The Cape Winelands: where to stay, drink and eat
On this page
The Cape Winelands, just outside Cape Town, is the best place we've ever drunk wine, and we've tasted our way through Tuscany, Portugal and the UK.
At the time of writing, Cape Town and the Western Cape had 2,693 wine grape farmers, 45 producer cellars and 457 private wine cellars, so the choice is endless and we've barely scratched the surface. This guide covers where we stayed, our top five wine estates, our favourite restaurants and the things worth doing beyond the wine.
Even if wine isn't your thing, we'd still highly recommend the trip for the scenery, historic towns, mountain passes and a food scene that's known around the world.
At a glance
- Where
- Western Cape, South Africa
- Getting there
- About 50 minutes by car from Cape Town International Airport
- Where to base yourself
- Boschendal or Franschhoek
- Getting around
- Hire car, plus the Wine Tram, taxis or Uber on tasting days
- Best seasons
- Spring, summer and autumn
- Our pace
- No more than three wine estates a day
Getting around the Cape Winelands
We'd recommend hiring a car and driving yourself. It lets you explore wherever you like, and there's a lot to discover in this region whether it's your first visit or not. We'd suggest booking through Discover Cars.
On tasting days, leave the car behind and use the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a taxi or Uber instead.
Please don't drink and drive. Plan tasting days around the Wine Tram or a driver so everyone can enjoy them.
Where to stay in the Cape Winelands
We wanted to be right in the heart of the winelands, so we stayed at Boschendal, about 50 minutes from Cape Town International Airport. We chose it for its location, accommodation and wine, and it's good value too. In 2023, Boschendal was dubbed the "World's Most Beautiful Vineyard".
Where we stayed: The Retreat at Boschendal
The Retreat is the newest addition to Boschendal's accommodation, and it blew us away: tastefully decorated rooms, five-star facilities, a delicious breakfast and breathtaking views. We're not hyping it up; it's incredible.
Other good bases
Franschhoek, just down the road, is another great place to stay, with plenty of boutique hotels, B&Bs and Airbnbs.
Cape Town is worth its own stay if you haven't been, so consider splitting your trip. Don't try to commute to the winelands from Cape Town each day, though; you'll spend more time driving than enjoying either. If you're based in Cape Town, book a winelands tour or a day on the Wine Tram instead.
Our top 5 wine estates
Each estate is different, with its own mix of wine, food and culture. These five produce incredible wine and are spectacular places to spend an afternoon. Take it one day at a time, and don't try to fit in more than three a day.
-
Vrede en Lust
A historic estate set against the Simonsberg mountains, between Paarl and Franschhoek.
-
Leopard's Leap
Relaxed tastings and the Leopard's Leap Rotisserie Restaurant, one of our favourite places to eat.
-
Babylonstoren
Best known for its huge fruit and vegetable garden, with Babel restaurant on the estate.
-
Boschendal
One of the oldest estates in the area, and where we stayed. Wine tastings, a farm shop and butchery, and The Werf restaurant.
-
Waterford
A beautiful estate in the Blaauwklippen valley, well known for its wine and chocolate pairing.
Our favourite restaurants in the Cape Winelands
The food here doesn't disappoint. We've kept this list to where we actually ate, from fine dining to relaxed local spots.
- Leopard's Leap Rotisserie Restaurant Website ↗Map ↗ Rotisserie, on a wine estate
- Babel Website ↗Map ↗ Garden-to-table, at Babylonstoren
- La Petite Colombe Website ↗Map ↗ Fine dining
- Café du Vin Website ↗Map ↗ Great breakfast
- Tuk Tuk Microbrewery Website ↗Map ↗ Craft beer and casual food
- Ristorante Pappa Grappa Website ↗Map ↗ Italian, at Wilderer
Things to do in the Cape Winelands
Drive the Franschhoek Pass
A short drive through Franschhoek and out the other side, the pass has incredible views back over the valley. It's a must when you're in the area.
Explore Franschhoek town
Museums, historic memorial sites, local boutiques, restaurants and bars, all within an easy stroll.
Ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram
The Wine Tram is an experience in itself. This tram and bus network links the wine estates on several colour-coded routes, so you can choose which estates to visit, enjoy as much wine as you like, and learn about this historic region along the way.
Visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum
A fascinating morning or afternoon, even if you're not a car lover. The Franschhoek Motor Museum has a privately owned collection of around 220 vehicles. You'll need to book ahead, and check it's open before you do.
Further afield: Stellenbosch
About 20 minutes from Boschendal, Stellenbosch is a university town with serious charm, founded in 1679. Expect Cape Dutch buildings, huge oak trees and many more world-class wine estates.
Further afield: a day in Cape Town
It makes for a full day out, but it's possible. Drive the coast along Chapman's Peak and stop at Camps Bay. Email us and we'll happily share our Cape Town recommendations.
Cape Winelands FAQs
How far are the Cape Winelands from Cape Town airport?
Boschendal, in the heart of the winelands, is about a 50-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport.
Where should you stay in the Cape Winelands?
Stay in the winelands themselves rather than commuting from Cape Town. We stayed at The Retreat at Boschendal, and Franschhoek is a great alternative with boutique hotels, B&Bs and Airbnbs.
How many wine estates can you visit in a day?
We recommend no more than three estates a day. Each one has its own tastings, food and experiences, and you'll enjoy them more without rushing.
How do you get around the Cape Winelands without drinking and driving?
Hire a car for exploring, then use the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a taxi or Uber on tasting days. Please don't drink and drive.
Is the Cape Winelands worth visiting if you don't drink wine?
Yes. The scenery, historic towns, mountain passes and world-renowned food scene make the trip worthwhile on their own.
Can you visit the Cape Winelands as a day trip from Cape Town?
It's possible, but you'll spend more time driving than enjoying either area. If you're based in Cape Town, book a winelands tour or a day on the Wine Tram instead.
Heading to Cape Town too?
Drop us an email and we'll happily share our recommendations for the city.
Email us