Journal
The Cape Winelands, Come for the Wine, Stay for Everything Else
I expected beautiful vineyards. What I hadn’t fully appreciated was how much more there is to the Cape Winelands.
Franschhoek and Stellenbosch sit amid some of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes — mountains rising behind immaculate vineyards, historic Cape Dutch architecture, wonderful gardens and an increasingly interesting contemporary art scene.
And then there is the food.
Some of South Africa’s most exciting restaurants are here, alongside extraordinary wine estates where lunch can easily turn into an entire afternoon.
We combined wine tasting with art, beautiful estates and exceptional dining — from the scenery and sculpture at estates such as Delaire Graff to wine experiences at Waterford and long lunches where there was absolutely no reason to hurry.
That last point matters.
It is very easy to over-plan the Winelands.
Three vineyards in a day may look efficient on paper. In reality, I would rather visit one or two properly, have lunch somewhere wonderful and leave enough time to enjoy where I am.
Franschhoek and Stellenbosch also deserve to be explored rather than simply used as bases for wine tasting. Wander the galleries and boutiques, sit in a wine bar, look at the architecture and enjoy the extraordinary mountain backdrop.
The wine may bring you here.
But it certainly isn’t the only reason to stay.