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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.

  • Cape Winelands Overview

    • Stellenbosch
    • JC Le Roux wine estate, Stellenbosch

    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 14 Cape Winelands accommodation options.

  • Cape Winelands Tours: This page features 5 package tours that visit Cape Winelands. View all 9 Cape Winelands tours and safaris.

  • Things to do in Cape Winelands: This page features 1 "must see" Cape Winelands activities. View all 1 Cape Winelands highlights we recommend.

  • Cape Winelands Map

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