South African winelands

Wine lovers, you’re in the right place. The South African Winelands deliver world-class wines, scenic drives, and unforgettable farm-to-table experiences, one sip at a time.

Hidden Gems | Things to do | Places to stay | FAQ

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Cape Winelands' must-visit classics

Welcome to the crown jewels of the Cape Winelands. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are what most people picture when they think “South African wine,” and for good reason. Think award-winning estates like Spier, Warwick, Babylonstoren and Tokara, oak-lined streets, and backdrops of dramatic mountain ranges. In Stellenbosch, you’ll find a mix of historic Cape Dutch architecture, vibrant student energy, and some of the best food and wine pairings in the country. Franschhoek brings a French flair, with the iconic wine tram stopping at top spots like Haute Cabrière, Grande Provence, and La Motte, while boutique galleries and gourmet restaurants make it a food-lover’s dream. Both towns are packed with culture, charm, and cellar doors just waiting to be opened. Whether it’s your first time in South Africa or your fifth, this is where the wine journey begins.

Hidden gems in the Cape Winelands: Elgin, Tulbagh, Robertson & Montagu

If you’re after wine with a side of authenticity, skip the crowds and head straight for these lesser-known gems. Elgin, once famous for its apples, now produces some of the Cape’s most elegant cool-climate wines, especially crisp sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs, thanks to its high-altitude vineyards and misty mountain air. Tulbagh is surrounded by dramatic peaks and packed with heritage; its boutique estates blend innovation with tradition, producing award-winning méthode cap classique and complex Rhône-style reds in a setting that feels like a step back in time. In Robertson, it’s all about warm hospitality and bold, fruit-forward chardonnays and shiraz, perfectly paired with long lunches under the trees and a laid-back farm vibe. And then there’s Montagu, where the dry Karoo air and rugged terrain create rich, characterful wines with a wild edge, best sipped after a canyon hike or soak in the town’s natural hot springs. These regions may fly under the radar, but for wine lovers chasing depth, charm, and a bit of adventure, they’re absolute gold.

Things to do in the Cape Winelands (besides wine tasting)

Yes, the wine is world-class, but the Winelands offer so much more than just swirling and sipping. Cycle between vineyards in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, stopping for a picnic or a cheeky cheese board along the way. Hop on the wine tram for a scenic ride through rolling hills and postcard-perfect estates. Browse local art galleries, antique stores and farm stalls, or dip into a hot spring in Montagu. You can hike through mountain passes, kayak on farm dams, or join a food pairing that’ll make you forget wine was ever the main event. From lazy afternoons in flower-filled gardens to Saturday mornings at the Elgin Railway Market, the Winelands deliver a full sensory adventure, even without the glass in hand.

Best places to stay in the Cape Winelands: Boutique hotels & vineyard stays

Waking up to vineyard views, sipping your morning coffee with mountain peaks in the distance, and ending your day with a firepit and a glass of local red is Winelands living at its best. The region is full of boutique hotels, cosy fly camps, and stylish farm stays that blend luxury with that laid-back countryside feel. In Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, you’ll find elegant guesthouses tucked between the vines, perfect for foodies and design lovers alike. In places like Elgin, Robertson, or Montagu, it’s all about character-filled cottages, restored barns, and family-run lodges where you’re welcomed like an old friend. Whether you’re after a romantic escape, a family retreat, or a stopover on a Garden Route road trip, there’s a Winelands stay that feels tailor-made.

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All your burning questions about the South African Winelands answered

South Africa’s winelands shine year-round, but the sweet spot is spring (September–November) for wildflowers and mild weather, or autumn (March–May) for harvest season and vineyard colours.

It depends on the wine farm, but it’s a good idea, especially on weekends and in peak seasons. Some places welcome walk-ins, but the most popular estates or food pairings can book out fast. A quick call or online booking saves the hassle.

Absolutely. It’s a hop-on, hop-off tram and bus route that takes you to a selection of wine farms in Franschhoek. You choose a line, each with different stops, then spend the day sipping, snacking, and soaking up the views without needing a car.

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are both about an hour’s drive from Cape Town. You can self-drive, join a guided tour, or book a private transfer. Just keep in mind: if you plan on wine tasting, it’s safer to have someone else do the driving.

All four towns are easy to reach by car from Cape Town, making them perfect for weekend getaways. Elgin is about 1 hour away, just over Sir Lowry’s Pass. Tulbagh takes around 1 hour 45 minutes via Wellington. Robertson is roughly a 2-hour drive on the scenic Route 62, and Montagu sits about 2.5 hours from the city, surrounded by mountains and vineyards along the same route.

Stellenbosch is bigger and buzzier, with student energy, art galleries, and historic buildings. Franschhoek is smaller and more refined, with a French influence, boutique farms, and the famous Wine Tram. Both have amazing wine and food; it just depends on your vibe.

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South African winelands

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Cape Winelands' must-visit classics

Things to do in the Winelands

Hidden gems in the Cape Winelands: Elgin, Tulbagh, Robertson & Montagu

Things to do in the Cape Winelands (besides wine tasting)

Best places to stay in the Cape Winelands: Boutique hotels & vineyard stays