Destinations / The Winelands >>

Just an hour from Cape Town, you’ll climb into a forbidding-looking mountain range and find yourself driving through tidy rows of ancient vineyards. Long, tree-lined driveways leading to beautiful Cape Dutch wineries flash by, all offering a range of wines (both in terms of type and quality!) to try – including the South African specialities Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.

Seventeenth Century France’s loss was young South Africa’s gain – the Huguenot immigrants fleeing religious persecution brought with them their wine-making and culinary traditions which have since fused with Cape Malay, Cape Coloured, Afrikaans and British culture. This fascinating history has combined to create something that makes the winelands worthy of at least a couple of very relaxing days to explore.

There are a number of pretty villages and towns to take in, but Franschhoek is the pick of the bunch. Situated in a stunning valley and one of the gastro-capitals of South Africa, Franschhoek is also home to some excellent boutique accommodation. However Stellenbosch is the place to go for nightlife with a student vibe, historic architecture and some superb contemporary restaurants. There are more remote and less-discovered and cheaper alternatives in Tulbagh and along Route 62.