The Cape Winelands

Cape Winelands – South Africa | Stellenbosch Franschhoek

The Perfect Cape Winelands Holiday

Surrounded by sunlit vineyards and rugged mountain summits, the scenic valleys of the Cape Winelands are renowned for their historic estates, charming towns, acclaimed restaurants, and, notably, their wine. This region is the primary source of nearly all of South Africa’s wine. A only hour’s drive from Cape Town, a trip in the Cape Winelands seamlessly enhances a visit to one of the world’s most beloved cities.

Although we speak to the ‘Cape Winelands,’ it is crucial to recognise that these remarkable historical estates are not confined to a single region; rather, there are multiple wine districts. The most frequently mentioned are the prominent clusters of scenic wineries in Constantia and the extensive vineyards in and around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. If their picturesque scenery and exceptional wines are insufficient motivation, permit us to present further reasons to visit the winelands:

1. Superlative Dining Experiences

The Cape Winelands consistently offers exceptional dining experiences. Franschhoek is renowned as the Cape’s ‘French Corner’ and its gastronomic hub. The neighbourhood and adjacent Stellenbosch provide a plethora of award-winning restaurants, offering a wide range of choices from sumptuous eating to highly acclaimed fine dining venues. The same applies to the Constantia region of the Cape Winelands, however with more curated choices.

2. Enjoy the Ultimate Romantic Getaway

Nothing epitomises romance more than expansive vineyards, lush valleys, and an appreciation for life’s exquisite pleasures. Enjoy a delightful weekend in the outside winelands, appreciating the vistas, strolling through charming streets together, and realising that there is no urgency when it comes to romance. Embrace the tranquil ambiance of small-town living and indulge in activities that pique your interest, or prepare for exhilarating adventures interspersed with a touch of opulence.

3. Heed Adventures’ Call

For those seeking adventure alongside the indulgence of sampling exquisite wines, the Cape Winelands offers an exceptional experience. Franschhoek exemplifies this with its renowned Wine Tram, a captivating tram system transporting visitors between farms on diverse itineraries to sample the finest vineyards in the region.

4. Say ‘I Do’ In The Vineyards

It is difficult to conceive a more romantic setting for the exchange of vows than amidst undulating vineyards, verdant foliage, and stunning mountainous vistas. The Cape Town Winelands feature a remarkable selection of venues, including exquisite boutique locations, expansive lawns, historical Cape Dutch architecture, and contemporary elegance. Numerous places provide excellent hotel options, allowing for a delightful weekend getaway with loved ones. Subsequently, explore Cape Town or journey further along the Garden Route, embark on an exhilarating safari, or visit one of Africa’s stunning beaches for a honeymoon.

Where To Go In The Cape Winelands

Unveiling Cape Winelands South Africa’s Wine Paradise

When visiting the Cape Winelands, you need not confine yourself to one destination; the renowned wine-producing towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl are all conveniently accessible, and most organised Wineland day trips encompass a sampling of all three.

Adjacent to Cape Town, the verdant suburb of Constantia is the premier destination in the Cape Winelands, renowned as the cradle of South Africa’s wine-making industry. It features some of the nation’s oldest and most exquisite estates, conveniently located near other attractions, including the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

For individuals inclined to explore less conventional paths, we suggest the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley adjacent to the whale-watching locale of Hermanus or the vineyards along the picturesque Route 62. While less renowned than Franschhoek and Constantia, these alternative wine routes are equally delightful to the senses and can be conveniently integrated into a self-drive vacation along the Whale Coast or the picturesque Garden Route.

1. Franschhoek: Award-Winning Restaurants, Magnificent Setting

Set against a background of orchards, vineyards and mountain peaks, the small hamlet of Franschhoek (‘French Corner’) is undoubtedly the nicest of the Cape Winelands areas. The appearance and ambiance are that of Provence, and the mood is further expressed by fine wine estates such as Le Petite Ferme, Chamonix and Mont Rochelle — their names testifying to the early French Huguenot influence in the area.

Franschhoek has just one major street yet it is lined with art galleries, boutique shops and a number of outstanding eateries. Known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, Franschhoek is a popular choice for a food and wine trip; dine on cuisines ranging from traditional Cape fare to French haute cuisine – and the accompanying wine will of course come from the vineyards around you.

2. Stellenbosch: Classic Old Cape Town, Wide Choice of Wine Estates

Stellenbosch, the second oldest municipality in South Africa following Cape Town, is renowned as the capital of the Cape Winelands, boasting an impressive 200 wine farms in the vicinity. Numerous farms are accessible to the public, offering daily wine tours and tastings, as well as restaurants with vineyard vistas or picnic hampers to be savoured on their spacious lawns.

Do not overlook the town itself; Stellenbosch is an ideal locale for leisurely strolls, where one can engage in shopping prior to savouring a dinner beneath its renowned 300-year-old oak trees. Proceed to Dorp Street, the historic core of the town and a national monument, renowned for its impressive array of Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian architecture. Simultaneously, the renowned Stellenbosch University contributes a vibrant ambiance to the town, with its students populating numerous taverns and pavement cafés.

3. Constantia: The Cape’s Oldest Winelands

Many tourists in Cape Town are unaware of the cooler, wetter south-eastern slopes of Table Mountain: a mere thirty-minute drive from the city centre leads to the affluent suburb of Constantia, characterised by opulent residences on vast green lawns, grand ambassadorial estates, and extensive vineyards.

The Constantia Wine Valley, established in 1685, is the oldest wine-producing region in the Cape. Explore Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia, both historic estates featuring typical Cape Dutch architecture, providing many opportunities to sample their exceptional wines and delicious cuisine. Engage in a round of golf, visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, hike on one of the numerous surrounding mountain paths or relax at the beach — both the Indian Ocean of False Bay and the cooler waters of the Atlantic are within close proximity.

4. Route 62: Good-Value Wine Farms, Amazing Scenery

Route 62 is not just one of South Africa’s most picturesque drives but also the longest wine route in the world. Approximately an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Route 62 traverses valleys adorned with vineyards, ascends beautiful mountain landscapes, and passes tranquil agricultural settlements before entering the Karoo, the vast semi-desert region that constitutes much of the Western Cape’s interior.

The Robertson Valley, our preferred wine destination on Route 62, features over 50 estates, including renowned brands like Springfield, Graham Beck, and Bon Courage. This valley is the destination in the Cape Winelands for outdoor pursuits, including strenuous climbs in the Langeberg Mountains and leisurely river cruises accompanied by a picnic basket and a cool bottle of wine.

5. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley: Peaceful Valley, Close to the Sea

Located adjacent to the coastal town of Hermanus, the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has temperate ocean breezes that establish optimal conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards. This region, infrequently frequented and situated away from the primary wine route, offers a laid-back ambiance. Take your time to appreciate the ocean and mountain vistas, sample award-winning wines, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the estates.

We highly recommend visiting the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley during the whale season from July to November and concluding your grape experience with a stay in Hermanus on the Whale Coast, renowned for the finest land-based whale watching globally.

6. Riebeek Kasteel: Olives, Wine & Cheese, Art Galleries & Cafes

Riebeek Kasteel, one of South Africa’s oldest settlements, is located an hour’s drive from Cape Town, nestled in the Swartberg, a serene agricultural area characterised by undulating wheat fields interspersed with fruit and olive orchards. However, it is the vineyards of the Riebeek Valley, particularly the several exceptional red wines they yield, that have elevated this otherwise tranquil town’s prominence.

Riebeek Kasteel is an ideal destination for a day trip from Cape Town. Engage with the amiable residents, taste local wine, olives, and cheeses, and dedicate an afternoon to explore the shops, cafés, art galleries, and restaurants in the town centre.

7. Paarl: Wine & Food Pairing, Historic Monuments

The Paarl Wine Route is famous for its distinguished red wines and is particularly enticing for those seeking an enhanced experience with their wine sampling. Explore the Fairview Estate for wine pairings with renowned cheeses; discover organic and biodynamic viticulture at the Avondale Estate; or indulge in brandy and chocolate tastings at KWV prior to a tour of their illustrious Cathedral Cellar, the largest cooperative wine cellar globally.

The term Paarl translates to “pearl” in Dutch and denotes the substantial granite outcrop that looms above the town, reputed to radiate like a pearl at dawn. Paarl, formerly an agricultural town reliant on the wine industry, has transformed into a hub of little bistros and exquisite cuisine. While not as visually appealing as Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, a stroll down Paarl’s main thoroughfare will lead you past intriguing antique shops, historic edifices, national monuments, and vibrant eateries.