Cape Winelands
Why Visit Cape Winelands?
Wine fundis, nature enthusiasts and anyone else seeking a taste of country life will want to visit Cape Winelands to explore a region famous for its award-winning wine estates such as Spier. Sample fine wines and 5-star cuisine, enjoy cellar tours and stroll the peaceful tree-lined streets of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.
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Cape Winelands Overview
Each of the towns within the Cape Winelands has its own unique history and charm, with galleries, shops, restaurants and markets to explore in between wine tours and tastings. Many 5-star dining establishments can be found in the Winelands, especially in Franschhoek, which is considered a top destination for culinary enthusiasts.
Wine tours, wine tasting, wine sales and fine dining are primary things to do in the Cape Winelands, with a chance to sample a range of red, white and sparkling varietals. Cellar tours also offer a chance to meet the winemaker and learn more about the viticulture methods used across the region.
Other activities include hikes, walks, fruit picking, horse cart rides through the vineyards plus nearby Butterfly World.
Highlights & Places in Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands includes the small wine-growing towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, where some of the country’s top wine estates can be found.
Of all the wine-growing regions, the Stellenbosch wine route is probably the most popular. This sleepy university town has gained a reputation for its large number of world-class wine estates, including Spier, JC le Roux and other fine wines. The town is one of the oldest towns in the Cape, dating back many centuries. The town also has a number of museums, national monuments and art galleries.
Paarl and Franschhoek offer a slightly more laid-back, but equally charming appeal, with museums and other attractions to be found alongside award-winning wine estates.
Best Time to Visit Cape Winelands
When to Go
The best time to visit the Cape Winelands is during the hot summer months, which run from December to February or the spring months, which run from September to November.
Winter can be on the cold side, with plenty of rain during June and August. Autumn also offers pleasant weather from March to May, with warm days and nights, and very little rainfall.
Getting There & Getting Around
Getting To Cape Winelands
The best of getting to the Cape Winelands is driving from Cape Town. There are no airports within the area, and while there are bus routes, driving is the most convenient way to enjoy the drive and stop at estates along the way.
There is also a rail station, with trains running from Cape Town to Stellenbosch and Paarl, but public transport is not always the most reliable and self-drive offers the safest and simplest way to get into the area.
Getting Around Cape Winelands
Getting around the Cape Winelands is fairly simple if you have a good map and follow the route. As the three main towns within the route are situated a fair drive away, many visitors choose to tour just one of these towns.
Bus routes run between towns, as do rail services – these are not always the most reliable options however, and in order to properly tour the area driving by car or even by motorcycle is the best option.Cape Winelands Tips : Know Before You Go
ATMs:
ATMs can be found across the Cape Winelands in most towns. Major banks include Absa, FNB and Standard Bank.Forex/Money:
Foreign exchange facilities are available at shopping malls, Cape Town International Airport, hotels and banks.Credit/Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, stores and other outlets.Internet availability:
Many accommodation venues offer WiFi. Internet cafes can be found in the shopping malls and towns.Drinking water:
Water is safe to drink in most towns, straight out of the tap or bottled if you prefer mineral water.Hospitals & Medical:
There are good private hospitals, doctors and pharmacies in nearby Cape Town and in some basic health facilities in Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. There are no major health risks in the Winelands. -
Cape Winelands Accommodation: This page features 5 recommended places to stay in Cape Winelands. View all 18 Cape Winelands accommodation options.
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Excelsior Manor Guesthouse Cape Winelands Price On Request
Category : Guest Houses
Located on a working wine farm surrounded by mountains, tranquility and breathtaking views, Excelsior Manor Guest House exudes a proud elegance of the Victorian era, complimenting it's luxurious ambience.
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Cathbert Country Inn Franschhoek Priced from ZAR 870 pps
Category : Guest Houses
Cathbert Country Inn, being located at the start of the Franschhoek Wine Route, is an ideal base for daily sight seeing trips. Guests will be able to follow the wine routes, exploring the quaint historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and the surrounding vineyards. This 4* accommodation showcases the best of the Cape Winelands.
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L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas Franschhoek Priced from ZAR 1,225 pps
Category : Hotels
L'Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas is 5* Luxury Hotel that offers a truly decadent experience. Showcasing superb modern amenities, stylish and sophisticated decor, and breathtaking views of the fynbos rich mountains surrounding, a haven this beautiful is a rare find.
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La Residence Franschhoek Priced from ZAR 4,100 pps
Category : Boutique Hotels
Five minutes’ drive from the charming curio shops and galleries of Franschhoek village, the hotel provides complimentary transfers so guests can explore at their leisure. There are excellent village restaurants to try as well as a range of activities from horse-riding to chocolate-tasting. Service is warm and personalized: an atmosphere of ease and relaxation pervades. Fresh produce from the garden and fine local wines create memorable dining experiences.
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Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa Franschhoek Priced from ZAR 1,450 pps
Category : Hotels
Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa is well-known and renown for receiving outstanding achievement awards. Voted as one of Conde Naste's top 130 new hotels of the world in 2006, and the winner of a Gold Certificate for Wine List of the Year Award in 2007, this hotel showcases exactly why it has received all these awards, including the AA Travel Guide Award for Golden Achiever.
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Le Quartier Francais Franschhoek Price On Request
Category : Boutique Hotels
Situated in Franschhoek, Le Quartier Francais is a boutique hotel boasting a high level of casual yet opulent luxury. Within easy walking distance of all the boutique shops, restaurants, bars and galleries in Franschhoek as well as being in the heart of the South African winelands. A foodies paradise.
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Protea Hotel Franschhoek Franschhoek Priced from ZAR 798 pps
Category : Hotels
Protea Hotel Franschhoek is a 4* quality hotel that provides a warm ambience wrapped in chic style.
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The Last Word Franschhoek Franschhoek Priced from ZAR 1,450 pps
Category : Boutique Hotels
The magnificent Franschhoek valley offers world-class wine estates, tasting and cellar tours nestled between towering mountains and beautiful vineyards and the picturesque traditional French village hosts some of the best cuisine from internationally recognised gourmet chefs. Of South Africa’s top ten restaurants, three are in Franschhoek and there is a choice of more than 30 different places to wine and dine. The valley is also the idyllic setting for walking trails, hiking, cycling, bird watching, horse riding and fly-fishing. Golfing enthusiasts are well catered for with several championship golf courses close by.
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Grande Roche Hotel Paarl Priced from ZAR 1,036 pps
Category : Hotels
Enjoy your stay at the Grande Roche Hotel, a national monument of great historical proportions. Style and quality of service go hand in hand with this quaint accommodation.
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Santé Hotel, Resort and Spa Paarl Price On Request
Category : Hotels
Santé Hotel, Resort and Spa is an upmarket luxury resort in the Cape Winelands, catering to leisure or business travellers.
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Asara Wine Estate and Hotel Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Hotels
Nestled within the Stellenbosch Valley, Asara Wine Estate and Hotel provides a world-class accommodation experience amidst the Cape Winelands.
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d’Ouwe Werf Hotel Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Hotels
Established in 1802, d'Ouwe Werf Hotel is South Africa's oldest and most historic hotel and has defined hospitality and fine dining for centuries. The guests enjoy the wonders of the Cape Winelands from the repose of our luxurious accommodation.
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Hawksmoor House Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Country Retreat
Hawksmoor House outside Stellenbosch is quiet and serene and ideal if you're into dirt roads, sunsets and getting in touch with yourself in nature.
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Kleine Zalze Lodge Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Hotels
Kleine Zalze Lodge provides luxury four-star accommodation within a wine estate just outside of Stellenbosch.
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Lanzerac Hotel & Spa Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Hotels
With a focus on elegance and old-world luxury, Lanzerac Hotel & Spa provides a world-class hotel in the Cape Winelands.
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Majeka House Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Boutique Hotels
Majeka House is a luxury hotel that is situated in the historic town of Stellenbosch on the Cape Wine Route.
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Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Hotels
Situated in the Winelands town of Stellenbosch, Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa is a luxury hotel with much to offer.
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The Devon Valley Hotel Stellenbosch Priced from ZAR 919 pps
Category : Hotels
Devon Valley Hotel has a focus on customised hospitality and luxury, situated in the heart of Stellebosch along the Cape Wine Route.
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Cape Winelands Tours: This page features 4 package tours that visit Cape Winelands. View all 4 Cape Winelands tours and safaris.
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Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari Self Drive Holiday Priced from ZAR 12,391 pp
Category : Safaris,Self Drive Holidays
11 days in South Africa, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, Port Elizabeth
This tour is packed with highlights. Starting in Cape Town you will drive further to discover the Cape Winelands, the famous Garden Route and end the tour in the Amakhala Game Reserve.
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Self Drive Tour: Garden Route Circular Priced from ZAR 13,293 pp
Category : Self Drive Holidays
13 days in Garden Route, Cape Town, Hermanus, Knysna, Franschhoek
Experience the beautifully scenic Garden Route on a journey to uncover the natural, historical and cultural attractions of this quirky stretch of South Africa.
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Garden Route Getaway Priced from ZAR 10,705 pp
Category : Safaris
5 days in Garden Route, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Cape Winelands, Cape Town
You travel along the world’s longest wine route and discover the beautiful coastlines along the garden route, gathering unforgettable memories.
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Things to do in Cape Winelands: This page features 5 "must see" Cape Winelands activities. View all 7 Cape Winelands highlights we recommend.
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Cape Peninsula and Stellenbosch Tour Cape Winelands Priced from ZAR 870 pp
Category : Parks & Nature
Cape Winelands Full Day Activity, Guided
Spend a day exploring the natural and historic beauty offered by the Cape Peninsula and Stellenbosch regions. Stop off to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting and a cellar tour on a Stellenbosch wine estate.
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Cape Winelands Food and Wine Tour Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Landmarks & Historic Sites
StellenboschCape Winelands Half Day Activity, Guided
Explore your tastebuds on a guided tour tasting your way through the heart of Stellenbosch. A Cape Winelands food and wine tour featuring good food, great wine and the rich character of the lush Cape Winelands.
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Cape Malay cooking in the Cape Winelands Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Restaurants
Stellenbosch Half Day Activity, Guided
Try your hand at spicing it up Cape Malay style, preparing a traditional South African meal with the help of your endearing hostess. Delve into Cape Muslim culture and learn about its traditions and table etiquette through the preparation of an unforgettable meal with this Cape Malay cooking in the Cape Winelands experience.
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Cape Winelands Cuisine Day Tour Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Landmarks & Historic Sites,Restaurants
Stellenbosch Full Day Activity, Guided
Enjoy a Cape Winelands cuisine day tour, where scrumptious food is paired with delectable wines that are swirled, sniffed and sipped, followed by a scenic tour of the charming Stellenbosch winelands. A grand tour for those who love food, wine and beautiful landscapes.
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Stellenbosch Gourmet Wine Day Tour Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : African Culture,Landmarks & Historic Sites
Stellenbosch Half Day Activity, Guided
The Stellenbosch Gourmet Wine Day Tour offers you the opportunity to taste wine from various renowned wine farms underneath the oak line trees in this historical town.
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Stellenbosch Walking Day Tour Stellenbosch Price On Request
Category : Landmarks & Historic Sites
Stellenbosch Half Day Activity, Guided
Do you have a sweet tooth and just love discovering new things? The Stellenbosch Walking Day Tour entails a guided walk through the old town centre of Stellenbosch and a surprise packet of nostalgic treats, to name a few.
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Cape Winelands Map
Reader Comments
- Edith Kodmur on May 21 2012
Hi Edith
I’ve found Google Maps to be absolutely brilliant with this kind of thing! When you go to Google Maps, all you have to do is click on the blue ‘get directions’ button on the top left of the screen, just under the Google logo. From here you can specify point A (where you’re leaving from) and point B (where you would like to go). You can be as specific as typing a direct address into these fields.
Here is first section of your route, Cape Town to Constantia: http://tinyurl.com/cmqfyuc
If you like the interactive map (you can zoom in and out of the map to get better road directions), then by using the ‘get directions’ A and B points you can successfully map your route.
If you find yourself getting frustrated with this method (map reading can be tricky when you’re travelling on unfamiliar roads), then I would definitely suggest you ask your car rental company if you can hire a GPS with your car rental.
Drive South Africa is a trusted company that can help you hire a GPS with your car rental: http://www.drivesouthafrica.co.za/blog/hire-a-gps-with-your-car-rental/
Let us know if this helps!
Discover Africa Team
