Cape Town Travel Guide

The Western Cape winelands boast a remarkable range of restaurants, from rustic farm-to-table eateries (try The Table at De Meye) to fine-dining destinations dabbling in experimental cuisine (where Quoin Rock leads the way). 

Just outside Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Restaurant is one of the world’s leading cellar destinations, blending panoramic vineyard views with contemporary winelands cuisine and the remarkable art collection of owner Laurence Graff. There’s art aplenty at Cavalli Estate too, where chef Michael Deg dishes up a menu of inspired seasonal produce. 

In the Franschhoek valley Foliage breaks new ground with chef Chris Erasmus’ foraging-focused menu, while Le Chêne on the impressive Leeu Estates is renowned for its adventurous cuisine and artful plating in a space overlooking the valley. On the outskirts of Paarl, FABER at Avondale Estate draws most of its organic produce from the farm’s own biodynamic gardens. 

Summer days in the Cape winelands are hot and sunny, so loose cotton clothing and a wide-brimmed hat will help to keep you comfortable. Casual dress is more than acceptable at most wineries and attractions, although at a handful of upmarket cellar-door restaurants smart-casual dress is preferred. If you are planning a vineyard tour, or perhaps tackling one of the many walking trails in the winelands, sturdy shoes and a light jacket are recommended. 

Stores in larger winelands towns will stock memory cards, adapters and basic mobile chargers, but ensure you have the correct adapters and chargers for specialised camera equipment. Birdlife is prolific in the Cape winelands, so a good pair of binoculars may be useful. 

The Western Cape’s Mediterranean climate – hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters – contribute to the region’s winemaking terroir. Temperatures in the winelands are often noticeably warmer than the city, so dress accordingly. 

Spring (September-November) and summer (December-February) bring warm to hot days ideal for al fresco lunches and exploring the Cape’s elegant estates. In winter (June-August) the mountain peaks framing the vineyards may be dusted with snow, and a warm jacket is useful for cellar and vineyard tours. The mild days of autumn (March-May) are a particularly beautiful time in the winelands.

The Western Cape winelands are free from malaria.

The winelands are easily accessible from the centre of Cape Town, and it’s less than an hour’s drive from Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Though it is easy and safe to explore independently with a hire car, South Africa’s strict drink-driving laws make booking a private guided tour the best option.