Must-visit places in the Cape Winelands

Constantia

The leafy southern suburb of Constantia is home to Cape Town’s very own wine region, embracing nine farms on its official route. From 333-year-old heritage properties to the modern styling of the newer farms, this wine region can boast being the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. The farms of Constantia honour their inheritance with exceptional wines and breathtaking scenery, perfect tributes to the opulence of modern history.

Foodies will revel in the various dining options available, including several top award-winning restaurants such as La Colombe, The Greenhouse, and Chef’s Warehouse.

My recommendations here include: the vine-laden panoramas at Constantia Glen, a modern tasting room experience at Beau Constantia, bubbly tasting at Steenberg, a garden getaway at Eagle’s Nest, heritage tours at Groot Constantia, sipping the legendary Vin de Constance at Klein Constantia, a market experience at Constantia Uitsig, superlative dining at Buitenverwachting, and sampling organic wines at Silvermist.

Stellenbosch

Van der Stel soon wanted to expand his vinicultural endeavours, and Stellenbosch became both the second town and wine-producing region in the country. A 45-minute drive from Cape Town and you’re in the heart of the “City of Oaks”, which has bragging rights to more than 170 wine farms, so you’ll never be short of variety. Enjoy a short stroll through the historical part of the city, with its al fresco dining and oak-lined streets.

My recommendations are Tokara for views, Delaire Graff for dining, Glenelly for French-styled wines, Spier for picnics and Segway tours, Waterford for wine and chocolate pairings, Villeria for bubbly, and Simonsig for heritage.

Paarl

The third of the Cape settlements is Paarl, aptly named after early explorers likened the round granite rock that sits high above the town to that of a pearl. It’s a rather scenic drive up the mountain: leave your car at the final car park, and if you’re not afraid of heights, use the chain to climb to the top for astounding views of the town.

My farm recommendations are Spice Route Destination for an eclectic tasting adventure, Fairview for cheese and wine pairings, Nederberg for a heritage visit, KWV Wine Emporium for an educational experience, and Landskroon for a more intimate tasting option.

Franschhoek

Hailed by many as the food and wine capital of South Africa, this quaint village must surely be one of the most beautiful in the land. The town is securely nestled in a picturesque valley, flanked on three sides by Cape Fold Mountains. In winter, it feels as if you’ve stepped into a little European village, sans the snow. You’ll also hear a variety of foreign accents, as Franschhoek is a popular tourist stop.

The name Franschhoek means French quarter, as the Cape government granted amnesty to French protestants who were fleeing religious persecution. Since they were renowned for being keen agriculturalists, they were given land, and so birthed the French influence that is still characteristic of the area. A stop at the Huguenot Memorial Museum in town will help tell more of the story.

My recommendations are Dieu Donne for views, Haute Cabriere for an underground cellar tour, Le Lude for bubbly tasting, Grande Provence for wine and art, Lynx Wines for a boutique experience, Boschendal for beautiful gardens, and Rupert & Rothschild for a stellar array of both local and international wines.