The Cape Winelands

There are several wine regions in South Africa, but the main ones are Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, which make up the largest wine-producing area in South Africa. The Coastal Region is known for its cool coastal climate, which produces crisp white wines, while the inland region of the Little Karoo is known for its warm, arid climate where full-bodied red wines are produced. Up the West Coast there is the lesser-known Swartland region, there is the Breede River Valley region in the interior of the Western Cape and lastly, the Overberg region, on the southern coast which produces rich, fruity wines.

Beyond wine tasting, the region has an incredible array of activities on offer, like visits to the historic towns and villages: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, to see examples of Cape-Dutch architecture, including grand manor houses and stately homesteads.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking and mountain biking, dining experiences at markets and award-winning restaurants, spa and wellness experiences, and plenty of cultural activities, from museum visits to theatre productions and musical performances.

There is no shortage of accommodation in the Winelands, from boutique hotels in the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, to stately manor homes to French-inspired retreats. However, the Winelands are accessible from Cape Town’s city centre, and day trips are easily arranged should you prefer to stay in the city. Wilderness have establish partnerships with the best-in-class hotels and resorts and will be able to curate a bespoke itinerary including accommodation when planning your Wineland stay.

A private guide in the Winelands is invaluable. Having someone that knows the hidden gems and the latest developments will ensure a unique and unforgettable exploration of the winelands. Spend the day with an expert, someone able to supply valuable insight and information on the historic Wineland regions, plus a guide with a private vehicle will allow you to taste any amount of wine without worrying about transport and safety.

You can tailor-make your experience, choosing which wine farms to visit and which restaurants to eat at. These tours are completely customisable, and can range from a half-day tour to a week-long exploration of the winelands. As such, the cost and inclusions will depend on what kind of itinerary you would like to curate.

Many of the wine farms in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Hermanus have exceptional restaurants on site. The world-class wine is paired with world-class food, with some of these wineland restaurants attracting South Africa’s best chefs.

Apart from traditional restaurant menus and charcuterie boards, many wine farms offer food and wine pairing. Some offer sweet tastings, wine and nougat or chocolate, while others pair wine with various cheeses, olives, breads or biltong (a favourote South African snack made of cured, dried meat).