Winelands South Africa

The most famous wine region in South Africa begins east of Cape Town and stretches to the semi-desert Klein Karoo in the Western Cape. The Cape Winelands are home to more than 800 wineries. Stellenbosch, along with the neighboring town of Franschhoek and Paarl, the second-largest industrial city in the Western Cape after Cape Town, form the famous winelands of South Africa.

You can taste the fine wines on your own or through guided wine tours in a beautiful setting. This is best done by bike, the famous Wine Tram, or even on horseback. This wine region is an attractive travel destination year-round.

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Constantia - you will find the best wines in South Africa in the Cape Winelands. This is where the South African wine scene began in 1659 with the cultivation of vines. Today, there are over 800 wineries in the region, most of which are open for cellar tours and wine tastings. Some also offer overnight stays.

I've been here four times already, and I'll show you the four main wine-growing areas of the Coastal Region: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia, and Paarl, along with lesser-known alternatives.

Save yourself 20+ hours of planning - with our Google Maps map full of highlights & insider tips.

Discover the best places in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl & Constantia - with 1 click directly on your phone.

Note: The wineries visited are not listed in any particular order. This is a list of our favorites, with tips for other sights and activities if you are in the area. Wine tasting is subjective, so we list the most beautiful wineries along with their offerings (tasting, playground, picnic baskets, overnight stays ...) so you know what to expect.

Don't forget: Check whether the winery has rest days and keep an eye on the opening hours for tastings and restaurants. Reserve a table at the restaurant in advance, and at least two days prior for a picnic basket.

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Constantia. The best wines in South Africa can be found in the Cape Winelands, where the first vines were planted back in the 17th century. Jan van Riebeeck came to Cape Town back then at the request of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC). His task was to establish a supply station on the route from Europe to India.

As he rode from Cape Town into the interior, he noticed the perfect Mediterranean climate and decided to import and cultivate grape varieties from Europe. For even back then, it was known that wine lasts longer on sea journeys than fresh water. Additionally, wine helped prevent scurvy. The first bottle of wine was pressed in 1659. Therefore, most of the important wine-growing areas are located in the Western Cape province.

Today, there are over 800 wineries in the region, most of which are open for cellar tours and wine tastings. Some also offer overnight stays.

Stellenbosch is the second oldest city and is regarded as the wine capital of South Africa. Its fame is mainly due to the top-quality wines of over 200 wineries, the beautifully designed white Cape Dutch Victorian houses, exceptionally good restaurants, numerous art galleries, boutiques, shops, and a top-notch university. Additionally, Stellenbosch's idyllic Wine Route is the oldest in the country.

You can explore the main attractions in Stellenbosch on a walking tour along the oak-covered streets. Either on your own (there are excellent maps in every accommodation) or as part of a city tour (Tip: Bites and Sites). You certainly won't get bored here.

Delaire Graff Estate was directly across from our accommodation during our recent visit to the Cape Winelands. A friend (a budding sommelier) also recommended this winery as the best and most beautiful from her recent visit.

The drive along a beautiful avenue with views of vineyards and the surrounding mountains makes Delaire one of the most stunning wineries in Stellenbosch.

Do a tasting and order an antipasto or cheese platter to go with it. The sommelier took a lot of time for us. We can confidently say that we had the best wine tasting of all the wineries we visited here. He deviated from the normal process: we could choose from 3 - 5 wines without having to commit to one of the three offered samples.

The estate has two restaurants (one fine dining) with a picturesque outdoor terrace for wine tastings. Everywhere, there is modern art in the form of sculptures and paintings.

You can view the tasting menu here and here is the pairing menu.

The Tokara Wine Estate at the Helshoogte Pass consists of two locations and caused some confusion for us regarding a meeting point. Directly to the left, there is a road with a barrier. Here you will find the modern main building with a very special entrance, where you can hold tastings in the tasting lounge overlooking the olive grove and vineyards. If you continue driving, you will arrive at Tokara Delicatessen. Here there is a large shop, a restaurant with a café, and a great playground for kids. Unfortunately, you cannot do tastings here.

In many wine-growing regions worldwide, there is a natural connection between olive groves and vineyards. At Tokara, this famous tradition continues. Here you can not only taste wine but also olive oil, which is award-winning and among the best in South Africa.

You have the choice: coffee and cake with a view of the playground or wine tasting with a view of the vineyards and olive groves? Both are great; it just depends if you are traveling with or without kids.

According to the farm, Blaauwklippen is the oldest wine farm in Stellenbosch. However, local guides consider it Muratie or Lanzerac. Nevertheless, the Blaauwklippen market on weekends is a popular destination. In addition to local wines, there are nice stalls with crafts, children's clothing, and all sorts of beautiful things.

There is also a food hall with delicious treats and beautiful seating. For kids, there is a pump track that can be conquered with a balance bike, scooter, or bicycle. These can be borrowed for free on site. A great playground, face painting, and other activities make the Blaauwklippen Family Market an absolute must if you are in Stellenbosch with children.

The visit to Spier was a while ago. The winery is committed to sustainability and has the WWF Conservation Champion certification (read here). The Eight Restaurant focuses on the farm-to-table concept with local ingredients and its own water supply. I highly recommend the Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery, especially for breakfast.

Unfortunately, I no longer have photos from the tasting. Next time I will visit Spier again, as the location with a view of the Helderberg Mountains is simply beautiful.

One of the oldest wineries in Stellenbosch is the Lanzerac Wine Estate. The estate with a hotel and spa is located on the outskirts of the city and is ideal for those who do not want to drive far (or are traveling by bike). Therefore, the estate is particularly known for its red wines.

The tasting was frankly disappointing here. After the beautiful presentation at Boschendal, we were only served a box of chocolates and given a brief explanation of the wines. The wines were good, but the overall experience felt rather mass-produced.

You can find information about the tasting with a menu here on the website.

More information for your visit:

A special highlight at Delheim is the wine pairing with cupcakes. Highly recommend! For those who aren't fluent in English: the owners come from Germany and also offer tastings in German.

The Kleine Zalze Winery is located 3 km outside of Stellenbosch. The wines from Kleine Zalze are divided into three lines based on quality and price: Cellar Selection, Vineyard Selection, and the award-winning Family Reserve line.

I spent a night at the Kleine Zalze Winery. The menu at the Kleine Zalze Restaurant changes with the seasons and offers a selection of 'plats du jour'. I particularly recommend the cold and warm tapas as a great snack to complement the wine tasting.

You can view all the information about the tasting and the menu accompanying the tasting here.

In the wine cellar, you can view the allegedly first bottled Pinotage in the world. The door stood open for us, allowing us to walk right into the wine cellar.

The first four streets in Stellenbosch are the focal point in the center: Dorp Street - the unofficial first street, Church Street, Ryneveld Street, and Andringa Street.

The food tour in Stellenbosch is something I recommend to everyone. I have taken this tour multiple times as there has been so much change. The guide Simone led us through Stellenbosch and introduced us to the cuisine alongside the most important historical sites. The food and drinks ranged from tea varieties to wine to tapas and small snacks. It's just 'lekker'.

If you are not fluent in English: There are tours in German. We recommend the 'Foodies on Foot' tour.

The small museum comprises four protected heritage houses that you can visit: the Schreuderhuis from 1709 is the oldest townhouse in South Africa. The other houses, Blettermanhuis, Grosvenor House, and Berghuis, differ in architectural style. It's best to book the food tour as this way you'll learn the most important aspects about the architectural styles and the history of the town.

You can find information about the opening hours on the website.

At the aforementioned Dorp Street lies the most visited shop in town. Oom Samie Se Winkel is a true mom-and-pop shop and was recommended to us on the food tour, as we wanted to buy some loose Rooibos and Honeybush tea. The shop is stuffed to the ceiling with knickknacks. Really cool.

If you like a colorful mix of food markets, crafts, and souvenirs, you will love the Root 44 Market in Stellenbosch. Here you can stroll through the food stands on the lower level at your leisure or enjoy the lunch buffet on the first floor. Visitors of all ages mingle here, making themselves comfortable on the large terrace or simply in the surrounding park. It's also beautiful for kids in the summer, as the water features provide a little cool off.

If you don't want to take a tour with the Wine Tram and don't want to drive yourself, you can also do wine tastings in Stellenbosch. We can recommend these three places, as most wine producers in Stellenbosch have bars in the center where they offer tastings:

The landscape becomes even more magnificent as you head to Franschhoek, situated in a valley surrounded by the towering Drakenstein and Wemmershoek mountains. This is the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many world-class restaurants.

The route winds through the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, where some of the country's best wines are grown. The route leads to over 30 wineries, each with its own character.

Franschhoek was long known as the food and wine capital of South Africa. There are dozens of world-class restaurants and many options to try the typical red wines of the region.

If you don't want to book a driver, aren't traveling by car, or cycling, you can ride the Wine Tram in Franschhoek. This tram operates on a hop-on hop-off principle. There are various lines that regularly take you to wineries. I find the blue line to be the most rewarding. It would even have stopped at our accommodation (Le Pommier, see below). Where there are no tracks, there is a bus that is decorated in green, just like the tram.

My report on the Wine Tram:

You should reserve your ticket early. Either at Get Your Guide or on the official website.

Boschendal remains my favorite winery. The vast offerings created here are genius. On the large estate, in addition to wine tastings, you can visit the fruit and herb garden, view African art in the gallery, and shop for top-quality homemade goods in the farm shop. You can also rent bikes and undertake cycling tours. For kids, there is a pump track.

You must reserve picnic baskets at least two days before your visit and enjoy them with live music (on weekends). Alternatively, you can shop for your own basket in the farm shop. There is really a huge offering for families.

Have a tasting on the terrace of the Werf Restaurant (or in the garden). We chose the Cheese Pairing and Chocolate Pairing. We were able to eat our products purchased in the farm shop with it.

You can view the tasting menu with all options and wines here.

Spontaneously, we got a table at the Werf Restaurant through the Dineplan app. The food was excellent. Only the advertised and widely acclaimed Butcher's Black Angus steak was not good at all. Too fibrous and 'medium' was almost raw. The cook must have had a bad day. Otherwise, all dishes (there were four of us) were excellent.

Even though La Motte is one of the oldest wineries in the Cape Winelands, we were convinced by its very modern and inviting bakery. It has been completely renovated and is now one of the most modern and beautiful wineries in South Africa.

The La Motte Bakery impressed us with excellent coffee, croissants, and Pastel de Nata (a trend in the Winelands, as the delicious pastries from Portugal are sold everywhere).

Don't forget to reserve a spot through the Dineplan app, as seating indoors is limited in bad weather.

The tasting took place indoors, as the weather was not ideal on the day of the visit.

Currently, everything is being renovated until summer 2024 (it still wasn't open in 2025). The museum is still open. Please check on the website to see if the winery has reopened.

I was here years ago and found the way in which the winery operates noteworthy. The vision of land return and community empowerment is central here. In the past, former slaves were given land. As a result, many residential houses are located on the property.

Also noteworthy is the small museum to the left after entering, which focuses on the history of slavery and the wine region of South Africa. It's the only winery that addresses the past. Entry is free, and the museum was also open during our visit.

Have you ever heard of painting pigs? No? I hadn't before the trip either. Joanne Lefson has created a sanctuary in Franschhoek and rescued the South African pig named Pigcasso along with donkeys, goats, cows, and sheep. Pigcasso has now become a celebrity and even designed a Swatch watch. You can also buy prints of her works in the shop. This way, you support the sanctuary. Unfortunately, Pigcasso passed away a week after our visit.

You can also stay here. A truly wonderful place.

The Huguenot Monument at the end of the main street commemorates the arrival of the French Huguenots in the 17th century. They significantly contributed to the development of this region. In the Huguenot Memorial Museum, you can learn more about Franschhoek and the Huguenots. We did not visit the museum, so we cannot share any experience on that.

Huguenot Street is the main street of the town. Here you will find most of the restaurants, galleries, and historical houses. At the very end, you will reach the Huguenot Monument. This small center is especially bustling with visitors on weekends. But it's easy and quick to explore on foot.

You will also find this old church, built in 1652 by Dutch settlers and missionaries from Jan van Riebeeck. You can visit the church; it's a nice photo spot on the busy main street in Franschhoek.

Paarl is considered the cradle of South African wine and is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the country. The area is known for its full-bodied red wines, and many wineries offer tours and tastings.

In Paarl, there are several excellent restaurants, ranging from traditional Cape Malay cuisine to French fine dining. Our favorite: Noop (more info below).

Paarl, with Table Mountain in the background, is the third-largest city in the Western Cape. It's especially known for its massive granite cliffs, but it also has a thriving wine industry. Some of the best brandies and ports in South Africa are produced in Paarl.

Here's my detailed report on Paarl:

The Fairview Winery with the famous Goatshed Restaurant is a must-visit - not just with kids. The winery is a very successful farm that also produces cheese in addition to wine. Therefore, wine tastings with their own cheese varieties are also offered here. We skipped a wine tasting here but tried the wine in the restaurant during a late lunch while overlooking the tower that the home goats loved to climb. Unfortunately, we missed the moment (due to all the food) when a goat climbed the stairs. You wouldn't believe it if you didn't see it live.

We were very pleased with the estate. The food was delicious, and the white wines we tried (it was a hot day) were excellent.

During our meal at the restaurant, we tasted selected wines (no tastings were possible) and had a light lunch. However, you can have a cheese and wine pairing in the tasting room with no reservation. It was too dim for us on a sunny day (besides, I had to drive).

You can view the tasting menu with all options and wines here. You can view all menus in the restaurant here.

Bacco also offers different tastings with or without canapés. The winery is quite new and stylish but can only be reached via a gravel road. It is currently very hyped in Cape Town and the surrounding area because a 'Tuscan appeal' is something special here. The building is very pretty and impressive, but I prefer the classic wineries since Tuscany is not too far from us.

In Paarl, we stayed at Temple Wines, a winery outside of Paarl.

Whether a visit is worthwhile or not depends on your interests. Just for a stroll and the views in the park, it is worth it; you can even spot the Table Mountain from afar. The monument is intended to represent the emergence of the Afrikaans language from European languages (including Dutch, Portuguese, German, French, and English) in South Africa. It also presents the original languages of South Africa such as isiXhosa, isiZulu, and Sesotho, as well as the influences of Indonesian languages and dialects (especially Malay).

It symbolizes the merging of the languages of two continents (inspired by the poet NP van Wyk Louw). That the African languages are represented as the smallest bulges gives me a 'tinge'. But that's up to everyone's own opinion.

For children, it is surely a wonderful place. We found everything a bit lackluster and only focused on making money. Don't let them upsell you to a barn tour (you'll get animal food for entry). Visit alpacas and llamas elsewhere. We find this attraction completely overrated and lacking in charm.

The oldest and smallest wine region in South Africa can even be reached from Cape Town via the hop-on hop-off bus. As the home of the most famous dessert wines in the world, you shouldn't forget this region during your stay.

This picturesque winery has captivated us! Here, time seems to stand still. We recommend that you definitely get off here if you are using the hop-on hop-off bus. You can sit in the sun at two restaurants and enjoy the wines with delicious food. There is also a museum on the property that can be visited for a fee.

Stellenbosch or Franschhoek is usually the question asked. I have always stayed on a vineyard in Stellenbosch or in Stellenbosch itself. There is simply more on offer: more cafés, more restaurants, and small shops and galleries. Moreover, the tables have turned: Stellenbosch has become the center of good food, no longer (as often mentioned) Franschhoek. An overnight stay in Paarl is also worth it.

We would have happily stayed on one of the first-class wineries again. However, prices during high travel seasons in January, February, and March are extremely high. Many wineries are booked out long in advance.

We can therefore recommend the following B&Bs, apartments, and lodges:

Located right in the center of Stellenbosch, the brand new Sugarland Cottage awaits you with two spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a large winter garden.

Our host was super accommodating and friendly. When we were caught out one night on our day of departure, we were even allowed to stay a bit longer and he would have even supplied us with medication. That's really not common.

Additionally, there is secure parking for the car directly at the accommodation.

Book here: Sugarland Cottage

A small winery with a dreamlike view. Unfortunately, it is very remote, which we only realized after booking. Still a beautiful property, good breakfast, and a great pool. Wine tasting from owner Tom personally, with a wine cellar decorated with street art from well-known artists.

Tip: Tatjana offered to organize a driver for wine tastings. We will be coming back.

Book here

Even if it doesn't seem obvious: The Winelands in South Africa are a real paradise for children. Many wineries are designed to be very family-friendly. While wine tastings are a taboo for younger visitors, many wineries offer child-friendly alternatives. From special children's tastings without alcohol (Le Pommier), to great playgrounds (Tokara, La Motte, or Boschendal) and farms with a variety of animals - there is a lot to discover. A perfect place for a relaxed day for both young and old.

The Winelands are also known for their safety, making them an ideal destination for families. In towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, families can walk around, which is not possible in many places in Cape Town.

Special experiences include the Alpaca Loom Café in Paarl with alpacas and llamas (we found it lacking in charm), the Fairview Wine Estate with its goats, and Blaauwklippen as well as Boschendal with a pump track for kids. The latter two places are especially popular with families. Here you will find activities that delight both adults and children.

The best way to get from Cape Town is by rental car via the N1 or N2 in under an hour. Alternatively, there are day trips departing from Cape Town. Bookable at Get your Guide.

For backpackers, there's the Baz Bus, which also stops in Stellenbosch.

You can visit the wine region near Cape Town at any time of the year. The best travel time is February and March when the grape harvest takes place. In March, there are the most festivals around wine.

Generally, the months of September to April are worth it. September is the coolest month, while February is the hottest. Especially during the South African summer holidays around Christmas and New Year, it gets quite busy here. Temperatures usually range from 25 - 34 degrees Celsius during the day.

However, it can also rain in February (thanks to climate change) and be 'cool' at 16 degrees, as we experienced in 2024.

I recommend staying at least 2-3 days in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. If you plan to do day trips or participate in a food tour, you won't be able to see everything. During the day, you can probably manage a maximum of 3 wine tastings (we'd say).

Are you planning a round trip in South Africa and want to visit the Winelands? You should stay at least 1 to 2 days here.

If you can only spend one day in the Winelands, you'll want to see as much as possible. Focus on one wine-growing area: Paarl, Stellenbosch, or Franschhoek. Check our Winelands map and consider which wineries are close to each other. To experience the beauty of nature while driving, it's best to start early in the morning. Consider Franschhoek (breakfast at La Motte Bakery) or Stellenbosch (Spier winery or SCHOON Church Street Café). Then visit 3 to 4 wineries along your route. Feel free to stroll through the main streets in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Ideally, it's best to explore the wineries in your own car. However, the driver then cannot drink. During our visit, everyone was pulled over at the Spier winery and subjected to an alcohol test.

Alternatives: Wine tours by bike, using the Wine Tram in Franschhoek, the Vine Hopper bus (Stellenbosch), or a driver. Most accommodations and wineries offer this, so just ask.

I find Stellenbosch to be very safe. We've also driven at night through the idyllic town.

As Stellenbosch has the largest gastronomic offering, we recommend choosing it as your starting point. Staying overnight on a vineyard is also great for a night, but this can be expensive depending on your choice. We stayed a night in both Stellenbosch and Paarl.

Boschendal, Delaire Graff, Bosjes (our insider tip), Groot Constantia, Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, and Delheim. Babylonstoren and Peter Falke are often recommended. Unfortunately, we didn't make it there this time either.

If you have limited time for the region during your South Africa holiday, a day trip from Cape Town is also worth it. The journey only takes an hour. Tours are even offered, and the Wine Tram offers services from Cape Town (link). Alternatively, Groot Constantia is also reachable with the hop-on hop-off bus.

Have you already been to the Winelands and have additional tips? Tell me where you stayed and which wineries you visited. Leave a comment at the end of the article. We would really appreciate it!

Do you want to always receive the best travel and insider tips? Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads or subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates and exclusive tips.

♥ Do you often find my tips helpful? Say thanks with a coffee ☕️

My articles are the result of extensive research, personal experiences, and honest recommendations - completely free of AI. I write them so that you can plan your travels stress-free with real, self-tested tips.

If you like my work and just want to say thank you, I would appreciate a small tip in my virtual travel fund. Every contribution helps me to continue producing high-quality content for you with passion. Thank you!

Trust is important: In some of my articles, you will find affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through one of these links, it won't cost you anything extra - but I will receive a small commission. This way, you can support me without additional effort and help me keep this blog alive. Thank you for being a part of my community and sharing my passion for authentic travel!