The Cape Winelands - The Real Holidays Way
A natural draw for any wine lover is to visit the idyllic Cape Winelands in South Africa, populated with hundreds of wineries producing some of the world’s best wines. But it can be hard to know where to start, which is why our expertise can help guide you to the best spots with insider experiences thrown in too – like meet-the-maker appointments, private wine tastings and ‘grape to glass’ workshops where you explore the full wine-making process.
It’s not just about wine though, bring the family to the Winelands and enjoy an active, outdoorsy holiday amid South Africa’s natural beauty and temperate climate. Hike magnificent mountains, cycle to farms to try their produce, search for dinosaur fossils, savour a chocolate tasting or enjoy a cooking class together, all in idyllic surrounds. Read our guide to the best regions within the Cape Winelands.
STELLENBOSCH
Waterford Estate & Gåte at Quoin Rock
Characterised by 17th century Cape Dutch architecture, the region of Stellenbosch is filled with local foodie hotspots and restaurants, arty galleries and of course, plenty of wine farms and wineries. We like Waterford Estate, which has a commanding position in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley and offers tastings of their exclusive fine wines paired with handmade delicacies such as chocolate or biltong. The ‘jeep and wine safari’ is a great way to explore the 120-hectare estate, inspecting vines, tasting wine and appreciating Waterford’s encompassing natural beauty.
Our restaurant recommendation is Gåte at Quoin Rock, an innovative fine dining spot that’s part of the Quion Rock winery located at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. Tasting menus are crafted with passion, rooted in South African cuisine and filled with culinary surprises. For something different, try bijou restaurant VUUR, which seats only ten and serves melt-in-the-mouth food cooked over the fire, including steak and seafood.
"Since the Dutch settled here in the 17th century, Stellenbosch's fertile soils and microclimate have been the ideal setting for producing wine."
STAY: OUDE WERF
Centrally located in Stellenbosch, Oude Werf is one of the oldest hotels in South Africa, presenting as a characterful mix of heritage charm and contemporary style. Perfectly placed to explore the town on foot, admire the differing architectural styles seen in Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian period buildings.
Stellenbosch’s flourishing arts and crafts scene includes workshops and galleries displaying ceramics, jewellery, sculpture and artisanal chocolate. Back at the hotel, enjoy a ‘winemaker’ evening in the restaurant featuring esteemed wine farms from the region, pairing exceptional wine with casual fine dining.
FRANSCHHOEK
Boschendal & La Petit Colombe
In the fertile surrounds of the Drakenstein Valley, Franschhoek is the prettiest of South Africa’s wine regions, a sweeping province of undulating vines, colourful wildflower meadows and gabled Dutch farmhouses, shielded by the dramatic mountains. With over 50 highly rated vineyards, pick carefully where to visit – we’d recommend Boschendal, a regenerative working farm that celebrates not only award-winning wine but wholesome farm-to-fork cuisine in their restaurant or even as a ready-to-go picnic.
Franschhoek is known for its array of gastronomic restaurants – we can highly vouch for lunch or dinner at La Petit Colombe, nestled in the pristine beauty of the Leeu Estate, also well worth a visit. Dotted with eye-catching modern art sculptures and a wine studio, La Petit Colombe’s restaurant is a culinary highlight, with tasting menus a whirlwind of local produce brought together in an alchemy of tastes. Savour wagyu Karoo, yellowfin tuna and crayfish, and save room for the whimsical ‘sweet trolley’ to indulge your childlike sweet tooth.
"The Franschhoek valley is the gastronomic heartbeat of South Africa, home to a series of Michelin-starred eateries and surrounded by 50 of the finest wine estates in South Africa."
STAY: LA PETITE FERME
Just five minutes’ drive from Franschhoek, La Petite Ferme is a working vineyard and farmhouse which benefits from idyllic views over the Franschhoek Valley. Bedrooms are either in the farmhouse or as standalone vineyard suites, some of which have private terraces and plunge pools. With a peaceful country retreat-style ambience, La Petite Ferme is the place to relax, taste wine at the on-site boutique winery and savour delicious contemporary cuisine created from local ingredients.
CONSTANTIA
Klein Constantia & La Colombe
Ideally placed for an add-on to Cape Town, Constantia is just half an hour from the cosmopolitan port city on South Africa’s southwest coast. For families, it may even be preferable to stay in Constantia, avoiding congested coastal roads and allowing easy access to the waterfront and the Winelands. Constantia also benefits from serene natural beauty where flowing rivers cut through lush vineyards and abundant greenery, presided over by the Cape Mountain Fynbos Reserve. Again, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to wineries – we like Klein Constantia, an estate that dates back to 1685. Its sea views allow cooling sea mists to create a unique terroir including a natural sweet wine.
For eating out, La Colombe is an assured choice, ideal for epicureans that love fine food served with a twist. With a vantage point atop a mountain, menus come peppered with refined African ingredients including Madagascan caviar, Namibian crab, Karoo lamb and game fish.
"Surrounded by the coastline of the Cape of Good Hope, sea mists roll in giving Constantia's vineyards a unique terroir."
STAY: THE CELLARS HOHENORT HOTEL
Just a 15-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre and V&A Waterfront makes The Cellars Hohenort a relaxed alternative to staying in Cape Town, still within reach of its sights. This beautiful Cape Dutch country retreat is surrounded by lush gardens and rows of vines and enjoys serene views over the Cape Peninsula. Rooms, suites and villas are light-filled with floral accents, marble bathrooms and free-standing tubs. Food is a highlight here from the classic afternoon tea to dinner in the greenery-infused conservatory, serving refined South African cuisine.
