Cape Winelands Travel Advice

Flights & Getting Around

Cape Town International Airport: it’s only an hour’s drive from the airport to the heart of the Cape Winelands.

The classic Cape Wineland towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek are easily accessed by regular half-day and full-day tours conducted in modern mini buses or sedan cars. These tours begin in Cape Town and can be arranged with the minimum of fuss from your accommodation or before you arrive.

Alternatively, hire a car and tour the Winelands at your own pace – the roads are good, it’s all well signposted and the scenery is amazing. Take the opportunity to stroll around these historic towns on foot – Stellenbosch is particularly rewarding.

Top Travel Tips for the Cape Winelands

Drivers & Guides

Perhaps the best way to enjoy a Cape Winelands holiday is to hire a driver or personal guide: they know their way around, only stop at estates that interest you, and – best of all – everyone in your party can enjoy wine tastings safe in the knowledge that there is a designated driver. There are also fantastic group tours for those who have an interest in finding out more about the area, its history, and the culture in the area – as well as its good food and wine scene, of course.

There’s An App For That

When it comes to restaurants, many of the Cape's establishments have moved over to Dineplan in order to make and confirm reservations. While it is known to work through a browser too, the app makes it easier to make bookings and discover which restaurants are available for your desired dates.

We also recommend downloading the Platter's iPhone App. This digital version of South Africa's most comprehensive wine guide gives you easy access to tasting notes, trusted ratings and producer notes on over 7 000 South African wines.

Exciting Events

Throughout the year, there are some great events and festivals held in the winelands – ones worth planning a long weekend around. One of the biggest events being Bastille Day, which takes place on 14 July each year to commemorate the storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789. As the Cape's ‘French corner' this results in a fantastic festival each year celebrating food, wine, and heritage.

In November, the annual Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival promises a wonderful day experiencing world-class wines and bubbles from local producers featuring live music. Take advantage of the gourmet foods on offer and simply soak in the scenery.

For a more low-key event in the southern Cape Winelands, venture to Cape Point Vineyards in Noordhoek for their Thursday evening Community Market. Artisanal delights, delicious food and fruity wines await as you watch the sun sink below the horizon. The event is family-friendly and fun for all.

Family-friendly Activities

Along with hiking, cycling, picnics and horse riding, there's plenty of must-do activities in the Cape Winelands that will be a big hit with your children: try the Birds of Prey Project at Eagle Encounters at Spier in Stellenbosch; Butterfly World, just outside Paarl; and the Cheetah Outreach Programme at its new home in Somerset West.