Cape Winelands Tour

CAPE WINELANDS TOUR

The Cape Winelands tour is an absolute must do, be taken away by breathtaking vistas and majestic mountain backdrops in a setting steeped in rich culture and history. Rolling vineyards and quaint Cape Dutch homesteads await you, as well as award-winning wine farms offering some of the world’s best wines.

Begin your journey in Cape Town with a drive to the heart of the Cape Winelands and get to experience the great hospitality and beauty of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Discover the process of making wine from vineyard to the bottle and participate in a cellar tour accompanied by a wine and cheese tasting.

Stellenbosch

Kick off your Cape Winelands tour in Stellenbosch, also known as the Eikestad (City of Oaks in Afrikaans). It is not only the second oldest town in South Africa but also boasts the largest variety and concentration of vineyards, with more than 140 wine farms. Take a walk along oak lined streets and soak in the holiday atmosphere that characterises this quiet “old world” town. Be taken back in time by the well preserved examples of Cape Dutch style architecture, antique shops, national monuments including Dorp street, museums as well as South Africa’s oldest music school the Conservatoire. Visit a wine farm and participate in a cellar tour accompanied by a wine and cheese tasting.

Paarl

The tour then proceeds to Paarl, the third oldest South African town and largest town in the Cape Winelands. View magnificently preserved classic Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings and visit Groot Drakenstein Correctional Centre formerly Victor Verster prison, where the legendary Nelson Mandela spent the final years of his incarceration. Get a chance to see the bronze statue of Mandela which now stands outside the prison to commemorate where he made the famous “walk to freedom” in 1990. Not to forget you will also get an opportunity to taste wine at one of Paarl’s renowned vineyards.

Franschhoek

Drive to Franschhoek (French corner) an old town with a strong French history and influence that dates back to 1688. Many farms and businesses still hold onto their French names and the town’s atmosphere is uniquely French-like. The town’s close proximity to Cape Town combined with its ideal weather, architectural beauty, huge variety of culinary offerings and award winning wines make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Cape Winelands. It has been described by many as the “food and wine capital” of South Africa. Take a walk in the town and be part of its rich history while enjoying the many art galleries, antique shops and charming restaurants that make up this magnificent town. Stop at the Huguenot Memorial before going on a cellar tour at a local wine estate for a wine tasting.

End your Cape Winelands day tour with a scenic drive back to Cape Town.