The Winelands

Exploring the grand capitals of winemaking needn't hinge upon alcoholic beverages. The region is dotted with destinations for nature viewing, historic venues and South Africa's most magnificent butterfly park. Drakenstein Lion Park offers a safe sanctuary for predators that were born in captivity. Fifty acres of habitable land keeps these kings of the jungle compassionately cared for, and offer visitors on holiday in The Winelands closer encounters with these magical creatures. Limietberg Nature Reserve lets you follow meandering trails in the midste of a wider array of animals. Leopards, dassies, baboons and klipspringer have all made happy homes in the reserve. The birding in the park is a true show stopper: You will meet raptors, black eagles and protea canaries from a distance.

Learn how to swirl, sniff and aspirate at some of the world's most renowned vineyards of Stellenbosch, Simonsig and Breede River Valley. Intimidated amateurs needn't worry about the 'correct' tasting ceremonies: Most locals at wine tastings are casual about the ritual but passionate about the taste. The goal is to enjoy the experience and only drink what you enjoy. Both are best done at restaurants in the region with the expertise to put together a taste extravaganza for every course. Nature fans will prefer the Breede River's startling hiking areas but those on a quest to learn some culture visit Robertson. Wine country safaris tailored for casual drinkers use local anecdotes and legends to add entertainment value to the trip, whilst experts learn about viticulture directly from the experts. The vineyards are as famous for their architecture and décor as their vintages, with the most impressive talent demonstrated at Maison estate and Groot Constantia.

Franschoek is known as the French corner. Within an hour, Cape Town visitors are transported to the most beautiful vistas in the Cape. There is simply no better region to enjoy a journey into the world of cuisine. The area hides away eight of South Africa's pinnacle restaurants and 30 cellars. At its roots, it is a valley established by the French Hugenots. A 30 minute drive takes you to Stellenbosch, which is thick with a niche South African subculture of artistic, laid back locals. In opposition, the oak lined streets take you to far more imposing and luxurious scenes featuring secluded pathways, towering mountains and impressive Cape Dutch homes. Paarl tosses together contrasting geology and landscapes. Immense granite outcrops and mountains contrast with small town vineyards nestled between the village homes. Paarl's fertile soil nurtures a wide variety of grapes. Backsberg, Simonsvlei and Avondale produce some of the most awarded wines in the Cape.

The Winelands holidays take place in the Mediterranean climate that is directly responsible for the exceptional viticulture in the region. The mountainous landscapes keep winters protected against the harsh southerly winds of Cape Town.

The South Easters occasionally cause temperatures to plunge. Foreigners used to icy weather will feel comfortable with the mild autumn and winter temperatures. Autumn brings a mellow, warm climate to the area, making it the most popular season for The Winelands holiday makers. The golden shades of the grapes and autumn foliage gives the landscape a fiery palette. The mountains on the region's outskirts are sometimes draped in snow, and summers are arid and hot. Spring adds lush, leafy greenery to the previous season's sandy shades.  

Summer Fairytales

Butterfly world near Kalpmuts turns its tropical garden into a fairytale wonderland of fluttering creatures. Their countries of origin extend from Malaysia to China, Costa Rica to the Philippines. A team of dedicated care givers maintains the precise humidity levels and temperatures that help these species to flourish. Chilly days will chase the butterflies into hideouts, so summer is the season to visit. Those with a penchant for creepy crawlies will delight in the spider room, where hundreds of arachnids from local and exotic homes are displayed safely behind glass barriers. Scorpions share this living space. Kinder species such as meerkats and birds keep the outdoor garden animated with life.

Autumn Wine Tourism

The weather between March and May makes autumn the most popular month to book into hotels in The Winelands. These are the months to visit Stellenbosch, Paarl, Simondium and Pniel. Their proximity is such that visitors can comfortably drive through all these regions within days. The absence of rain and the diminishing temperatures are ideal for ambles along the Vineyard trails, which take you through olive groves, forests, vineyards and mountain slopes. The 24 km walk is challenging enough for fit hikers, but the Jonkershoek Nature reserve has more demure walks for the less active traveller. Stellenbosch's Toy and Miniature Museum is a must for families, as its collection of toys and miniature landscapes is delightful for younger travellers. A replica of the Blue Train takes you on a miniaturized tour through a tiny version of the Winelands.

Icy Edens

Worcester and the Breede River are excellent areas for a winter stay at a hotel in The Winelands. Temperatures hover just above freezing, but summer heatwaves are intolerably hot and dry. The extreme weather and heavy rainfall brings a ghostly rain shadow to the mountainous regions. Heat and moisture are pushed towards the crags, causing a dry gloom to settle. This curious event happens only in a sparse selection of regions across the world. The winelands here have centuries of history behind them. The Breede Valley hiking trails are some of the Cape's most spectacular. Mountain climbs in the winter snows let visitors view Matroosberg, Ceres and Tulbach in snow capped splendor. The Winelands hotels in this region are generally casual enough to keep guests feeling snug and welcome.

Spring Cuisine Tours

Spring weather transforms Franschoek's surrounding regions into a brightly colored spectacle. Culinary tours and cheese tastings give hungry travellers with maps a set route to the tastiest areas throughout the year. September and October cool down temperatures for the most comfortable drives and vivid vistas. Starting at Dalewood, travelers are led through Backsberg and Pass winery, introducing you to the tastiest culinary treats south of Johannesburg. The Winelands hotel industry concentrates on luxury game drives, food and wine pairing and guided trips to the nearby regions. From this vantage point, you will be able to explore every possible South African taste sensation from African gastronomy to luxurious European treats, all served with their own perfect wine.