On the trail of the vine: How to experience South Africa’s vineyards

1. Journey through the Cape Vineyards

Sipping wine just metres away from the vines it originated from is one of the most satisfying things an oenophile can do. In South Africa, this is made all the more enticing by the surrounding bucolic landscapes.

Less than a 30 minute drive from Cape Town, you can find many top-class wine routes, from Constantia, located 18km south of the city, to the Durbanville Wine Valley, situated some 24km northeast. To fully immerse yourself in the Cape Winelands region, go with the urge to explore the vineyards surrounding Wellington, Paarl, Franschhoek and historical Stellenbosch. You’ll not only unearth the region’s arts and food scene but also have the chance to marvel at striking valleys, Cape Dutch architecture and fynbos-cloaked mountain peaks.

2. Sample wines and visit vineyards

There are more than 500 wineries across the Cape Winelands, but first-time visitors often start with Franschhoek, South Africa’s so-called ‘granddaddy of viticulture’, renowned for grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. Its big-name vineyards include the Rickety Bridge Winery, Babylonstoren and the Leeu Estates, while the hop-on hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram is a great way to fit multiple tours into one day.

Stellenbosch, meanwhile, is the gateway to the Golden Triangle sub-region, and you’ll find some of the region’s most revered vineyards here, celebrated for their Bordeaux-style Cape blends. For something ultra-sophisticated, try the tutored wine tasting at Delaire Graff Estate, which wows guests with its Helshoogte Mountain Pass views.

3. Discover great food and wine pairings

Imaginative food and wine pairings often make the top of travellers’ wishlists here. Cheese has a strong presence, with the region producing a wide range of first-class Jersey and goats’ milk cheeses. Once you’ve sampled the flagship Roydon camembert of the Fairview Winery in Paarl and the French and Swiss-inspired cheeses of Anura Vineyards near Stellenbosch, be sure to savour some of the more out-of-the-box pairings. These include scoops of savoury ice cream at the Clos Malverne Wine Estate and fynbos-inspired cupcakes at Delheim Estate. Waterford Estate pairs Shiraz with masala chai, Lanzerac Estate marrys Sauvignon Blanc with almond chocolate and Fleur du Cap complements its wine with a variety of salts. 

4. Go on horseriding tours through the vines

Exploring the Cape Winelands on horseback is becoming increasingly popular. On the Cape Gourmet Wine Trail led by the newly re-opened Cape Winelands Riding, you can spend up to eight days exploring the western Cape and its sweeping valleys, with stops at famous vineyards like Boschendal in Franschhoek and the Plasir De Merle Wine Estate in Paarl. Riders of all abilities are welcome, and guides share their local knowledge as you trot through the enthralling, manicured landscape.

5. Go hiking through the vineyards

Many wineries provide detailed hiking maps across their estates, so don’t miss the chance to experience the Cape Winelands on foot. You’ll find an array of organised hiking tours that incorporate wine-tasting experiences into their itineraries too.

In the town of Wellington, a 13km hiking route that starts at the Doolhof Wine Estate rewards ramblers with mountain views, while the Simonsberg Peak, a nature reserve near Stellenbosch, offers a 7.7km out-and-back trail for hikers who prioritise panoramic views over opportunities to quaff.

Elgin Valley, in the Overberg region, plays home to the multi-day Green Mountain Trail, which treats walkers to daily wine sampling and hikes through vineyards, while a jaunt across the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, a part of the UNESCO-listed Boland Mountain Complex is a terrific add-on to Stellenbosch.

6. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the vines

For a different perspective of South Africa’s vineyards, why not admire them from above, on a hot air balloon flight at sunset? You’ll spend around an hour in the air, marvelling at the rich tapestry of rolling vineyards, fields, rugged mountain ranges and Cape Dutch farms from 1,000 feet up. And with many tours including a South African breakfast and sparkling wine to toast your flight, it’s an unforgettable way to experience South Africa.