Winelands

The first vines were planted in South Africa in 1655. The initial crop, however, wasn’t successful. This has been attributed to the fact that the Dutch colonisers were inexperienced grape growers, since grapes are unable to grow in the Dutch climate. Nevertheless, Jan van Riebeeck later produced the first wine in 1659.

In 1679, the governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, decided to develop the Winelands region starting with Stellenbosch. His own estate, Constantia, in what is now part of Cape Town, was also developed into a major wine-producing area and continues to be a popular stop for wine aficionados.

By the end of the 17th century, Protestant Huguenots from France, who had fled to the Netherlands due to religious persecution, were travelling on Dutch ships to South Africa. Once arriving at the Cape, they were able to share their knowledge of grape growing and wine production to help improve the quality of the wines being made in the area. In particular, they were allocated lands in the Winelands region that later became known as Franschhoek, Paarl and Drakenstein.

Today, the Winelands produce some of the world’s most admired wines. The region’s beautiful scenery also draws many visitors who long to explore the valleys and stop at wine estates for tastings along the way.

The Winelands lie within the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest of the world’s floral kingdoms and home to more than 9,000 plant species. The mountains above the vineyards are cloaked in fynbos, the region’s distinctive shrubland of proteas, ericas and restios, much of which grows nowhere else on Earth.

Just outside Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to see it up close. Part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site, the reserve has walking trails, waterfalls and dramatic mountain views. Look out for fynbos birds such as the Cape sugarbird and orange-breasted sunbird feeding on the protea blooms. Baboons, klipspringers and even leopards live in these mountains, although they are shy and seldom seen.

Spring (September to November)
Spring is dry and warm, with temperatures averaging around 25°C. It is a lovely time to explore the vineyards before the summer crowds arrive.

Summer (December to February)
Summer is the warmest season, with temperatures that can reach the high 30s°C. Harvest usually runs from January to March, and the late sunsets mean you can enjoy the beautiful valley surroundings for longer. Summer is also the peak time for visitors, so expect wine estates to be busier.

Autumn (March to May)
Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Winelands. The last of the harvest is gathered in March, and days are relatively warm and sunny, with temperatures hovering around 20°C, so you can still wander through the vineyards before taking part in a wine tasting session.

Winter (June to August)
Winter in South Africa is chilly and rainy, but as it’s the low season, visiting at this time of year means that you don’t have to worry about crowds. Heading to the Winelands in winter can be extra special, with log fires crackling in cosy wine estates, the perfect place to enjoy a glass or two of wine and relax.

The best way to explore the Winelands is by car, and the region is an easy drive from Cape Town. Stellenbosch is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding valleys if you wish to extend your trip.

The main draw to this region is the wine. Wine estates are spread across the valleys, each showcasing its specialities in stunning surroundings, and a tasting session is a definite must. In Franschhoek, the hop-on, hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram links some of the valley’s best-known estates, so you can enjoy the wine to your heart’s content without having to worry about driving afterwards.

Away from the tasting rooms, the mountains around the vineyards make the Winelands one of South Africa’s finest regions for mountain biking. Stellenbosch is at the heart of it, with the trail network in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve catering for every level, from easy forest tracks to steep, technical descents. Franschhoek and Paarl have excellent trails of their own, and several wine estates have routes across their farms, so a morning in the saddle can end with lunch among the vines.

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, hiking trails wind through the fynbos above Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, and horse riding and golf are both on offer. The drive over the Franschhoek Pass is worth it for the views alone, and hot air ballooning over the vineyards near Paarl reveals the whole valley from above.

The Winelands calendar is full of festivals too. In February, the Franschhoek Chamber Music Festival brings internationally acclaimed musicians to intimate venues around the village. Book lovers head to the Franschhoek Literary Festival in May, and Stellenbosch’s Woordfees celebrates Afrikaans writing and the arts. In July, Franschhoek is draped in red, white and blue for the Bastille Festival, honouring its French Huguenot heritage with food, wine and live entertainment, while the Stellenbosch Wine Festival brings music, food and local wines to the winter months. The year ends in sparkling style with the Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival in late November or early December.

Rugged and verdant, the Cape Winelands produce some of the best wines in the world. The region enjoys long, hot and dry summers and cool, wet winters, allowing vineyards to thrive on its fertile soils. Within the area, there are a number of charming historic towns such as Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch, which are essential wine-tasting stops.

Cape Town is the perfect place to start your Winelands adventure, with Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch all within an hour’s drive. It won’t be long until you have a glass of wine in your hand and are enjoying all that this beautiful region has to offer.