Cape Winelands

 The Cape Winelands make a winning day trip from Cape Town. This Western Cape region includes the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl (and many smaller gems). Visit the Cape Winelands for excellent wining and dining, historic buildings and gorgeous scenery. Warren Marks Day tours are ready to take you on a personal experience of the winelands. Here’s what you can look forward to when visiting the Cape Winelands:

To eat
The Cape Winelands is home to stellar South African fine dining experiences. Franschhoek is South Africa’s culinary capital. First settled by French Hugenots in the 1600s, the valley’s French connection is evident in its dining experiences. Explore the town’s rich French heritage with innovative tasting menus at Le Coin Francais or Le Petit Manoir. Many fine dining experiences in Stellenbosch are found on its wine estates. Rust en Vrede’s remarkable restaurant, housed in a historic wine cellar, is especially worth a visit.

For a laidback dining experience, pop in to one of the many Cape Winelands markets. The Blaawklippen Family Market in Stellenbosch is an awesome way to spend a Sunday. Spread a blanket under the trees and enjoy artisanal produce and local wines. The kids will love the jumping castle and adorable petting zoo goats! Franschhoek’s Village Market has also become a local institution enjoyed by young and old.

To drink

It wouldn’t be called the Cape Winelands if there wasn’t plenty of wine to drink. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl offer distinct tasting experiences. Each location is renowned for a particular wine style. Tell Warren what you’d like to taste and he can recommend a personalized route for your Winelands day trip.

Exploring the Cape Winelands as a family? Warren can advise you on the best family-friendly wine tasting options in the area. Many estates offer plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. For example, Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch is home to Eagle Encounters: a leading bird-of-prey rescue and rehabilitation centre. Little ones can experience the beauty of hawks, falcons and more firsthand. Franschoek’s Grande Provence even gives children their own “wine tasting” experience with grape juice.

To do
There are plenty of adventurous ways to get around the Cape Winelands. Cycling allows you to explore the countryside at a leisurely pace and take in the picturesque surroundings. Equestrians can opt to experience the Cape Winelands on horseback. You can even work in a wine tasting (or two)! Warren can coordinate bicycle or horseback day trips in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl.
Stellenbosch strawberry picking is another memorable Cape Winelands activity, especially for little ones. At Polkadraai Farm in Stellenbosch, the public can fill baskets with fresh strawberries in season. Tractor and pony rides are also a hit! Warren can suggest other Winelands activities to pair with Polkadraai farm for an awesome day out.
Contact Warren for a personal tour of the Cape Winelands. You can combine Stellenbosch wine tasting with Cape Town highlights, or plan a dedicated trip to see the best of the Winelands. Get in touch to plan your tailor-made day tour of Cape Town and surrounds.