WESTERN CAPE
CULTURECape Winelands
Wine, mountains, and Dutch Cape architecture
An hour's drive from Cape Town, the valleys of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl produce some of the southern hemisphere's finest wines. Franschhoek — founded by French Huguenot refugees in 1688 — is one of South Africa's culinary capitals, with a restaurant per 100 residents ratio that would embarrass Paris. The Cape Dutch manor houses, whitewashed with thatched roofs and ornate gables, are among the world's most beautiful architectural traditions.
Practical Info
- Entry fee:
- Wine tastings typically R100–R300 per person per farm
- Hours:
- Most farms Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00, some Sunday
- Getting there:
- Uber from Cape Town to Stellenbosch: ~45 min. Wine tram in Franschhoek for hopping between farms.
- Tip:
- Book La Petite Colombe, La Residence, or The Test Kitchen months ahead. Hire a driver or use the Franschhoek wine tram — no drinking and driving.
📷On the Ground
winefoodCape DutchStellenboschFranschhoek
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Where to Eat & Drink
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