Cape Winelands
Why go?
Famous for its small historic towns, its dramatic landscape
with vines stretching across rolling fields surrounded by imposing
mountains, its great food, and of course its fabulous wine, the
Cape Winelands region is a must for most people visiting Cape
Town.
Sample the wine and even enjoy a picnic out on the lawn at some of
the 150 wine estates, many in grand manor houses with
beautiful gardens in picture-perfect settings. Stay at
Mont Rochelle Hotel or Hawksmoor House for
classic architecture amongst endless vineyards. The main towns of
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Tulbagh, Wellington and Somerset
West are all within easy driving distance from each other and only
an hour’s drive or so east of Cape Town.
Franschhoek, considered the prettiest town in the Winelands,
is the region's gourmet hotspot, and La Residence has
opulence and fine dining in spades. Stellenbosch, the
region’s capital, has the largest number of estates. For a
more rural experience, the additional hour or so up to Hermon or
Tulbagh is well worth it. Consider spending a few days in this
region to make the most of all the other activities on offer
besides wine tasting, including golf, fly-fishing, hiking and
ballooning to name a few.