Although we love exploring the Mother City and all she offers, we equally love playing tourist in our backyard, the Cape Winelands. And with so much to do, see, and indulge in, we thought we’d share our favourite things so you can enjoy them too!
Welcome to the Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands, famous for its centuries-old vineyards, offers more than just fine wines and gourmet cuisine. Whether you're seeking excitement or relaxation, this stunning region has something for everyone. Here's your comprehensive guide to the best activities, markets, and dining experiences in the Cape Winelands.
Thrilling Activities in the Cape Winelands
For those who love adventure, the Cape Winelands provides plenty of thrilling activities to get your heart racing while exploring this beautiful area.
Kloofing (Canyoning): Dive into an exhilarating experience through the dramatic gorges of the Winelands. This activity combines abseiling, swimming, and rock scrambling.
Wine Safari: Hop aboard an open-air safari vehicle to tour (and taste) Durbanville's scenic vineyards.
Quad Biking: Explore the trails of Vrede en Lust and the Franschhoek Valley on a quad bike for a thrilling mix of off-road excitement and captivating vineyard scenery.
Cycle and Motorcycle Tours: Traverse the Cape Winelands on two wheels, with options for cycling or motorcycle tours. Routes through Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek deliver a blend of adventure and sweeping vistas, particularly along the renowned Helshoogte Pass.
Heli Mountain Biking: Take mountain biking to new heights by combining it with a helicopter drop-off. Start at a mountain peak and race down exciting trails that cut through fynbos and vineyards.
Party Biking: Gather a group and hop on the Klein Roosboom party bike for a unique wine-tasting experience. Pedal around the estate as a team, stopping for tastings and snacks along the way.
Segway Tours: Glide through Spier Wine Farm's vineyards, experiencing the landscape from a new, thrilling perspective.
Ziplining and Rope Courses: Fly through the trees for incredible views from above while rope courses provide an added challenge.
Vintage Sidecar Tours: For a nostalgic twist, explore the Cape Winelands in a classic vintage sidecar. Let a chauffeur drive you through the picturesque vineyards with the wind in your hair and stunning views all around.
Skydiving Over the Vineyards: After the adrenaline rush of soaring through the sky, enjoy the serene views of vineyards and mountains as you descend.
Paragliding: Take in the breathtaking landscape from above with a tandem paragliding flight from Simonsberg.
The Cape Winelands offer plenty of thrilling adventures, Image Credit: Spier
Chilled Activities in the Cape Winelands
For those who prefer a slower pace, the Cape Winelands has plenty of leisurely experiences that allow you to relax and savour the region's charm.
Carriage Rides: Step back in time with a peaceful journey through Rhebokskloof Wine Estate to explore the beautiful estate.
Wine Blending: Participate in a hands-on wine-blending workshop at Spier where you learn the art of winemaking and even create your custom blend to take home as a unique souvenir.
Visit a Flower Market: Wander through Adene's Flower Market when it's in season, enjoying the beautiful array of colourful blooms.
Horseriding: Take a horseback ride through Boschendal's scenic vineyards and wooded areas, with majestic mountain views as a backdrop.
Take a Historical Walk: Discover Franschhoek's rich history with a guided walking tour that delves into the town's Huguenot heritage. Stroll along quaint streets and visit historic landmarks like the Huguenot Memorial.
Wine Tram: Use the hop-on, hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram to tour some of the area's best wine estates and breathtaking valley views.
Wine Train: Experience a slow-paced journey through the Winelands on the Robertson Wine Train, stopping for wine tastings and delicious farm-to-table meals along the route.
Picnic in Style: Choose a spot to relax and indulge in a basket filled with local produce at Spier Wine Farm.
Wine Tasting With a Twist: Sample wines in the intimate and themed caves at Klein Roosboom, where the candle-lit atmosphere adds a touch of magic to your tasting experience.
Art and Wine: Enjoy some of South Africa's finest arts and sculptures at Grande Provence for a cultural day out and top it off with a wine tasting.
Galileo Open-Air Cinema: Catch a movie under the stars at the Galileo Open-Air Cinema (during the season) for a laid-back evening set against the backdrop of vineyards.
See, taste and experience the Cape Winelands, Image Credit: Franschhoek Wine Tram
Discover the Best Markets in the Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands' markets offer a taste of local culture, with artisanal goods, fresh produce, and live music creating vibrant atmospheres for the whole family to enjoy.
Lourensford Market: Located at Lourensford Wine Estate, this market is popular for its gourmet food stalls, fresh produce, and artisanal crafts. Enjoy live music and relax on the spacious lawns.
Root 44 Market: Set at Audacia Wine Farm just outside Stellenbosch, Root 44 Market offers a variety of food, crafts, and live entertainment in a family-friendly environment.
Blaauwklippen Family Market: Held every Sunday at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, this market features local crafts, fresh produce, and delicious food.
Boschendal Friday Night Market: Kick off your weekend at Boschendal's Friday Night Market, where you'll find fresh produce, artisanal foods, and crafts under the charming ancient oak trees.
Relax under the twinkling lights of the historic oak trees, Image credit: Boschendal Wine Estate
Top Lunch Spots in the Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands isn't only a feast for the eyes, it's also a culinary hotspot. Here are some of the best lunch spots where you can savour local flavours.
Clara’s Barn at Vergenoegd Löw: Enjoy a taste of South Africa with a five-course menu featuring local ingredients at a beautifully restored historic venue.
The Tasting Room at La Petite Colombe: Experience a fine dining multi-course menu that artfully pairs cuisine with top-quality wines in Franschhoek.
Delaire Graff Restaurant: Indulge in contemporary dishes alongside panoramic views of vineyards and mountains.
Babel at Babylonstoren: Celebrate farm-to-table dining with a menu highlighting fresh produce from the Babylonstoren estate's gardens.
Tokara Restaurant: Situated along the Helshoogte Pass, this restaurant offers a sophisticated menu and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
The Werf at Boschendal: The farm-to-fork approach showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from Boschendal's gardens, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience.
The Cape Winelands offers South African cuisine at its finest, Image credit: Clara's Barn
Plan Your Cape Winelands Adventure
Now that you've seen a few of our favourite things in the Cape Winelands, why not visit it yourself?
Let our Travel Experts help you craft a tailor-made itinerary, blending the best of adventurous and relaxing activities.
Contact us today to start planning your ideal Cape Winelands escape.