Visit the Cape Winelands on a holiday in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek to experience gorgeous scenery and fine wines. Additionally, this region is the gourmet hub of South Africa with some of the best restaurants in the country.
The Cape is renowned for its fine wine estates, with more than 200 cellars to visit. Taste their products of not only wine; but cheese and chocolates too. Some of the towns in The Cape Winelands and Route 62 are Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Constantia.
The Cape Winelands is bordered by the majestic Boland Mountains; which provides beautiful scenery. Day tours are offered from Cape Town. Or spend a few nights at some of the finest accommodation in South Africa.
Route 62 is the longest wine route in the world. It meanders between Cape Town, the Garden Route, to Port Elizabeth. It offers an alternative to the main N2 highway. This scenic route includes the wine estates of Paarl, Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Breedekloof, Robertson, and Klein Karoo.
Delaire Graff breakfast in Cape Winelands
For the adventurous traveler, there are lots of activities to choose from. Such as canoeing, 4×4 trails, hiking, mountain biking, abseiling, kloofing, horseback safaris, Hot Air Ballooning, and game viewing.
Some of the towns in the Cape Winelands are:
Constantia
Constantia is one of the oldest towns and an affluent suburb of Cape Town. Only about 15 kilometers from the center of Cape Town. Famed for its fine wine; Steenberg Farm was established way back in 1682. Other notable wine farms in the area include Groot Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia and Constantia Uitsig.
Scenic beauty of Steenberg Hotel & Vineyards
Franschhoek
Franschhoek is a charming Cape Winelands village with a strong French flavor. Often referred to as the ‘Gourmet Capital of South Africa’ it is about 85 km from Cape Town. Franschhoek has 2 museums, the Huguenot Museum and the Huguenot Memorial. There is a collection of art and antique shops and galleries. Restaurants and coffee shops line the main street. An excellent activity to do here is the Franschhoek Wine Tram. There are many routes to choose from taking in a variety of wine farms. Paragliding offers magnificent views of the valley and surrounding areas. Mountain biking, horse riding trails, wine tasting on horseback, helicopter flights, hiking, and golf are all also on offer in this area.
Babylonstoren Garden view with chefs
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a beautiful, historical university town, surrounded by the Stellenbosch Mountains. The main road is Dorp Street. And it boasts some of the most beautiful surviving examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian & Victorian architecture. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa. Also known as the Elkestad (city of oaks); named because it is full of these beautiful trees.
Stellenbosch has approximately 100 wine estates and produces some of the finest red wines in South Africa. There are excellent hikes/walking trails in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve area. There are several museums and historical buildings in the town. Strolling around Stellenbosch is easy and very interesting. You will also find a Toy & Miniature Museum located behind the Information Bureau which is the only one of its kind in South Africa.
A visit to Spier is a must if you are in this area. Here; you will find an Eagle Encounters Raptor Rehabilitation Centre*, restaurants, wine tasting, Spa, Artisan Studio, Craft Market, self-guided walks; all in the most beautiful surroundings. There are also Vineyard Segway tours.
Spier Hotel Segway tour
*Visit Eagle Encounters to enjoy up close and personal interactions with eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, kites, buzzards, snakes, and lizards. Take part in heart-stopping falconry displays. It has been going strong since 2001. Rehabilitating and releasing birds of prey. And promoting conservation and education, on land donated by Spier. Birds of prey keep the farm’s ecosystem in balance. Making it possible to naturally control pests, without pesticides.
There are also 3 excellent golf courses in the Stellenbosch area. These are Stellenbosch Golf Course, Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, and De Zalze Country Club at the Spier Estate.
Paarl
The picturesque town of Paarl is a mere 1 hour’s drive from Cape Town. It is cradled between Paarl Mountain and Du Toitskloof Mountain range. The 11km long main road is Main Street. It is a trip down memory lane with its picturesque Cape Dutch, Victorian & Georgian architecture, antique and artsy stores.
Some of the activities on offer here are walking trails, trout fishing, horseback riding through the vineyards. Or golf at Boschenmeer Golf & Country Estate or Pearl Valley Golf Course.
Cape Winelands Golf at Pearl Valley
Africa A-Z will plan your stay in the Cape Winelands or a day trip from Cape Town. Finding you the best options suited to your needs; while on your holiday in South Africa.
Rates and Offers at Le Quartier Français, a romantic boutique hotel is in the heart of Franschhoek, Cape Winelands; which is known for excellent wines and food
Mont Rochelle and Manor House is Richard Branson’s luxury hotel and villa in Franschhoek. This wine estate is less than an hour from Cape Town and offers fine dining experiences.
