Only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, lying in the shadow of a continuous belt of Cape fold mountains, lies a series of beautiful valleys known as the Cape Winelands. With majestic mountains that form dramatic backdrops to lush vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history, the Winelands is synonymous with all the best that the Cape has to offer. Apart from wine tasting at one of the many world renowned wine estates there are also other things to do. Here is a list of our favourite activities to help you make the best of your time while staying in the Winelands.
1. Wine Tasting
The wine regions of Paarl, Franschoek, and Stellenbosch produce some of the finest wines in the Cape Winelands. There are over 150 wine estates to choose from and with limited time it is important to make the right choices. Lara is our own in-house sommelier and after a few questions, she will be able to direct you to those that will be perfect for you taking your own personal wine preferences into consideration. Many of these wine farms also offer a picnic lunch which will be the perfect end to a morning of wine tasting. We have many options of half or full day wine tours and will advise you what will be best for you in then planning stages of your trip.
Delair Graff : Website
Boschendal : Website
Waterford : Website
Tokara : Website
Antonij Rupert : Website
Spier : Website
Lourensford : Website
2. Motor Museum
The Franschhoek Motor Museum exceeds 220 vehicles – ranging from a 1898 Beeston motor tricycle to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo supercar – and more than 80 exhibits will be on view at any one time. The motors are presented in chronological order in four de-humidified halls with a total floor area of 2700 m².
Open Times : Monday – Friday: 10h00 – 17h00 , Saturday – Sunday: 10h00 – 16h00
Location : Franshoek
Website
3. Wine and Cheese Tasting at Fairview
Fairview Farm has a proud history going way back to 1699 when the first wines were made. Today the farm produces top quality cheeses using the milk from the goat herd and the herd of Jersey cows. Roydon Camembert, the flagship product in the range, was awarded the Gold Medal at the World Cheese Awards no less than 5 times in 7 years.
Open Times : Monday – Sunday: 9h00 – 17h00
Location : Paarl
Website
4. Hilcrest Berry Orchards
At Hilcrest Berry Farm you will find freshly picked berries every day during the summer and throughout the year you can buy their full range of frozen berries, jams, dessert toppings, relishes, jellies, berry vinegars, liqueured berries and gifts. Situated in the Banhoek Valley, the tea garden has a lovely large terrace for summer alfresco lunches, or alternatively winter meals can be enjoyed at the old fashioned fire place.
Open Times : Monday – Sunday: 9h00 – 17h00
Location : Between Franshoek and Stellenbosch
Website
5. Babylonstoren Gardens
Babylonstoren is a working farm with a hotel, spa, farm-to-table restaurants, winery and magnificent garden. The 3.5-hectare garden, modelled on the famous Company’s Garden in Cape Town which was for centuries the halfway station between Europe and Asia is the farm’s main attraction. There are over three kilometers of paths through the garden, providing hours of walking pleasure. You can also join the daily guided garden tour led by one of the gardeners.
Open Times : Monday – Sunday: 9h00 – 16h00
Location : 20 Minutes outside Franshoek
Website
6. Franshoek Wine Tram
Experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as you journey through rolling vineyards in a double-decker tram and open-air tram-bus stopping at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates. The tour takes passengers right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley and unparalleled views of the valley and vineyards. In addition to the hop-on hop-off tour, a curated wine experience is also available including a lunch, wine tastings and a wine pairing.
Open Times : Open Ended – Booking Essential
Location : Franshoek
Website
7. Shopping & Visiting Art Galleries in Franshoek Main Street
A short wander down the main road in Franschhoek uncovers world-class shops and boutiques for an intimate and relaxed shopping experience. Whether you are looking for wine, jewellery, designer clothing, artworks, a special gift, collectable books or chocolate you’ll find the best of these and much more along the main street. Franschhoek has also become a destination for art enthusiasts displaying works of talented South African and local artists.
Open Times : Monday – Sunday: 9h00 – 17h00
Location : Franshoek
Please feel free to comment and tell us about your unique experiences in the lovely Mother City. We look forward to hearing from you.
