Cape Winelands

Cape Winelands

A trip to Cape Town is incomplete without, at the very least, a day out in the Winelands. Filled with food, wine, incredible views and plenty of storytelling, travellers can delight in exploring these incredible destinations through either short day trips or luxurious overnight stays.

While not exactly one individual region, the Cape Winelands are in fact a collection of about 20 popular wine-rich locations spread all over the Western Cape. Even though there are plenty of vineyard-filled areas, the term Cape Winelands loosely refers to three of the most popular destinations: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.

Touched by the gods, these small towns just outside of Cape Town are home to a number of internationally acclaimed wine farms. Thanks to the idyllic terroir of the regions, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl have developed into esteemed winemaking regions, boasting interesting histories that span over 300 years.

Promising wine tastings, wine pairings, cellar tours, winemaking experiences and even cooking demonstrations and classes, time spent in the Cape Winelands is sure to have heads spinning and hearts overflowing. Beyond the bottle, each town has its own unique story and style which travellers can enjoy discovering. From walking tours through historic Stellenbosch’s Dutch-style streets, to wine farm hopping in the culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek, travellers can also enjoy learning about the history and development of the Paarl district.

While foodies and wine lovers will no doubt love the time spent in the Cape Winelands, these incredible excursions will satisfy just about any type of traveller. There is something special in store for nature lovers, art enthusiasts and those with an interest in history and politics.

For those who may be pressed for time, or those who can’t venture too far from the city centre, the Constantia Wine Route is a perfect alternative (or complement) to the Cape Winelands. On the reverse side of Table Mountain, a mere 20-minute drive from Cape Town City centre, in the leafy green suburb of Constantia, lies a scattering of incredible wine farms, all within a short drive from each other.

Whether the experience of the hour calls for a cheese and charcuterie board, a chocolate pairing, a five-course meal or a chef’s table demonstration, any food and wine experience in the Cape Winelands is bound to be elegant, exquisite and unforgettable.