Planning wine tasting in Somerset West? See what to expect at Post House in the Helderberg – 5 wines for R130, Monday to Saturday. Call ahead and visit.
The Cape Winelands can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of farms, packed tasting rooms on summer weekends, and that nagging question: where do you go for something genuinely different? If you’re planning wine tasting in Somerset West or the wider Stellenbosch area this season, the Helderberg is worth a closer look – and so is a small family farm on Raithby Road.
The Helderberg is the wine-growing area around Somerset West, on the southern edge of Stellenbosch, set between the Helderberg mountain and False Bay. It’s under an hour’s drive from Cape Town and is known for quieter, more personal farm visits than the busiest parts of the Winelands.
This guide covers why the Helderberg is special, exactly what to expect at a Post House tasting, how to get the most out of any tasting, and a suggested five-wine flight to try when you visit.
Key Takeaways
- Post House offers tastings Monday to Saturday: R130 for any five wines from the Post Card or Estate Range.
- Your tasting is free when you spend R600 or more on wine.
- Call ahead on 021 842 2409 before visiting – we’re a small team on a working farm.
- The farm sits on a ridge between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, with views of False Bay, Cape Point and the Helderberg mountains.
- Expect unfined, unfiltered, deeply coloured wines made with natural yeast and basket pressing.
Why Go Wine Tasting in the Helderberg?
Most visitors head straight for the famous valleys of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The Helderberg rewards those who take the turn-off towards Somerset West instead.
- Ocean influence. Breezes from False Bay help cool the vineyards during hot Cape summers, supporting freshness in the wines.
- Mountain and sea views. Many farms, Post House included, look out over the bay and the Helderberg range.
- Easy access. It’s a straightforward drive from Cape Town, the airport and the Overberg coast, which makes it an easy half-day or add-on to a road trip.
- Boutique character. Smaller, family-run farms mean you’re more likely to chat to the people who actually make the wine.
What to Expect at a Post House Wine Tasting
Post House is a boutique, family-owned wine farm in Raithby, between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. Hermann Gebers bought the farm in 1981. The old homestead once served as the Helderberg Post Office, which is why our wines carry postal names inspired by famous rare stamps.
The Tasting at a Glance
| Days | Monday to Saturday |
| Price | R130 for any 5 wines |
| Range | Post Card or Estate Range |
| Bonus | Tasting free with purchases of R600+ |
| Address | Raithby Road, Raithby, Somerset West |
| Phone | 021 842 2409 |
A Personal, Unhurried Experience
This isn’t a conveyor-belt tasting room. You’ll be hosted by people who know every wine intimately and are happy to talk about how it’s made, why it’s so dark in the glass, and the story behind each label. Guests regularly tell us the experience feels like spending an afternoon with old friends – which is exactly how we like it.
Wines You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Our winemaking philosophy is to interfere as little as possible. We use natural yeast fermentation, basket pressing and no fining or filtering. Combined with lean soils and low yields, that produces some of the darkest wines you’ll find anywhere – bold, inky and full of character. If you’ve only ever tasted mainstream supermarket wines, it’s an eye-opener.
How to Get the Most Out of a Wine Tasting
Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned taster, these simple steps make any tasting more rewarding:
- Look. Tilt the glass against a white background. Note the depth of colour – with our reds, you often can’t see through it.
- Swirl. A gentle swirl lets oxygen in and releases aromas.
- Smell. Take a few short sniffs. Think fruit, flowers, spice, earth, wood.
- Sip. Let the wine coat your mouth. Notice acidity, tannin (that drying grip), body and sweetness.
- Reflect. How long does the flavour last after you swallow? A long finish is a sign of quality.
- Ask questions. The best tastings are conversations. There are no silly questions.
- Spit or pace yourself. Spitting is completely normal at tastings, especially if you’re visiting more than one farm.
A Suggested Five-Wine Tasting Flight
With five wines to choose, here’s a flight that shows off the range from fresh to profound. Ask our team on the day about what’s open, as availability can change.
- Cameo Chenin 2026 – Unwooded Chenin Blanc with guava, quince and citrus. A bright start.
- Three Pearls 2025 – Dry Grenache rosé with strawberry and raspberry. Made for warm Helderberg afternoons.
- Blueish Black 2023 – Pinotage-led blend with mulberry, red currant and soft tannins. A gentle introduction to our reds.
- Merry Widow 2023 – Inky black Shiraz with red cherries, white pepper, violets and liquorice.
- Penny Black 2023 – Our flagship blend, with floral notes, blackcurrant, fynbos and white pepper, and the structure to age for 10–12 years.
Got a sweet tooth? Ask about Treskilling Yellow, our Noble Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, with honeyed walnuts, dried apricot and marmalade.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Phone before you come. We’re a working farm with a small team, so a quick call ensures someone is ready to welcome you.
- Choose a designated driver. Or book a driver or tour. Enjoy responsibly.
- Plan for summer heat. Bring a hat and water, and visit earlier in the day in peak summer.
- Bring a cooler box. If you’re buying wine to take home, keep it out of a hot boot.
- Spend R600 and taste free. Stocking up for the festive season? Your tasting fee is waived.
- Planning an event? Our rustic venue, with stained glass windows, chandeliers and views of the vineyards and False Bay, hosts up to 150 guests. Email info@posthousewines.co.za to enquire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does wine tasting cost at Post House?
A tasting costs R130 for any five wines from the Post Card or Estate Range. The fee is waived when you buy R600 or more of wine.
Do I need to book a wine tasting at Post House?
Tastings run Monday to Saturday. We recommend calling 021 842 2409 before you visit so we can make sure someone is available to host you.
Where is Post House Wines?
Post House is on Raithby Road in Raithby, Somerset West, on a ridge between Somerset West and Stellenbosch in the Helderberg area of the Western Cape.
What makes Post House wines different?
Post House wines are made with minimal intervention: natural yeast fermentation, basket pressing, and no fining or filtering. Together with lean soils and low yields, this produces exceptionally dark, full-flavoured wines.
Plan Your Helderberg Wine Tasting
The Helderberg offers something the busier corners of the Winelands often can’t: space, views and time to actually talk about the wine. At Post House, that means a relaxed, personal tasting of some of the darkest, most characterful wines in South Africa.
See tasting details and plan your visit, browse our wine range before you arrive, or order online if you can’t make it out to the farm. We’ll keep a glass ready.
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