What to do in Cape Winelands

Bar from the cute cafes and old-fashioned style, Franschhoek's charm is cemented with a trip on the wine tram. Pick your route and simply jump on in the centre of town to enjoy a scenic ride through the valleys of lush vineyards. Along the way, the tram makes stops at some of South Africa's oldest and most well-known estates. Take a tour of the cellar, join a wine tasting or stroll through the rows of vines before grabbing a bite to eat. For a novel way of seeing Franschhoek's finest wine estates, the tram is your answer. And you'll pick up history of the Winelands along the way.

It can be tricky to find activities that suit both little and old(er) minds, but dig a little deeper under the surface of the Cape Winelands and you’ll find a variety of activities behind the grape vines. At Spier Wine Estate, the kids will meet rare birds and enjoy a custom-juice tasting (wine tasting for the adults), before heading to the famous Fairview estate to nibble on cheese and meet the resident goats. In the afternoon, there are visits to an artisan chocolatier, glass blowing studio, brewery and distillery to keep everyone entertained – really, there isn’t a moment to get bored!

Follow the scent of sun-baked grapes to the Winelands, where you'll enjoy a day of award-winning wines, glorious vistas and epicurean delights. Join your guide on a tour of the finest wine estates in the valley, where you'll sample rich pinot noirs and piquant chardonnays (and anything in between).

Follow the scent of sun-baked grapes to the Winelands, where you'll enjoy a day of award-winning wines, glorious vistas and epicurean delights. Join your guide on a tour of the finest wine estates in the valley, where you'll sample rich pinot noirs and piquant chardonnays (and anything in between). Try your sommelier skills out with three wine tastings at picturesque estates, while dipping into the history of South African winemaking. You may even become a true connoisseur by the end of it!

Follow the scent of sun-baked grapes to the Winelands, where you'll enjoy a day of award-winning wines, glorious vistas and epicurean delights. Join your guide on a tour of the finest wine estates in the valley, where you'll sample rich pinot noirs and piquant chardonnays (and anything in between). Try your sommelier skills out with three wine tastings at picturesque estates, while dipping into the history of South African winemaking. You may even become a true connoisseur by the end of it!

It can be tricky to find activities that suit both little and old(er) minds, but dig a little deeper under the surface of the Cape Winelands and you’ll find a variety of activities behind the grape vines. At Spier Wine Estate, the kids will meet rare birds and enjoy a custom-juice tasting (wine tasting for the adults), before heading to the famous Fairview estate to nibble on cheese and meet the resident goats. In the afternoon, there are visits to an artisan chocolatier, glass blowing studio, brewery and distillery to keep everyone entertained – really, there isn’t a moment to get bored!

Pairing cheese with wine has long been a great way of highlighting the flavours and aromas of the grapes and in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, you’re in for a real treat in both taste departments! You’ll visit a variety of wine estates that either make their own cheese or have specially chosen locally-made fromage. Enjoy a memorable day learning the art of a good cheese and wine duo, combining the best of South Africa's wines with everything from home-cured mountain cheese to Brie. And you couldn't ask for a better view! At the end of the day, stroll around the award-winning gardens of Babylonstoren and visit their artisanal deli to take home a taste of South Africa.

With the wind in your hair and the sweet smell of the flora in the air, there’s no better way to experience the beautiful countryside. You'll have a choice of horses and routes to suit your riding level, from fast-paced gallops along mountain passes to lingering walks through the orchards.

Pairing cheese with wine has long been a great way of highlighting the flavours and aromas of the grapes and in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, you’re in for a real treat in both taste departments! You’ll visit a variety of wine estates that either make their own cheese or have specially chosen locally-made fromage. Enjoy a memorable day learning the art of a good cheese and wine duo, combining the best of South Africa's wines with everything from home-cured mountain cheese to Brie. And you couldn't ask for a better view! At the end of the day, stroll around the award-winning gardens of Babylonstoren and visit their artisanal deli to take home a taste of South Africa.

Franschhoek and the Winelands surrounding Cape Town are world renowned for their stunning wines. And there’s no better time to explore these valleys and vineyards than the beginning of summer. Wine is the lifeblood of Franschhoek and there's plenty of choice when it comes down to touring a wine estate, from refurbished manor cellars overlooking rolling valleys to quirkily-designed tasting rooms. Jump in the car and see where you end up or join your guide for a well-planned day out in the Winelands. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine making process before enjoying a taste of the full-bodied reds the area is famous for (and delicious food to accompany it)!

The Stellenbosch region has many strings to its bow and this gourmet experience is the chance to discover all of them. You’ll follow the country’s oldest wine route, learning about the history of the area from your seasoned guide as you go; drive through towering mountains and tranquil, vine-filled valleys that will leave you spellbound; sample ostrich carpaccio, nibble on carefully-constructed canapes and taste fresh-from-the-farm olives. That’s without mentioning the wine and there are a number of tastings in store, including an internationally-acclaimed Bordeaux and a unique South African ‘Cape Blend.’ Get a taste for this darling of the Winelands as you're wined and dined by some of the finest estates!

It can be tricky to find activities that suit both little and old(er) minds, but dig a little deeper under the surface of the Cape Winelands and you’ll find a variety of activities behind the grape vines. At Spier Wine Estate, the kids will meet rare birds and enjoy a custom-juice tasting (wine tasting for the adults), before heading to the famous Fairview estate to nibble on cheese and meet the resident goats. In the afternoon, there are visits to an artisan chocolatier, glass blowing studio, brewery and distillery to keep everyone entertained – really, there isn’t a moment to get bored!

In the morning, you’ll meet your four-legged companion and stride out on a guided ride around the vineyards and estates of the Franschhoek region. With the wind in your hair and the sweet smell of the flora in the air, there’s no better way to experience the beautiful countryside. You'll have a choice of horses and routes to suit your riding level, from fast-paced gallops along mountain passes to lingering walks through the orchards. You'll have worked up an appetite and after lunch in Franschhoek, you'll have the chance to sample the area's finest wines. Bottoms up! If you're visiting in the warmer months (October to March), book a sunset ride when the Winelands are bathed in gold.

There’s no time to rest this morning for you’ll be driving into the beautiful Elgin highlands to begin your zip lining adventure. If swinging through the trees on 320-metre long slides doesn’t get your heart racing, we don’t know what will! Once back on solid ground, choose one of the cosy, country restaurants in the region for lunch and then hop in the car with or without a guide for a tasting of the cool-climate wines that the area is famous for.

The day gets off to a wild and wonderful start at the 220-hectare Villiera Nature Sanctuary, where you’ll game drive amongst giraffe, zebra, springbok and other iconic African wildlife. An MCC (sparkling wine) tasting is up next, paired with a selection of handcrafted chocolates, which might help ease the nerves for your next activity: a meeting with the rare birds of Eagle Encounters, a rehabilitation and conservation centre, and a thrilling visit to a crocodile farm. There’s another wine tasting in there too – just in case!

Follow the scent of sun-baked grapes to the Winelands, where you'll enjoy a day of award-winning wines, glorious vistas and epicurean delights. Join your guide on a tour of the finest wine estates in the valley, where you'll sample rich pinot noirs and piquant chardonnays (and anything in between). Try your sommelier skills out with three wine tastings at picturesque estates, while dipping into the history of South African winemaking. You may even become a true connoisseur by the end of it!

Pairing cheese with wine has long been a great way of highlighting the flavours and aromas of the grapes and in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, you’re in for a real treat in both taste departments! You’ll visit a variety of wine estates that either make their own cheese or have specially chosen locally-made fromage. Enjoy a memorable day learning the art of a good cheese and wine duo, combining the best of South Africa's wines with everything from home-cured mountain cheese to Brie. And you couldn't ask for a better view! At the end of the day, stroll around the award-winning gardens of Babylonstoren and visit their artisanal deli to take home a taste of South Africa.

In the morning, you’ll meet your four-legged companion and stride out on a guided ride around the vineyards and estates of the Stellenbosh region. With the wind in your hair and the sweet smell of the flora in the air, there’s no better way to experience the beautiful countryside. You'll have a choice of horses and routes to suit your riding level, from fast-paced gallops along mountain passes to lingering walks through the orchards. You'll have worked up an appetite and after lunch in Stellenbosh, you'll have the chance to sample the area's finest wines. Bottoms up! If you're visiting in the warmer months (October to March), book a sunset ride when the Winelands are bathed in gold.