The Western Cape is a place known for its abundance of quality wine and the Cape, in particular, is intrinsically tied to the vine. Nowhere is this truer than in the Cape Winelands, a region overflowing with award-winning vintages and home to a number of world class vine- yards.
Towns such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington and Rob- ertson are now iconic in terms of the wine they produce and together they produce wine that is as diverse as it is bountiful. Set aside plenty of time if you visit the Cape Winelands, because you will never cover it in a day...
Franschhoek’s first authentic Indian restaurant, Marigold specialises in a variety of Indian dishes, from fragrant curries and briyanis to succulent meat cooked in the charcoal tandoor. Marigold head chef Vanie Padayachee has created something really special here, and best you bring your appetite, because you will want to sample everything. The wine list here – as you would expect from a Franschhoek restaurant – is extensive, while Tuk Tuk beer is also available on the menu, with Marigold also forming part of the Leeu Collection. We recommend the sharing menu, which will allow you try everything on the menu, while still allowing you to move afterwards!
Stellenbosch is about 45 minutes' drive from Cape Town with Franschhoek being just over an hours' drive. You can get to the Cape Winelands quick and easily by car, or even hire an Uber if you do not have access to a vehicle.
Many wine tours also offer transport to and from Cape Town as well so make sure to check with your provider.
If you are stuck on time and don't have days to explore the Cape Winelands but would still like to enjoy the full experience, hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
The tour includes stops at eight prominent wine farms from the Franschhoek Wine Valley and you can hop on and off as you please for either a wine tasting or decadent lunch. You can also request transport to and from Cape Town which makes the process easy and convenient.
Cape Winelands Towns
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is situated in a magnificent mountain valley, boasts a mild Mediterranean climate and is the ideal destination from which to explore the Cape Winelands, Cape Town, the Peninsula and the many experiences that the area has to offer.
Franschhoek
Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape Winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. It's widely regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the country, and is home to some the best food and wine on offer.
Robertson
With over 160 years of history, Robertson has grown into one of the most attractive Cape Winelands towns, with Victorian buildings, jacaranda-lined streets, vineyards banked with beautiful roses, columns of red and yellow cannas as well as bright bougainvilleas.
Paarl
Only 56km from Cape Town, Paarl offers you historical charm, culture, architectural heritage, wine and fruit farms, breathtaking scenery and many cycling and nature trails.
Ceres
The Ceres valley produces some of the finest deciduous fruit in South Africa and is home to the internationally branded Ceres Fruit Juices.
Wolseley
Wolseley is situated on a natural watershed that divides the Berg River (renowned for the annual Berg River Marathon) and the Breede River (one of the largest navigable rivers in South Africa).
Wellington
Welcome to Wellington, a unique town surrounded by massive mountains and full of friendly locals. Steeped in history and tradition this town has a magical atmosphere that will captivate you with its people and myriad of experiences.
Tulbagh
Tranquility is the operative word in this place of tradition, scenic beauty and majestic mountain ranges.
Montagu
Montagu, a scenic two-hour drive from Cape Town, is surrounded by the Langeberg Mountains and is the gateway to the Klein Karoo on Route 62, reputedly the longest wine route in the world!
Touwsrivier
Touwsrivier is the Breede Valley’s gateway from the Boland to the arid Cape Karoo. With its clear, crisp night skies, it is a stargazer’s dream. During the day, the town caters for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies.
Goedverwacht & Wittewater
Goedverwacht and Wittewater are two of a number of Moravian mission stations in the Piketberg area.
Worcester
Worcester is the focal and economic hub of the Breede Valley and is tucked away at the foot of the magnificent Brandwacht, Overhex and Langeberg Mountains.
De Doorns
Situated only 90 minutes northeast of Cape Town, De Doorns is nestled between the Quado and Hex River Mountain Range, which are snowcapped during the winter months.
Cape Winelands Itineraries
Cape Winelands Itinerary: Tourism Month
5 Days Mountain Biking in the Cape Winelands
Mountain Bike your way through the Cape Winelands and all its incredible views, sights and stops.
Get in a Good Space in the Cape Winelands
Enjoy food, wine and nature in this 3-day Cape Winelands itinerary. From the Breedekloof Valley and Robertson to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, there is so much on offer, you will need to make a return trip to see it all.
Hiking, Bird-watching and Wide Open Spaces Itinerary
From exploring Bird Island on the Cape West Coast to the majestic Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve in the Cape Winelands, it’s time to start planning your return to the wide open spaces of Cape Town and the Western Cape with this incredible 6-day itinerary.
Cape Winelands Blogs
Sensing the Cape Winelands
How to fully immerse yourself in the Cape Winelands.
Cape Town & Cape Winelands Best Of Wine Tourism Award winners
Celebrating innovation and excellence in wine tourism throughout the eleven greatest wine regions in the world, wineries across the Western Cape entered into the prestigious Gre...
Wine Schools and Universities in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, South Africa
Cape Town and the Cape Winelands offer various wine courses delving into the wine industry history and mastering the art of winemaking while learning about the developing wine i...Top attractions in Cape Winelands
Creation tasting experience
Delicious wines, decadent food and glorious views are what you can expect from your visit to Creation in the Cape Overberg’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Although each of these is, of course, a pleasure in itself, we encourage you to try one of the winery’s incredible Tasting Room experiences.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
If you’re not from the Western Cape, or well-versed in the wine estates of the Cape Winelands, wine tasting can be a bit daunting. Where do you go? How will you be able to drive afterwards? What are the best estates to visit?
Groot Constantia
South Africa has a vibrant wine culture, and nothing represents that better than Groot Constantia. The oldest and most historic wine estate in the country, and just 30 minutes from the Cape Town city centre, it is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Cupcakes and Wine, Delheim
Back in 1976, Delheim was the very first winery in South Africa to produce a Pinotage Rosé, and it’s been a hit ever since. Fittingly this lovely pink wine is first in line with their smashing gourmet cupcake pairing.
