Wine tastings

When you say South Africa, you naturally say wine. And for good reason! Cape Town is surrounded by beautiful wine regions, perfect for a day trip full of wine, nature and culture. With countless wineries to choose from, you can enjoy endless tastings in picturesque vineyards or luxury tasting rooms. Here are some of the best wine regions to explore in a day!

Tip: Want to visit multiple wineries in different regions in one day without having to drive? Consider buying a ticket for the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

Stellenbosch

The classic. Stellenbosch, located just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, is the wine capital of South Africa and one of the oldest cities in the country. The city offers a perfect combination of history, culture and of course excellent wineries. The picturesque town is surrounded by green vineyards and impressive mountains.

What to do:

Visit vineyards such as Rainbow's End, Tokara and Delaire Graff for a luxury wine tasting with beautiful views. Another tip is Bartinney Private Cellar which is a bit more informal in our opinion, but a favourite spot for that very reason (+ beautiful views!) and you can also do a gin tasting here instead of wine.
Take a walk through the historic centre of Stellenbosch, with its white houses and charming cafés.

Tip: Plan your visit well, because the wineries can be busy, especially on weekends. An early start is recommended!

Constantia

For those who don’t want to drive for hours, Constantia is perfect! Located just 20 minutes from Cape Town, Constantia offers an impressive collection of vineyards in a beautiful setting at the foot of Table Mountain.

Things to do:

Visit Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest farm, where you can not only taste wine but also learn about the country’s winemaking history. Other great options include Beau Constantia or Constantia Glenn.
Enjoy lunch at Buitenverwachting, one of the region’s most beautiful wine estates.

Constantia is ideal for a more relaxed day trip with a focus on local wines and culinary delights.

Franschhoek

About 1.5 hours drive from Cape Town lies Franschhoek. This picturesque valley is known as the culinary and wine capital of South Africa, with a rich French history dating back to the Huguenots.

What to do:

Hop aboard on the iconic Franschhoek Wine Tram and discover the best wineries without having to drive yourself.
Taste world-famous wines at vineyards such as Babylonstoren, Boschendal, Vrede & Lust or Plaisir.
Enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of the award-winning restaurants, such as Le Coin Français or La Petite Colombe.

Tip: make Franschhoek a weekend getaway to combine hiking, lunch/dinner and winery visits.

Paarl

Paarl is located about 1 hour from Cape Town and offers a beautiful, peaceful setting for a day trip. It is known for its historic charm and has some of the oldest wineries in South Africa.

Things to do:

Visit Baccó, a super beautiful winery with a beautiful view. Relatively young winery, as they only opened in 2019. Italian atmosphere in both the surroundings and the menu.
Visit Noble Hill for a delicious Mexican lunch or a wine tasting. Very atmospheric garden and cozy atmosphere.

Paarl is a great place for wine lovers who also enjoy history and culture.

Tulbagh

A hidden gem. If you like hidden gems, Tulbagh is a top destination. About 1.5 hours drive from Cape Town, this region offers a peaceful atmosphere with many cozy, small-scale vineyards and incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Things to do:

Visit Saronsberg for a tour and tasting of their high-quality wines.
Explore the charming villages nearby, and enjoy local cuisine in one of the picturesque restaurants.

Tulbagh is ideal for those who want something different from the usual wine routes and enjoy a more intimate experience.