Is the Cape Winelands worth visiting?
Is the Cape Winelands worth visiting? A 100% yes! Here’s why: – Award winning wineries, World class restaurants, rich culture and history, panoramic landscape. C’est La Vie!
The Cape Winelands in the Western Cape South Africa is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world with millions of visitors every year and according to Vinpro, a local research agency wine tourism contributes R 7.2 Billion rand ( 401 Million USD ) to the local economy.
Starting about 56 km from the Cape Town city centre, The Cape Winelands is an easy day trip from Cape Town. Visitors can easily sample some of the Cape’s best wines, explore the many tourist friendly towns dotted along the way and visit some of the best restaurants in the world.
The playlist below showcases some of the highlights of the Cape Winelands and its famous wine routes.
Towns of the Cape Winelands
Paarl
Located 56 km from Cape Town, the historic town of Paarl offers a rich history, culture, wine and fruit farms, breathtaking scenery with many cycling and nature trails.
Main Street in Paarl is a 2km long treasure trove of small cafe’s, restaurants, eclectic shops and buildings with architectural importance. Two major attractions are the Afrikaans Language Monument and the Paarl Rock Mountain.
Franschhoek
Franschhoek was the home of the first French settlers ( Huguenots ) who settled in South Africa in the 1600’s bringing with them French culture and more importantly wine making expertise. It is no wonder that Franschoek is the culinary capital of South Africa. Franschoek is a tourist dream with excellent restaurants, top accommodation establishments, splendid mountains and openhearted hospitality. It is a treasure trove of arts-and-craft shops, galleries and antique stores.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, the oldest town in the country after Cape Town, is the absolute jewel of the Winelands. The town is historically well preserved and one of the most scenic places that you will ever visit. It’s location, embraced by the mountains and with a mild Mediterranean climate and is the ideal destination from which to explore the Winelands and also a great area for the cultivation of some of the best wines in the world.
A bit further out..
If you have a bit more time the towns of Tulbagh, Robertson, Worcester and Montagu are well worth a visit. All of these boast awesome scenery, fantastic restaurants and award winning wines. You might even find a hot spring spa where you can relax and enjoy even more.
Outdoor Activities
Not a wine lover? A shame but not a problem..
The Cape Winelands has attractions and activities to keep everyone of all ages busy. Just meandering in this tranquil landscape makes it worth it and amongst the valleys, farms, vineyards and mountain ranges, are a number of exciting adventures to undertake.
You can take a pick between horseback riding, mountain biking or four-wheel adventures. You can hike the many forest and mountain trails or even take a hot air balloon. Your hotel concierge or local tour guide will be able to assist.
Or get the latest information on visiting South Africa by joining our free email list.
Wildlife in the Winelands
When in South Africa you’re probably looking to experience some amazing wildlife. There are a number of attractions in the Winelands where you can experience wildlife and also witness some important preservation initiatives. Probably the most famous being the the Cheetah Outreach and Eagle Encounters, both located at the Spier Wine Estate.
When is the best time to visit the Cape Winelands?
The best time to visit the Cape Winelands was yesterday! Seriously though any time of year is great in the Winelands. Summertime is most popular but whatever time of year you visit, it’s going to be beautiful, exciting, adventurous and extremely memorable!
Want to learn more about the Winelands?
