Heading north inland from Cape Town, you’ll enter wine country; mountainous microclimates ideal for vines, provided by the impressive peaks of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Here, you’ll discover the story of where your sweet glass of Sauvignon Blanc comes from.
A visit to the Cape Winelands can be done as a day trip from Cape Town, however spending a night or two in the scenic highlands is certainly worth the trip (especially if you’re on a self-drive tour of the region!). One of the best wine towns to stay in is Franschhoek.
Franschhoek (French Corner) may be a small town with a population of less than 15,000, but it claims the title of South Africa’s food and drink capital. With world-class restaurants, local wines aplenty, stunning scenery, French-inspired architecture and the interesting history of the French Huguenot refugees who settled in this area in 1688 – there’s more to see and do than sip a couple of different vintages (though there’s plenty of that too).
If you have a few days to spare, particularly if you’re driving, take the time to explore more wine-producing towns and villages nearby, such as Dutch Stellenbosch and pleasant Paarl, as well as historic Tulbagh, which is famous for Méthode Cap Classique (a local tipple similar to champagne), and the scattered wineries of Robertson.
Explore the mountains, valleys and vineyards by road, bike or on foot. With horizons of rolling countryside, charming towns and an endless supply of South African vinos to swill, the Cape Winelands are a must-visit for any wine expert, enthusiast or appreciator.
Each season in the Winelands brings something different: the sunny days of summer are perfect for a chilled glass of white and an alfresco dinner, while winter is the best time to curl up by the fire with a warming glass of red. Autumn’s harvest is when the grapes are picked and pressed, but this spectacular region of South Africa is a picturesque destination all year round.
Honouring both French and African heritage, Franschhoek celebrates Bastille Festival every July and has done so since 1994 (the year of the first South African general election and the end of the Apartheid era). You’ll see locals and visitors clad in red, blue and white, and plenty of French-inspired fare to eat and drink.
A trip to the Winelands features on our South Africa Self Drive Honeymoon and Best of South Africa & Mozambique tours – both with overnight stays in this gorgeous rural region of the country. However, if you would like to have more time here, or add the Winelands to your tailor made South Africa travel itinerary, let us know and we can arrange this for you.
Our tours to the Winelands include stays at La Petite Ferme, located on a boutique wine estate with impressive views of the Franshhoek Valley. Sample some of the estate’s award-winning wines, relax in the luxury lakeside cottages and feast at the property’s world-renowned onsite restaurant.
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Find out more and tailor your perfect trip with the help of
our specialist team on +44 117 313 3300
