Parents, we feel you. You're longing for a relaxing day out in the lush vineyards, sipping delicious wine and feasting on gourmet food. But what about the kids? Never fear, for we are here to guide you through the magical combination of wine and family fun in the Cape Winelands.
The Cape Winelands offers plenty of family fun, Image Credit: Spier
Wine Farm Fun in The Cape Peninsula
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with bright gems like the Cape Peninsula in its crown. This painting-like stretch of coastline boasts white sandy beaches, cliffs, lush forests, Boulders Beach that's home to a colony of African penguins and, of course, plenty of wine farms!
Captivating Cape Town has many ways of keeping you busy
Laps Of Fun at Constantia Uitsig
Located in the oldest wine-producing region in the Southern Hemisphere, Constantia Uitsig's Wine Estate offers laps of fun with its impressive bike park. Featuring a variety of pump tracks designed by former South African Mountain Bike Champion Chris Nixon, the park is perfect for all skill levels and kids aged three years and older.
The estate also has a diverse heritage market where you can find anything from slow-churned ice cream, chocolates and cakes to craft beer, vegan dishes and single-origin coffee.
A playground for young and old, Image Credit: Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate
Views for Days at Cape Point Vineyards
Sea views, delicious picnics, bean bags and a play area!? All of this and more is possible at Cape Point Vineyards in the Cape Town neighbourhood of Noordhoek. Settle in with a bottle of their famous Sauvignon Blanc and lounge on their oversized beanbags while the kids enjoy the outdoor play area to their heart's content.
Drink in the views (and, of course, the wine), Image Credit: Cape Point Vineyards
Top Spots in Sensational Stellenbosch
Red, red wine! Welcome to Stellenbosch, the birthplace of pinotage, a proudly South African wine cultivar. It's a somewhat polarising wine, as some are besotted with its taste, whereas others might pass. So, we suggest multiple tastings to be sure!
The town's oak-shaded streets are lined with cafés, boutiques and art galleries, all surrounded by lush vineyards that the whole family can enjoy.
Beyerskloof is known for its pinotage wines, Image Credit Beyerskloof
Fun Family "Festival" at Blaauwklippen
If you're hankering for good old country living, this little market is the spot for you. In the heart of the quaint town of Stellenbosch's vineyards, the Blaauwklippen Family Market is a fantastic spot for a little Sunday pitstop for families looking to bond, unwind and refuel.
There's live music and stalls ranging from crafts, clothes and curios to succulent, savoury and sweet treats. Your children will have loads to do with a myriad of activities, including pony rides, pedal carts, jumping castles and soccer darts.
Shop and snack until you drop, Image Credit: Blaauwklippen Market
Grape Escape at Spier
Who says wine tasting can't be a family affair? At Spier Wine Estate, it definitely can be! Bring along your mini grape juice connoisseurs in the making and indulge in wine tasting while your little one has their own kid-friendly grape juice tasting.
There's a host of other family-friendly activities as well, including breezy Segway tours through the vineyards and visiting the popular Eagle Encounter Centre where youngsters can get up close to some of South Africa's biggest raptors and reptiles.
Spier has many family-friendly activities such as raptor and reptile encounters, Image Credit: Spier Wine Estate
Follow The Red Berry Road at Polkadraai
Spring and summer in the Cape Winelands not only equal long, sunny days – it's also when strawberries are in season at Polkadraai Farm! And these bright, blushing berries are in need of some picking. So pick, pluck and nibble away until your buckets and bellies are filled to the brim with sweet strawberry goodness.
If you want a little more variety, there are also tractor drives, pony rides, mini golf or playground runs. With so much to do, kids will be too busy to even think about getting bored!
Berry picking is such a fun family activity
The Best Time is "Braai" Time at Middelvlei
A visit to South Africa just isn't complete without taking part in an authentic and mouthwatering traditional braai (barbeque) experience at Middelvlei Wine Estate. As the sumptuous scents of potbrood and "braaibroodjies" (toasted sandwiches made on the fire) fill the air, your tummy will start grumbling.
Our other braai favourites include delicious boerewors and chicken sosaties. With grape juice to taste, marshmallows to melt, farm animals to feed and wide open spaces to run about, your kids will definitely think of Middelvlei as a fun place to spend the day.
Middelvlei Wine Estate's "Braai Experience" is a must do when visiting the Cape Winelands, Image Credit: Facebook
Picturesque Picnics at Warwick
Warwick Wine Estate has a wonderful combination of award-winning wines and delicious gourmet picnics you can enjoy in private picnic pods or in the shaded forest courtyard. Kids also feel special with their own curated menu, jungle gyms and a splash water fountain. So, feel free to sit back, relax and sip away as you enjoy the simple things in life.
Enjoy a delicious family picnic in the Cape Winelands, Image Credit: Warwick Wine Estate
Let’s Play at Hazendal
We may have saved the best for last! Hazendal Wine Estate is a farm filled with fun with the very unique and innovative Wonderdal play area. This educare centre combines technology and physical elements where children can spend their day following Amuki, the virtual reality inhabitants of Wonderdaland.
Wine, gourmet food, and art galleries will keep you happy, while futuristic play will keep the kids in awe. It's a winning combination!
The innovative Wonderdal Play Area at Hazendal, Image Credit: Hazendal
Fantastic Franschhoek
Did you know that the word "Franschhoek" is a direct Dutch translation of "French Corner?" This area of the Cape Winelands gained its name from the French Huguenot refugees who settled there in 1688.
The Huguenots brought their age-old French wine and food culture, creating the lovely little town of Franschhoek as we know and love it today.
South Africa's own little "French corner" aka Franschhoek
Hop on The Wine Tram
All aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram! Get on board and discover the gorgeous Franschhoek Valley on the "hop-on, hop-off" open-sided tram, a novel way to travel for kids and adults alike.
Take your pick between eight different lines, each visiting a selection of the most renowned wine estates in the Cape Winelands and showcasing a separate part of the Franschhoek valley.
Ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram for some family fun, Image Credit: Megon Venter
Explore The Tree House at Boschendal
Nestled in the charming Franschhoek Winelands, Boschendal's Tree House is an engaging "edu-play" hub catering to the kids of in-house guests and day visitors aged five to twelve.
Let youngsters unleash their imaginations amidst the natural wonders, slides, walkways, platforms and pump tracks! For something a little more immersive organise and let the kids enjoy The Kids’ Outdoor Experience programme. Let activities such as an obstacle course, forest aerobics, trash to treasure missions as well as farm-tastic dis-cow-veries keep the kids entertained while you have a little down time.
Unwind beneath the historic oak trees' twinkling lights, Image Credit: Boschendal Wine Estate
Leap into The Fun at Leopard’s Leap
Leopard Leaps Estate is an ideal spot for a family lunch outing. A view of the play area outside accompanies stunning scenery through the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling glass windows. So, while you sip away on your wine, you can keep an eye on your kids as they explore the two jungle gyms and race across the large lawn.
Bring the whole family to enjoy Leopard's Leap, Image Credit: Leaopard's Leap
Lunch Al Fresco Style
Indulge in a peaceful al fresco lunch at the Franschhoek Cellar as capable childminders look after your little ones as they play in the wonderful kiddies' play area. Enjoy your lunch paired with the region's finest wines or an excellent selection of artisanal beers.
Dine in al fresco style while the kids are kept busy
Franschhoek Motor Museum
For all the petrolheads out there, you must stop at the Franschhoek Motor Museum! With over 100 years of automotive history, the museum has a unique collection of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia.
And with more than 80 exhibits at any given time – ranging from an 1898 Beeston motor tricycle to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo supercar, both adults and children alike will be blown away.
Celebrating old-timers and excellent wine, Image Credit: Franschhoek Motor Museum
Roam Babylonstoren’s Magical Garden
At the base of Simonberg, you'll find the lovely Babylonstoren. Adults can enjoy the cellar tours, seasonal workshops and a dazzling 3.5-hectare garden. On the other hand, kids will love feeding the donkeys, collecting eggs, and harvesting fruit and vegetables. So, put those little ones to work with hours of fun playing farmer!
Tickle your own taste buds with delectable dishes made from fresh farm ingredients, or pay a visit to the Farm Shop and stock up on artisanal bread, olive oil, cordials, cheese and chocolates – many from the farm.
A paradise for kids, Image Credit: Babylonstoren Farm Hotel
Meet Pigcasso
Your kids may be obsessed with Peppa Pig (we feel your pain!), but have they heard of the "divine swine", Pigcasso? The Sanctuary sports a captivating barn, a beloved artistic pig, and a rich array of robust wines.
This renowned estate, established in 2016, is "Hog Heaven" for rescued farm animals. Plus, the "OINK" Art Gallery showcases Pigcasso's masterpieces, and in a stroke of genius, the estate has launched its own line of wines inspired by this astounding and creative pig. Spending a day at The Sanctuary will be an experience that you and the kids will remember long after the cows have come home.
Meet Pigcasso, the "divine swine", Image Credit: The Sanctuary
Mont Rochelle's Little Corkers
Award-winning wines? Check. Family-friendly accommodation? Check. Endless activities to keep the kids entertained? Double check! Do yourself a favour and spend a weekend at Mont Rochelle. Trust us when we say your kids and your palette will thank you!
While you sample wines, take a dip in the pool or go on a trip to the spa, your kids can enjoy Mont Rochelle's Little Corkers programme. Here, they can become budding chefs by spending the morning creating and cooking homemade pizza and cupcakes for a family afternoon tea. There are arts and crafts, a games room, pool games, grape juice tastings, lawn games and a scavenger hunt that ends with a kiddies' picnic!
Hours of fun in the games room, Image Credit: Manor House Mont Rochelle
Pearlescent Paarl
The third oldest settlement in South Africa, Paarl, is steeped in history and culture. It's also easy to reach, located only an hour outside Cape Town, making it perfect for a little day trip. However, with so much to do and see, you might want to make a weekend of it.
Paarl, South Africa's third oldest settlement
Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice on The Spice Route
A feast for the senses, Paarl's Spice Route celebrates Cape culture through a collection of diverse artisans flaunting their flavoursome wares. Savour an explosion of seasonings, sights, and smells – from spices, beer, barley and biltong to wine, spirits, preserves and pizzas – the Spice route has it all!
In addition to spectacular views, families can enjoy a home décor shop, glass blowing studio, a big central play area and chocolate tasting for kids.
The tasting room at the lovely Spice Route, Image Credit: Spice Route
Goat Tower at Fairview
Tell the children you're taking them to see goats and eat cheese. But don't worry, there's plenty of really good wine for the parents too! At Fairview, visit the popular Tasting Room and Deli for wine and cheese tastings and stock up on your favourite cheeses, freshly baked goods and delicious treats.
Or, do yourself and your kids a favour and stay for lunch at The Goatshed Restaurant while the kids explore the gardens and watch the farm's resident goats climb up and down the titular tower. Wine for you and goats for the kids? A win-win situation.
Fairview Farms famous goats in action! Image Credit: Fairview
Wine Down in The Cape Winelands
So there you have it, the pairing of your family's dreams. Our Travel Experts sit at the ready, waiting to plan your fun-filled family adventure in the Cape Winelands!
