Food and Wine Tour in South Africa

South Africa is a top culinary destination for a food and wine tour, offering a rich tapestry of flavours and world-class wines reflecting its diverse cultural heritage and bountiful landscapes. From the fertile vineyards of the Cape Winelands to the gourmet restaurants of the cities, South African food and wine tours promise a feast for the senses.

Why Should You Go on a Food and Wine Tour in South Africa?

Two ladies enjoying afternoon tea treats and wine at La Residence, South Africa. — Afternoon tea done the Franschhoek way. | Photo: La Residence

World-Renowned Wine Regions

Explore South Africa’s world-renowned wine regions and gourmet cuisine. From Franschhoek and Stellenbosch to hotspots along the Garden Route, travellers are really spoilt for choice when it comes to wine tastings and fine dining experiences.

Award-Winning Wine Estates

Aerial view of the estate in the winelands — The Alexander Estate sits within an amphitheatre of mountains where vineyards cascade toward ocean views. | Photo: The Alexander Estate

Enjoy wine tastings at award-winning estates paired with farm-to-table dining. Many wine estates across the Cape Winelands boast multiple awards and accomplishments, further cementing South Africa as a premier wine country.

Diverse Flavours and Influences

Learn about South Africa’s culinary heritage, influenced by diverse cultures, from Cape Malay’s flavourful comfort food and spicy Indian dishes to mouthwatering shisa nyama, or braaied meat. Discover unique local specialities such as biltong, boerewors on the braai, chakalaka and pap, and bunny chow.

Perfect for Foodies

If you’re a foodie and one of the things you look forward to most while on holiday is sampling local cuisine, South Africa should be on your travel bucket list.

The country is perfect for foodies and wine enthusiasts looking for indulgent experiences. Think wine tastings in serene settings, multi-course fine dining, and vibrant food markets with all the local favourites as well as international fare with a twist.

Best Destinations for Food and Wine Tours in South Africa

A plated gourmet meal at Ellerman House, South Africa. — Exceptional cuisine that reflects the best of local and seasonal flavours. | Photo: Ellerman House

Stellenbosch

This charming town delights visitors with its oak tree-lined streets, quaint cafés, picturesque vineyards, and premium wines.

There are more than 150 wine farms in Stellenbosch to explore! Many also feature fine dining restaurants and unique activities, so you’ll definitely want to stay for more than just a wine tasting.

Franschhoek

For a food and wine holiday in South Africa, there is no better place to go than Franschhoek, a place heavily influenced by French culture.

Many of South Africa’s top restaurants are here, including La Petite Colombe, Le Coin Français, and Orangerie Restaurant. A fantastic way to visit the wine farms in Franschhoek is via the wine tram. Choose which line most appeals to you, then hop on and hop off at the different wine farms on the route.

Constantia

Friends enjoying a picnic at The Cellars Hohenort, South Africa. — Located in “Cape Town’s Vineyard”, the historical Constantia Valley on the breathtaking slopes of Table Mountain. | Photo: The Cellars Hohenort

Constantia, a Cape Town suburb on the southern slopes of the Table Mountain chain, has historic wine estates that wow visitors with premium wines and mouthwatering cuisine.

Along the Constantia Valley wine route, you’ll come across cool-climate Sauvignon Blancs and historic dessert wines. While here, you can also enjoy stunning walking trails overlooking mountains, oceans, forests, and fynbos.

Cape Town

Named as the Best City for Food in the World in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, Cape Town has cemented its reputation as a top destination for foodies.

In the city, you can visit top-rated restaurants with diverse culinary styles. From traditional South African cuisine to Japanese ramen bars and Mexican fare, whatever you’re craving, you’ll find a top restaurant in the city that serves it.

Garden Route

One of the most iconic journeys in South Africa, the Garden Route is a picturesque stretch of coastline that takes travellers through lush forests, stunning beaches, and charming towns.

Though the stunning locations and diverse activities in nature are the main highlights on this route, the wine farms with fresh coastal cuisine do not disappoint!

Route 62 Food and Wine Tour

Guest enjoying the chef's table at La Residence, South Africa. — Pure culinary artistry at the Chef’s Table. | Photo: La Residence

Route 62 offers one of the most scenic food and wine tour experiences in South Africa. Stretching from Cape Town towards the Garden Route, this long stretch winds through vineyards, mountain passes, orchards, and charming small towns.

As Africa’s longest wine route, it invites travellers to enjoy tastings in renowned wine regions such as Wellington, Paarl, Robertson, and Bonnievale while discovering local produce, riverside experiences, and spectacular landscapes along the way. A food and wine tasting tour in South Africa along Route 62 is ideal for travellers looking to combine exceptional wines and unforgettable scenery in a single journey.

5 Tips for a Food and Wine Tour in South Africa

A table set with culinary dishes and wine at Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa, South Africa. — Participate in food and wine pairing sessions for a richer experience. | Photo: Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa

Plan Ahead: Book wine tastings and restaurant reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. Spots can fill up quickly, particularly at famous, award-winning restaurants.
Visit During the Harvest Season: Plan your trip between February and April so that you can experience the lively atmosphere and events of harvest season.
Join Guided Tours: Opt for guided South Africa wine tours to enjoy tastings without worrying about driving. Expert-led tours will enhance your experience and provide you with interesting facts about wines and the regions.
Expand Your Palate: Try lesser-known wine varietals such as Pinotage, South Africa’s very own cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
Pair With Food: Participate in food and wine pairing sessions for a richer experience. There are many different food and wine pairings to choose from, from the usual cheese and wine to the more unusual cupcakes and wine.

Plan Your Food and Wine Tour in South Africa

A table setting overlooking the winelands at Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa, South Africa. — The incredible views provide the perfect backdrop to the outstanding restaurants and state-of-the-art winery. | Photo: Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa

For travellers looking to experience more of the country, a luxury safari and food tour South Africa itinerary combines exceptional dining and premium wine experiences with world-class wildlife encounters. A bush and wine safari in South Africa offers the perfect balance of luxury safari lodges and renowned wine regions, showcasing the very best of the country’s landscapes, cuisine, and hospitality.

From the celebrated wine estates of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek to the breathtaking landscapes of Route 62 and the Garden Route, South Africa offers a world of unforgettable culinary experiences. Whether you’re seeking award-winning wines, authentic local flavours, or gourmet dining in spectacular settings, Discover Africa can help you plan the perfect food and wine adventure.

Browse our curated itineraries or speak to one of our travel experts to start planning your ideal South African food and wine holiday.

"From the very beginning, Bianca was a wonderful help in planning our South African safari. Her knowledge, attention to detail, and thoughtful recommendations made our trip truly exceptional. Becks Safari Lodge was, in our group’s opinion, a six-star expe..."

Leanne Morris, Australia•12 Jun 2026•

"Going to south and central Africa was a bucket list item for me and booking a big and expensive trip always feels a bit risky and you hope you have made the right choice. Booking with Discover Africa was fantastic from beginning to end! Our trip coordina..."

Deanna Rozak, United States•25 May 2026•

"My son Max and I just returned from an incredible trip to South Africa and Mauritus, and I can't say enough about how exceptional Susan Veldman was throughout the entire process. From the very beginning she listened to what we wanted and designed an itinera..."

Debby Anziano, United States•05 May 2026•

"All bookings were at luxurious and convenient places. The camp tents are beautifully decorated with a rustic look and feel. Food service were amazing for most part. The bush drives are as best as it could be given the rainy season etc. Punctuality has been ..."

George Jacob, Canada•10 Mar 2026•

"What we appreciated was the effort in doing all the best to satisfy our requests! So everything was as expected.. the tented camp (everything was like at home),the game drive( we asked a private tour), the position of the camp ( very important for us, we sa..."

Silvia Del Giovane, Italy•12 Nov 2025•

"Discover Africa planned a fabulous trip for us! The travel planner came up with an itinerary that included everything we wanted; the trip was extremely well organized; the accommodations were lovely; and the activities were fun and interesting. We especiall..."

Kim Bixenstine, United States•30 Sep 2025•