Cape Winelands
The green valleys surrounded by craggy mountains in the Cape Winelands are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the palate. With this stunning scenery as your backdrop, sip, swirl, and sample award-winning wines, savor gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, or stroll down oak-lined streets to local art galleries. Even though it's only an hour's drive from Cape Town, a night or two in this tranquil patchwork of vineyards and mountains will help you forget about the city. It is truly one of South Africa's most beautiful destinations.
There are more than 20 wine-growing regions in the Cape Winelands, but the term refers to the three most popular: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl, which are all set in rolling countryside with spectacular Alpine-style views. Wander the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch, stopping in at art galleries and quaint coffee shops, or dine at one of South Africa's undisputed culinary capital, Franschhoek.
The Cape Winelands are an obvious choice for a honeymoon or romantic getaway, but you might be surprised to learn that children enjoy them as well. There's a wide range of family-friendly lodging options, as well as outdoor activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, and quad biking, and many wineries have large picnic lawns.
- Location: east of Cape Town
