Winelands

The Cape’s fertile winelands are about an hour's drive inland from Cape Town. This is a region of great scenic beauty, of picturesque valleys populated by grand estates, pretty towns and endless vineyards. It is also a region that is steeped in culture and history, as a home to some of the finest examples of Cape Dutch architecture in South Africa, much of it dating back to the 17th century.

Rather than a single province, the Winelands are in fact a loose collection of 20 wine-producing regions, at the heart of which are the famous towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. Each has its own attractions, with Franschhoek widely regarded the culinary capital of South Africa, while Stellenbosch and Paarl are noted for their European influence, their oak-lined streets populated with quaint coffee shops, art galleries, and museums. Each is full of delightful vineyards and manor houses where you may spend a night or two while exploring the region.

Some of the best wines in the world are produced in the Cape Winelands, and certainly the best in South Africa. There are hundreds of wine estates scattered throughout the region, each offering their own unique blends for you to sample. Designated ‘wine routes’ link the various wineries, making them more accessible. Guided Cape Wineland tours of varying duration are available, though many prefer to explore the region independently, with self-drive Cape Wineland holidays a popular option.

The Cape Winelands region is as famous for its scenery as it is its wine. In this fertile land, rolling fields and green corduroy-patterned vineyards meet dramatic purple mountains. Houses are designed in typical Cape Dutch style - whitewashed with thatched gabled roofs - and many open their doors to travellers. The region has been proposed for consideration as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape.

In and around the Cape Winelands, South Africa
You can spend the day sampling fine wines at one of the numerous wine estates along the various wine routes, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the Wineland's many fantastic restaurants, or enjoy a leisurely picnic in a peaceful setting. For the more active traveller we recommend mountain biking, hiking, horse-riding and kloofing in the mountains.

Many of the wine estates also offer cheese and olive tasting, horse-riding, and there are a good number of golf courses in the region.

It is possible to visit the Cape Winelands on a day trip from Cape Town, but to fully explore the region we recommend spending a few nights in one of the many boutique hotels and country houses that populate the region. Many are perfect for a romantic holiday or honeymoon, catering specifically to couples, while others are more suited to families. A Cape Winelands holiday is also a great choice for those just looking to relax after a South African safari. The region can easily be visited at the start or end of a tour of South Africa's famous Garden Route.