge Rosebank – Dunkeld
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 199 Oxford Road, Dunkeld |
| Hours | Tue–Sat, 12:00–23:00 |
| Speciality | Quoin Rock Wines, Cap Classiques |
| Atmosphere | Sophisticated yet welcoming |
| Features | Wine bar, sushi bar, cocktail lounge, private events |
Guided tastings showcase Quoin Rock Wines with expert sommeliers. Food pairings include tapas and QSushi.
Best for: Winelands experience in the city, business lunches, special occasions.
2. Mr. Pants – Blairgowrie
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Shop 7, Delta Central, 74 Hillcrest Ave |
| Phone | +27 067 294 1673 |
| Speciality | Rare local small-batch wines, older international gems |
| Atmosphere | Intimate, secret spot |
Rare and fine wines available by the glass, with knowledgeable staff guiding selections.
Best for: Serious wine enthusiasts, rare finds, intimate evenings.
3. Winebar – Kramerville
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 19 Dartfield Road, Kramerville |
| Phone | +27 074 151 5051 |
| Speciality | Natural, low-intervention wines |
| Format | Blackboard menu, rotating selection |
Trendy Scandi-inspired venue focusing on small-batch and alternative wines.
Best for: Natural wine lovers, adventurous palates, trendy nights out.
4. Eighteen13 Wine Shop & Tasting Room – Fourways
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Cedar Square Shopping Centre |
| Tasting Price | From R100 per person |
| Speciality | Boutique South African wines |
| Features | Cheese/charcuterie pairings, expert-led tastings |
Guided tastings of five wines, paired with charcuterie boards.
Best for: Value-conscious wine lovers, small groups, educational tastings.
5. Gerakaris Family Wines – Craighall Park
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Craighall Park |
| Tasting Price | From R150 per person |
| Must-Try | Chenin Blanc, Syrah |
| Features | Cheese boards available |
Relaxed garden setting with boutique wines.
Best for: Intimate dates, relaxed afternoons, discovering an urban winery.
6. The Acid Food and Wine Bar – Parktown North
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Parktown North |
| Tasting Price | From R120 per person |
| Specials | Wine & tapas Fridays |
| Vibe | Contemporary, laid-back |
Women-owned venue with interesting South African producers.
Best for: Contemporary vibes, after-work drinks, small plates.
7. Winehouse at Ten Bompas Hotel – Dunkeld West
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ten Bompas Hotel |
| Tasting Price | From R200 per person |
| Atmosphere | Elegant, refined |
| Events | Monthly wine-pairing evenings |
Extensive wine list guided by knowledgeable staff.
Best for: Special occasions, elegant evenings, wine connoisseurs.
8. Proud Mary – Rosebank
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | The Bank, 26 Cradock Ave |
| Phone | +27 010 023 3316 |
| Speciality | Minimal intervention winemaking |
| Atmosphere | Mid-century meets modern |
Trendy all-day eatery with natural wine focus and casual dining.
Best for: Trendy evenings, casual dining, natural wine exploration.
Restaurants with Exceptional Wine Lists
9. Qunu Restaurant – Saxon Hotel, Sandhurst
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst |
| Phone | +27 87 375 7777 |
| Wine List | Over 30 pages |
| Features | Coravin service, half-bottle options |
Prestigious wine programme spanning local and international selections.
Award: “By the Glass List of the Year South Africa 2023.”
Best for: Luxury wine experiences, impressing clients.
10. San Deck, Bar & Restaurant – Sandton Sun Hotel
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Sandton Sun Hotel |
| Phone | +27 011 780 5000 |
| Wine List | Changes fortnightly |
| Speciality | Sparkling wines |
Rooftop bar with panoramic views and firepits.
Award: “Sparkling Wine List of the Year South Africa 2022.”
Best for: Sunset drinks, city views, trying new wines.
11. Tang – Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Shop 120, Nelson Mandela Square |
| Phone | +27 71 379 2161 |
| Wine List | 150+ bottles |
| Speciality | Heavy South African reds |
Luxurious Asian-inspired dining with a strong wine programme.
Best for: Date nights, sophisticated evenings.
12. The Grillhouse – Sandton
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 11 Alice Lane, Sandhurst |
| Phone | +27 11 880 3945 |
| Wine Focus | Heavier reds, steak pairings |
Classic steakhouse with a wine list crediting winemakers by name.
Best for: Steak and wine pairings, business dinners.
13. The Butcher Shop & Grill – Nelson Mandela Square
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Shop 30, Nelson Mandela Square |
| Phone | +27 011 784 8676 |
| Wine List | Winemakers credited |
Long-standing Sandton favourite with heavy reds complementing steakhouse fare.
Best for: Pre-theatre dining, discovering new producers.
14. Saint Restaurant – Sandton
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sandton Central |
| Atmosphere | Muted interiors, refined |
| Average Cost | ~£25 per person |
European-influenced dining with a curated wine programme.
Best for: Sophisticated evenings, quiet dates.
15. The Grillhouse Rosebank – The Firs
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | The Firs, Rosebank |
| Cuisine | Classic steakhouse |
| Wine Focus | Heavy reds, SA producers |
Same excellence as Sandton branch, with extensive wine list.
Best for: Group dinners, wine exploration.
16. Marble – Rosebank
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Rosebank |
| Cuisine | Contemporary African, fire-grilled |
| Wine Focus | Food-friendly South African wines |
Modern luxury dining with open-fire cooking and curated wine list.
Best for: Sunset dinners, food and wine pairings.
Wine Festivals & Events
17. Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival – Illovo
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 8–9 August 2026 |
| Venue | The Wanderers Club, Illovo |
| Entry | R350 (20 tokens + glass) |
| Age Restriction | 18+ |
Over 70 wine estates, food market, tasting room sessions, mixology theatre, and picnic options.
Best for: Groups, serious wine enthusiasts, full-day outings.
18. Wine 44 – 44 Stanley, Braamfontein Werf
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 26 April 2026 |
| Venue | 44 Stanley Ave |
| Entry | Unlimited tastings from 15 winemakers |
| Family Friendly | Yes |
Celebrates new and seasonal wines in a vibrant precinct.
Best for: Relaxed Sunday outings, discovering new producers.
Unique Wine Experiences
19. Sin + Tax – Rosebank
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Off Bolton Road, Rosebank |
| Atmosphere | Low-lit, intimate speakeasy |
| Average Cost | ~£7 per person |
Hidden cocktail bar with a carefully curated wine selection by the glass.
Best for: Intimate dates, speakeasy vibes, wine by the glass.
20. The Living Room – Maboneng
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Maboneng Precinct |
| Atmosphere | Rooftop, relaxed |
| Average Cost | ~£4 per person |
Rooftop venue with city views and South African wines.
Best for: Sunset drinks, urban views, casual wine evenings.
21. San Deck – Sandton
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Sandton Sun Hotel |
| Average Cost | ~£21 per person |
Panoramic rooftop with firepits and a fortnightly-changing wine list.
Best for: Sunset wine, lively atmosphere, city views.
22. Six Cocktail Bar – Sandton
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sandton |
| Average Cost | ~£12 per person |
Stylish cocktail bar with premium wines available.
Best for: After-work drinks, stylish evenings.
23. The Braai Room – Lonehill
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Lonehill Shopping Centre |
| Hours | Daily, 8am – 9pm |
| Rating | 4.1/5 (764 reviews) |
Combines South African barbecue with curated wine list overlooking Lonehill Park.
Best for: Casual wine with barbecue, scenic views.
24. Sebule Restaurant – African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel |
| Rating | 4.9 on Dineplan |
| Features | Complimentary flatbread, premium wine list |
Luxury hotel dining with chargrilled steaks, seafood, and top-tier wines.
Best for: Special occasions, wine with fine dining.
25. The Hussar Grill – Multiple Locations
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Locations | Morningside, Waterfall Corner, Honeydew, Harvest Place |
| Established | 1964 |
| Wine Focus | Premium South African reds |
Classic steakhouse chain with a strong wine programme.
Best for: Consistent quality, wine and steak pairings.
Wine Tasting Price Comparison
| Venue | Type | Tasting Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eighteen13 | Tasting Room | From R100 | 5 wines, cheese/charcuterie pairing |
| Acid Wine Bar | Wine Bar | From R120 | Wine & tapas Fridays |
| Gerakaris Family | Urban Winery | From R150 | Chenin Blanc, Syrah |
| Winehouse | Hotel Wine Bar | From R200 | Elegant setting, monthly events |
| Mr. Pants | Wine Bar | Varies | Rare wines by the glass |
| QLounge Rosebank | Wine Bar | Varies | Quoin Rock Wines, guided tastings |
| Pick n Pay Fest | Festival | R350 entry | 20 tokens, 70+ producers |
| Wine 44 | Festival | Included in ticket | Unlimited tastings, 15 producers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Best wine tasting for beginners?
A: Eighteen13 in Fourways (R100 guided tastings) and Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival (sample many wines).
Q: Do venues include food pairings?
A: Yes. Eighteen13 and Gerakaris offer cheese boards; Pick n Pay Festival has extensive food markets.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Recommended for boutique venues (Eighteen13, Gerakaris, QLounge). Festivals require tickets. Bars like Mr. Pants welcome walk-ins.
Q: Are there wine festivals in 2026?
A: Yes. Wine 44 (26 April) and Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival (8–9 August).
Q: Dress code?
A: Casual smart for boutique venues; smart casual/elegant for hotels; comfortable outdoor attire for festivals.
Q: Suitable for groups?
A: Yes. Eighteen13 accommodates up to 15 guests; festivals are ideal for larger groups.
Q: Minimum age?
A: 18+. Festivals explicitly state “No Under 18.”
Q: Backup power during loadshedding?
A: Premium venues (Qunu, San Deck) have generators. Call smaller venues to confirm.
Q: Can I buy wine to take home?
A: Yes. Eighteen13 sells bottles; Pick n Pay Festival has a wine shop; many restaurants offer bottles.
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s wine scene in 2026 is diverse and thriving. From hidden gems like Mr. Pants to elegant hotel venues like QLounge Rosebank and Winehouse at Ten Bompas, the city offers experiences for every palate.
For beginners, Eighteen13 provides affordable guided tastings. For luxury, Qunu and San Deck deliver curated lists with awards. For adventure, Wine 44 and the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival are unmissable annual highlights.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Johannesburg’s wine culture offers boutique tastings, fine dining pairings, rooftop views, and large-scale festivals — all without leaving the city.
Note: All information is current as of March 2026. Operating hours, tasting prices, and festival details are subject to change. Please verify with venues before visiting.