Best things to do in Cape Winelands
Find out more about those top places in Cape Winelands
South Africa is known across the world as the source of some of the New World’s best wines and the area known as Winelands, which is within sixty kilometers of downtown Cape Town, produces the best the country has to offer. Located in the uplands, Winelands is blessed with a micro climate in which a variety of grapes thrives, which has created a verdant landscape of rolling vine-clad hills. Beyond the wineries, the region is home to South Africa’s oldest colonial settlements with the buzzing university town of Stellenbosch being founded by the Dutch in the 17th century and Franschhoek being founded by French Huguenots around the same time. In this way, Winelands showcases the best South Africa has to offer with spectacular landscapes, fascinating history and unrivaled food and drink to be explored.
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Wine Tasting Tour
Unsurprisingly one of the Cape Winelands star attractions is taking part in the region’s award-winning wine tours. Starting at the world-class Glen Carlou winery, the tour lets you immerse yourself in the wine making process with knowledgeable guides helping you get to grips with South Africa’s grape varieties, the growing cycle of vines and the plethora of different styles produced. Tours end with an exquisite tasting and lunch at a panoramic hilltop restaurant.
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Stellenbosch Winelands
Famed across the world for its outstanding produce, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s premier wine region. Tours of the picture-perfect landscape will let you immerse yourself in the area’s rich Dutch colonial history and wine making culture and marvel at the dramatic Drakenstein Valley.
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Franschhoek Motor Museum
Set against a backdrop of imposing mountains, the Franschhoek Motor Museum is a paradise for vintage transport enthusiasts. With a vast selection of cars, motorcycles, and buses dating back to Victorian times, the museum is one of the Cape Wineland’s hidden gems.
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Safari Tour
While the heart of the Cape Winelands lacks the big game found in other areas of South Africa, a short drive north towards Tankwa Karoo National Park lets visitors get up close with some of the country’s most jaw-dropping wildlife, including elephants and leopards.
