See what ShowMe™
can do for your business!
As Cape Town was the first settler town in South Africa, farming in this area began in the 1600′s to supply the fort and citizens. By 1659, the first wine production started what has become a cultural heritage and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Today, visiting the Cape Winelands is not only about tasting the wealth of award winning wines, each unique to its region, but it also about taking a trip into South African history and culture, set in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world known for fertile green valleys, majestic mountain ranges, Cape Dutch architecture, orchards and enchanting towns and villages.
Most wine estates are within easy reach of Cape Town, and no matter which direction your trip, you will not be disappointed with the selection. Due to visitor numbers, many interesting attractions have developed around the wine industry, rounding out your experience of the area.
The winelands are divided into various different regions, each offering their own ‘wine route’. The most popular and well-known are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Paarl Wine Routes.
Magnificent Franschhoek was the chosen home of the French Huguenot refugees of 1688. Wine making was one of their key skills which helped forge Franschhoek into one of the premier wine destinations in the world. The town still has the charming atmosphere of the early settlers, with the wonderfully preserved 17th century Cape Dutch architecture. The are more than 40 extraordinary wine cellars in the area and the Franschhoek Wine Route is fit for a connoisseur. The Cape Winelands also has an excellent Brandy Route, for those who are not wine fans.
With the successful wine industry as a base, Franschhoek evolved into the gourmet capital of South Africa, with many of the country’s five star chefs running more award-winning restaurants in Franschhoek than anywhere else in South Africa. The main street is a great spot to sit at side walk restaurants and watch the world go by, or browse the excellent antique shops, unusual boutiques and well-known art galleries and studios. The Franschhoek Valley offers a variety of outdoor activities and a number of interesting museums and other entertainment.
Stellenbosch is one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa. Majestic mountains and bountiful vineyards surround the town with magnificent views. The Stellenbosch Wine Route is world famous, and not to be missed.
Stellenbosch is also known for its prestigious university adding to the vibrant atmosphere in town. The town is full of history, heritage, music, art and students, giving a feeling of warmth and excitement that’s almost tangible. The mix of modern and historical architecture is evident all around you, with the legendary Dorp Street boasting some of the oldest and best preserved buildings in South Africa.
Paarl, with its Cape Dutch heritage, Paarl Rock Nature Reserve and Paarl Wine Route offers great sundowner watering holes as well as many top notch restaurants. Many renowned wine farms provide the visitor with a choice of wine tasting and fine dining. Local shopping has a wide variety of beautiful hand made arts, crafts and sculpture, unusual clothing and much more.
Paarl has two excellent golfing facilities Boschenmeer and Pearl Valley, and from Paarl you can easily have a round of golf in nearby Wellington or Stellenbosch.
Wellington, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, lies in a beautiful valley on the banks of the Kromme River, at the foot of the Groenberg Mountains. Only 45 minutes from Cape Town, this fertile farming area was settled as early as 1688 by French Huguenot refugees. They left a legacy of splendid Cape Dutch architecture and the foundation of the fruit and wine industry, the economic mainstay of the town to this day. Although viticulture dates back to the time of the French Huguenots of the late 1600s, the Wellington Wine Route is one of the youngest, but has quickly been recognised.
The Wellington region is famous for its fruit, particularly apricots, and in early summer, one can see wooden frames drying apricot halves throughout the region. In addition, almost 90% of the country’s vines grow in vine-cutting nurseries, before they are transported elsewhere for planting.
Guided walks in Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Take a guided walking or hiking tour in beautiful historic Franchhoek. Isak will give you the inside story of the history and ...
Wellington Museum, Wellington
Visit the Wellington Museum that features a unique collection of Egyptian artefacts dating back to the time of King Akhenaten ...
Foxenburg Organic Cheese & Olive Estate, Wellington
Foxenburg offers award winning organic goat cheeses, oyster mushrooms and olive products on a beautiful Wellington farm ...
The Limietberg Nature Reserve, Cape Winelands
The fynbos rich Limietberg Nature Reserve, which stretches from the Voëlvlei dam in the north to Franschhoek in the south, covers
Krom River Hiking Trail, Limietberg, Cape Winelands
The Krom River day hike is one of the best known walks in the Limietberg Nature Reserve, in the Du Toitskloof Pass between Paarl
Limietberg Overnight Hiking Trail, Wellington
The Limiietberg Hiking Trail was originally a one way route through the mountains between Du Toit’s Kloof and Bain’s Kloof Passes
Elands River Hike, Du Toitskloof, Limietberg Nature Reserve
This 8km hike along the Elands River, takes one through pristine fynbos landscape. After an initial steep climb, the route becomes
Franschhoek Art Route, Galleries, South African Artists
Franschhoek has a number of very interesting galleries for the art enthusiast. There is a good representation of excellent ...
Paradise Horse Riding Trails in Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
One of the most interesting ways to experience the beautiful Franschhoek landscape, coupled with wine tasting, is by horseback.
The Screening Room Movie Theatre and Venue, Franschhoek
Enjoy anything from old-time classics to the latest movies in true Hollywood style. Opulent leather armchair-style seats, a ...
The Elephant and Barrel Pub, Franschhoek
The Elephant and Barrel, a lively English Pub in Franschhoek, is a favourite watering hole of the locals - bring the whole family
Cycle trails around Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Explore the beautiful area of Franschhoek by bike and get real close to the unique countryside of fynbos and wine farms.
Babylonstoren Gardens, Cape Winelands
Babylonstoren, 8ha of beautiful formal garden, was inspired by the Company Gardens of the Cape. Biologically friendly, the ...
Museum van de Caab, Solms Delta Wine Estate, Franschhoek
The Museum van de Caab at the historic Solms Delta Wine Estate in Franschhoek is a unique interactive experience of the local ...
Hiking Trails in the Franschhoek Pass and Valley
Hiking trails in the Franschhoek area range from easy to strenuous through the most beautiful fynbos surrounded by mountains ...
Huguenots Chocolates, Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Huguenots Chocolates are a successful BEE producer of exquisite hand crafted Belgian chocolates in Franschhoek, the gourmet ...
La Ferme Fly Fishing, Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
La Ferme near Franschhoek, 45 minutes from Cape Town, offers excellent fly fishing with exquisite views and absolute silence.
Red Hot Glass Studio and Gallery, Paarl
Red Hot Glass is the studio of David & Elizabeth Jackson, where they create stylish pieces of decorative glass artworks near Paarl
Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, Simondium, Cape Winelands
Le Bonheur croc farm, centrally situated between Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch on the R45, has over 1000 Nile crocs, leather
Franschhoek Village Market
The Village Market Franschhoek is held every Saturday morning through summer, offering a whole range of goodies. Excellent coffee.
Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch Nature Reserves, Western Cape
The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve incorporating the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, is a wonderland of fynbos, magnificent mountains ..
Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Helshoogte Pass on the R310, links the winelands of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, and is a “must do” scenic route for any visitor
The Western Cape Brandy Route, South Africa
Within an hour’s drive of Cape Town, some of the world’s best award winning brandies are beckoning. Take in the stunning scenery
Franschhoek Food and Wine Route, Cape Winelands
The Franschhoek Food and Wine Route gives the foodies and wine aficionados a top class experience of wine pairing, wine tasting ..
Franschhoek Motor Museum, Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Even if you are not an ardent fan of motor vehicles, looking back on more than 100 years of motoring history, represented by an ..
Drakenstein Lion Park (Between Paarl & Stellenbosch)
The Drakenstein Lion Park only 30 minutes from Cape Town, is a lifetime haven for abused lions made possible by Paul Hart and ...
The Huguenot Monument and Museum Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
The contribution of the French Huguenots to S A culture has been honoured at the Huguenot Monument and Museum in Franschhoek ...
Butterfly World, Paarl
Butterfly World is a lush tropical garden inhabited by butterflies from all over the world. The 1000 m2 greenhouse is replenished
The Afrikaans Language (Taal) Monument, Paarl
The Afrikaans Language Monument is located on a hill overlooking Paarl, and was erected in 1975 to honour the Afrikaans language.
Afrikaans Language (Taal) Museum, Paarl
The Afrikaans Language Museum in Paarl traces the development of Afrikaans as a unique language forged by the melting pot of ...
Self Drive Day Trip to Elgin, Grabouw and Bot River Overberg
This scenic self-drive route through fruit orchards, winelands, and stunning passes offers wine tasting, gourmet food, farm stalls
Du Toit’s Kloof Pass, Western Cape
Take the R101 off ramp at Paarl, and follow the old route to Worcester via the 48km, stunning, Du Toit’s Kloof Pass over the ...
Hiking Trails off the Bainskloof Pass
There are beautiful hiking trails off the Bainskloof Pass, between Ceres and Wellington. The fynbos in the area is spectacular ...
Bainskloof Pass, Wellington to Ceres
The Bain’s Kloof Pass, built in the 1850s, is one of South Africa’s finest scenic passes. It was built over the Limiet Mountains
Wellington Mountain Bike Trail at Welvanpas Wine Farm
The Wellington Mountain Bike Trail at Welvanpas is very popular with bikers in the know. You can experience beauty you never ...
Wellington Wine Route, Cape Winelands
Wellington Wine Route is one of the youngest routes in the Cape but its history goes right back to the French Huguenots ...
Schalk Burger and Sons, Welbedacht Wine Estate, Wellington
Welbedacht Wine Estate is home to the Burgers, the famous South African rugby playing family ...
Doolhof Wine Estate, Wellington, Cape Winelands
Doolhof Wine Estate lies in a beautiful valley between the Famous Bain’s Kloof and the Groenberg Mountains ...
Bosman Family Vineyards, Wellington, Cape Winelands
Bosman Family Vineyards has a legacy going back 8 generations since 1798 on the farm Lelienfontein which was originally granted ..
Paarl Wine Route, Cape Winelands
Paarl is the largest town in the Cape Winelands and is well known for three major reasons, Paarl Mountain, original Cape Dutch ...
KWV Wine Emporium, Paarl, Cape Winelands
KWV was established as a cooperative by the wine farmers of South Africa in 1918. Until the early 1990s ...
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Paarl, Cape Winelands
Rhebokskloof’s history goes back to the late 17the century when Petrus van der Merwe built his home on Rhebokskloof Farm ...
Landskroon Wine Estate, Paarl, Cape Winelands
Landskroon Wine Estate has a long history going back to 1689 when the French Huguenots landed in the Cape ...
Boland Wine Cellar, Paarl, Cape Winelands, Western Cape
Boland Wine Cellar is situated in the beautiful Paarl Valley, one of the most productive wine growing areas in the Western Cape ..
Fairview Farm, Paarl, Western Cape
Fairview Farm has a proud history going way back to 1699 when the first wines were made. The original homestead built around ...
Nederburg Wine Estate, Paarl, Western Cape
Nederburg Wine Estate was established in the Paarl Valley in 1791 by German immigrant Phillipus Wolvaart ...
Franschhoek Wine Route, Cape Winelands, Western Cape
The Franschhoek Valley is one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa and must not be missed by visitors to the Western ...
Stellenbosch Wine Route, Cape Winelands
The first vineyards in South Africa were established in the early 1650s in the beautiful fertile valleys surrounding Cape Town ...
Graham Beck Wines – Franschhoek, Western Cape
The first Graham Beck wine farm was established by the prominent South African industrialist in 1983 in Robertson ...
Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyards, Franschhoek
Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyards is one of the smaller wine estates in Franschhoek with 16Ha under vine. However, the winery ...
La Motte Wine Estate, Franschhoek, Western Cape
The La Motte Wine Estate, situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley is an absolute must for visitors wishing to tour ...
L’Ormarins Wine Estate, Franschhoek, Western Cape
L’Ormarins Wine Estate is the main winery in the Antonij Rupert Wines group. Situated in Franschhoek on the slopes of ...
Delheim Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Delheim Wine Estate traces its origins way back to 1699 when Cape Governor, Willem Adriaan van der Stel ...
Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Blaauwklippen Wine Estate is one of the oldest in the Stellenbosch winelands having been established in 1682 ...
Rust en Vrede Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Rust en Vrede Wine Estate is on the Stellenbosch wine route. Founded in 1694 ...
Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Spier Wine Estate is situated in the heart of the Stellenbosch wine route about 40 Km from Cape Town ...
Neethlingshof Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Neethlingshof Wine Estate, dating back to 1705 when it was known as De Wolvendans, is situated in the heart of the historic ...
Boschendal Wine Estate, Franschhoek, Western Cape
The Boschendal Wine Estate dates back to 1685 when it was owned by French Huguenot, Jean le Long ...
Paarl Mountain Reserve, Paarl, Cape Winelands
The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve is dominated by the huge massif of Paarl Rock and offers good fynbos birding where you may spot
Paarl Bird Sanctuary Paarl, Cape Winelands, Western Cape
Paarl Bird Sanctuary is found in the heart of Paarl. A sewage works is set on 45 hectares and attracts a mixture of wetland and ..
Paarl Boschenmeer Golf Course, Cape Winelands, Western Cape
Paarl Boschenmeer Golf Course is situated on a residential estate in Paarl, the third oldest town in South Africa ...
Stellenbosch Golf Course, Western Cape
Stellenbosch Golf Course is one the oldest courses in South Africa having already celebrated its centenary ...
De Zalze Golf Course, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
De Zalze Golf Course, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands was designed by Peter Matkovich who has made the most of the stunning setting.
Pearl Valley Golf Course, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands
The Pearl Valley Golf Estate and Spa is nestled among orchards and vineyards and surrounded by the beautiful Simonsberg and ...
A savagely grand place, Bain’s Kloof Pass
Date: 20/05/2012
One of the most scenically dramatic routes in the country, Bain's Kloof Pass between Wellington and Ceres is a remarkable feat ...
The Western Cape Brandy Route
Date: 06/05/2012
Within an hour's drive of the Mother City some of the world's best award winning brandies wait to be discovered.
Wheels of Fortune
Date: 17/03/2012
South Africa might never have come up with world-beating cars but, believe it or not, that's not true of our wagons.
Fabulous Franschhoek
Date: 18/12/2011
Dallying with food and wine is inevitable in this delectable gourmet capital of the Cape.
Winelands of the Western Cape
Date: 24/10/2011
The first vineyards in South Africa were established in the early 1650s in the beautiful fertile valleys surrounding Cape Town ...
Dreck and determination: The story of Spatz Sperling
Date: 06/05/2011
Spatz Sperling came from Germany to South Africa with little more than a pocket of cash. He found a home in Stellenbosch ...
Love in Here – L’Avenir Wine Estate in Stellenbosch
Date: 24/04/2011
Not sure how to pronounce the French name of Stellenbosch wine farm L'Avenir? "It's easy," laughs CEO and cellarmaster Tinus Els....
Wellington Boots
Date: 19/03/2011
Where can you hear about the secret ingredient in Brad Pitt's face cream? Do you know how to enrich a tourist experience? ...
Winelands Weddings
Date: 20/02/2011
The first step to planning a wedding is finding the perfect venue - and none are more romantic than those in the winelands....