Winelands holidays

Of course, the main reason to book a Winelands holiday is to try some of the world’s best wines, especially their renowned Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. However, there is so much more to see, and foodies will love discovering some of the country’s best restaurants (there’s plenty of them). 

• The food capital of South Africa boasts some amazing restaurants, so you’ll need to book in advance to guarantee a table! Check out Babylonstoren, Terroir and Bosman’s, Bread & Wine for starters. With so much out there, we could keep going, but then you’d miss your reservation.
• You’re not just limited to wine in these parts — craft beer has experienced a recent resurgence in South Africa, with Franschhoek being no exception. For those looking for a break from all the world-class wines, spend a lazy afternoon at the Tuk Tuk Microbrewery. On-site brews and delicious dishes make this a fantastic new addition to the Franschhoek Winelands.
• If you want to sample a few vineyards, but stay in the heart of Cape Town, there are a few options. Take a trip into the Winelands on one of our scheduled tours or hop on the City Sightseeing bus (blue route tour) and sample a few glasses in Groot Constantia.

Stellenbosch is a young university town vibe with coffee culture and restaurants spilling into streets so more youthful. The vineyards are out in the valleys so you would need to book a tour or the vinehopper.

Franschhoek is one main street in the valley so there are lots of vineyards that surround it. The wine tram is a tram and bus shared service so you can book a day trip and not have to walk. It is seamless and one of the best things to do in the country. Franschooek is very famous for food and drink ‘foodie capital of South Africa’ if you like, but much more accessible for getting out and about and to restaurants.

We tend to lean towards Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for most of our accommodation. The hotels in these areas make sure that first-time visitors are right at the heart of the action. 

• Stellenbosch boasts a lot of history, but is nowadays renowned for being a fun, bustling university town with a reputation for producing some of South Africa’s finest rugby players.
• Al fresco dining and youthful bars are the norm in Stellenbosch, with some of the best vineyards dotted around the valleys outside of the town. Bear this in mind if you’re driving — you will need to book a tour (which can be done by vehicle, bicycle or even horseback!).
• A bit further into the valleys, you’ve got Franschhoek, an upmarket village with a fantastic location for those looking to explore on foot.
• The Franschhoek Wine Tram will take you from the village into some award-winning vineyards, allowing a very easy option for those looking to explore on their own.
• The Franschhoek Motor Museum is located just outside of the village and boasts a varied collection of motor memorabilia in a stunning setting, on the luxurious L’Ormarins estate.

Here’s a guide to the top things to do in this breathtaking region.

Explore picturesque towns:
The Winelands’ towns are bursting with charm and culture. Stellenbosch is famous for its oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture, while Franschhoek offers a unique French heritage and vibrant culinary scene. 

Vineyard walks and bike rides:
For those who want to explore the natural beauty of the Winelands, there are plenty of vineyard walks and bike trails to enjoy.

Visit historical sites and museums:
The Winelands are rich in history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore.

When it comes to the South African Winelands, choosing the best wine region depends on the kind of experience you're after. We suggest first-timers head to Stellenbosch and if you're looking for a romantic escape or food-focused trip then choose Franschhoek.

Here’s how to explore the best vineyards in the Winelands - effortlessly, safely, and in total style.

Hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram:
Hands down, the most iconic way to vineyard-hop in Franschhoek.

Book a private wine tour or driver:
Hire a private guide or wine shuttle to handle the logistics while you savour the good stuff. It’s smooth, stress-free, and great for groups or romantic getaways.

Walk it off:
In compact towns like Franschhoek and parts of Stellenbosch, some estates are walking distance apart. It’s slow travel, South African style — perfect for a relaxed day out.

If you can visit just one region in the Winelands, Stellenbosch is the classic choice. It’s South Africa’s second-oldest town and arguably the country’s most famous wine area.

The wine harvesting season in South Africa’s Winelands typically runs from January-April, with the peak harvest period falling in February and March.

The Cape Winelands may be world-famous for their vino, but the region offers so much more than just sipping on Chenin Blanc. Surrounded by mountain ranges like the Simonsberg and Drakenstein, the Winelands are paradise for nature lovers. Go hiking in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve or take a gentle stroll through vineyard-lined walking trails.

There’s so much more to the Cape Winelands than wine tasting, here’s what else you can do in the Cape Winelands - beyond the glass.

Cycle or E-Bike through the countryside:
Explore Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl on two wheels — either self-guided or on a guided cycling tour.

Wellness & spa experiences:
Unwind in luxury with vineyard spa treatments, yoga retreats, and hot stone massages - often with views of the surrounding mountains.

Horseback riding through vineyards:
Take a guided horse ride through rolling vineyards, a peaceful and romantic way to explore the landscape.