experience the beauty of Cape Dutch architecture, vine-clad valleys backed by majestic mountains, wine tastings in atmospheric cellars and of course the many delicious wines created by South Africa’s excellent winemakers. Even if you’re not a wine drinker you’ll find plenty to do in the Winelands.
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The Cape Winelands is a world renowned wine producing region, with historical and modern viticulturists plying their trade from Durbanville to the Overberg. Join the throngs of annual visitors to the Winelands and experience the beauty of Cape Dutch architecture, vine-clad valleys backed by majestic mountains, wine tastings in atmospheric cellars and of course the many delicious wines created by South Africa’s excellent winemakers.
Even if you’re not a wine drinker you’ll find plenty to do in the Winelands: including hiking and golf... There are Botanical Gardens to visit, beaches on which to relax, fine dining in beautiful settings to enjoy and shopping opportunities to make the most of - from quaint décor shops to nurseries to art and craft stores.
Cape Winelands Highlights
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Stellenbosch – historic university town with a lively atmosphere thanks to the many students in residence. Numerous world famous wine farms along the Stellenbosch Wine Route. Spier Cheetah and Eagle conservations centres and famous Moyo restaurant with massive African buffet. Art galleries. Lots of restaurants, cafés and bars in town. Nearby Devon Valley is a pretty place worth the short drive.
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Paarl – busy Winelands town in the ‘Pearl Valley’ with plenty of wine estates to visit. Drive up to the fascinating Taal Monument (built to honour the Afrikaans language) and enjoy incredible views in all directions.Klapmuts – A suburb of Paarl, with a rural charm of its own, best known for Butterfly World.
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Franschhoek – named ‘The ‘French Corner’ after the French Huguenot refugees who settled here in 1688, this is the prettiest Winelands village with a picturesque main road crammed with stores, galleries, bistros and sidewalk cafés. World class dining in town and at nearby estates.
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Somerset West – pleasant town before Sir Lowry’s Pass offers Wine estates, a nearby ocean and mountains all around. Somerset Mall is the shopping destination for the entire Winelands region. Nearby Gordon’s Bay and Strand are popular seaside holiday towns.
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Wellington – Great wine aside, Wellington also offers wonderful hiking and mountain biking in the mountains. Coffee shops and antiques. A dramatic drive across Bain’s Kloof Pass with its spectacular scenery makes the trip worthwhile.
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Tulbagh - quaint historical village crammed with restaurants. Annual 'Christmas in Winter' is a popular Tulbagh event.
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Kuilsriver - tranquil, rural village where cows wander along the roadside. Look out for historically interesting churches.
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Darling – The West Coast offers a different Winelands experience. Darling is renowned for its local theatre owned by SA actor and HIV activist Pieter-Dirk Uys aka Evita Bezuidenhout. Annually becomes a wildflower wonderland each spring. Delicious organic wines from Burgherspost
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Overberg – Popular tourism region on the far side of Sir Lowries Pass. Renowned for excellent whale watching in winter, especially at Hermanus. Locally produced wines, historic architecture, rural charm.
Our Portfolio of Cape Winelands Accommodation
While the Winelands are lush and beautiful year round, autumn is an especially lovely time to visit when all the vineyards turn gold and red as the leaves change with the seasons. Winter is also a great time to go wine tasting – nothing like a fine glass of red vino on a cold winters day in front of a roaring fire to warm you up! Book your Winelands accommodation in advance where possible especially if there are any events or festivals at the time of your travels. At other times it’s fairly easy to find a great Winelands getaway for a romantic weekend of good food and excellent wine in the beautiful Cape countryside.
Portfolio offers a wide range of Cape Winelands accommodation options including farm stays, B&Bs, guest houses, boutique hotels and country houses in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington and throughout the Overberg and Cape Whale Coast regions.
(Image: Oude Wellington Wine Estate, Cape Winelands)
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Personally selected guest houses, country houses, boutique hotels, villas, game lodges and B&Bs
