From world-class vineyards to grand hotels and outstanding restaurants, the region has it all.
Less than an hour east of Cape Town, you'll find the Cape Winelands, South Africa's premier wine-producing region, home to dramatic mountain backdrops, historic towns like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, cutting-edge restaurants and wines that can rival the best of Bordeaux.
The heart of wine country, Stellenbosch is home to more than 150 estates, while Franschhoek, celebrated as the culinary capital of South Africa, has a vintage tram you can catch to travel between the vineyards. The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a few hours down the coast near the whale-watching town of Hermanus, is also worth the detour. Whether you're keen to try Napoleon's favourite sweet wine, enjoy a classical concert in a barrel cellar or amble among contemporary sculptures, these vineyards, restaurants and hotels should be on your radar.
Klein Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia Valley
There's no better place to begin your journey through the Cape Winelands than at Klein Constantia estate, home to luscious, apricot-scented sweet Vin de Constance, a favourite of Marie Antoinette, Napoleon and Queen Victoria, who apparently drank it every night before bed. Dating back to 1685, the 146-hectare estate lies in the Constantia Valley. Combining classic Cape Dutch architecture with contemporary updates, take part in a Vin de Constance vertical tasting where guests learn about the wine's history and try three vintages paired with sweet and savoury snacks. Personalise a bottle to take home, adding your initials and choosing from six colours for the wax seal.
Don't leave without: Trying a cone of Vin de Constance ice cream at the Bistro.
La Motte, Franschhoek
Franschhoek (the 'French corner') is home to La Motte, run by Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, one of South Africa's former leading mezzo-sopranos. In addition to making exemplary wine, it boasts a whole host of experiences, including an artisan bakery where you can try your hand at making and shaping pillowy sourdough loaves. In the summer, dine al fresco under ancient oaks, then enjoy a classical concert in the estate's recently renovated barrel cellar. Vinothèque tastings give you the chance to try old and rare vintages of La Motte, at L'Ami Family Brasserie, diners taste dishes cooked on open flames and there's a creative space, Ateljee, which shines a light on local artists via immersive installations.
Don't leave without: Buying embroidered linen placemats at the farm shop.
La Colombe, Constantia Valley
If you're in need of a pitstop during your Winelands adventure, make a detour to La Colombe, No.55 on the extended list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Located in the Constantia Valley's Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, the dining room is perched high among the treetops and offers impressive mountain views. Meaning 'the dove' in French, the pared-back interiors put all the attention on chef James Gaag's French-Asian inspired dishes, which are served with theatrical flourishes. Think flavour bombs like smoked boar broth, bacon chawanmushi, Namibian red crab curry and coal-fired lamb. Tables can be hard to come by, so booking in advance is advised.
Don't leave without: Ending your meal with cheese served from a treasure chest.
Tokara,Stellenbosch
South Africa's second-oldest European settlement, Stellenbosch, is home to the country's oldest official wine route. Among the leading lights is Tokara, whose sleek stone winery boasts full‑length glass windows overlooking the valley and the Simonsberg mountain. Among the vines and olive groves, the grounds are dotted with contemporary sculptures. Kids can let off steam in the playground, while adults enjoy charcuterie in the deli or sample some of Tokara's limited-edition wines by the tasting lounge's open fireplace. Look out for a quintet of tapestries by acclaimed artist William Kentridge in the main restaurant, where chef Carolize Coetzee puts a spin on local dishes.
Don't leave without: Tasting the range of olive oils produced on the estate.
Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch 
While in Stellenbosch, a visit to Delaire Graff Estate is a must. High above the Helshoogte Pass, it's the brainchild of British jeweller and billionaire businessman Laurence Graff OBE. Befitting of its owner, the estate is one of the jewels of the Cape Winelands and home to 16 luxurious lodges, each with its own heated pool. High rollers can book into the Owner's Villa, one of the most exclusive private residences in South Africa. Wherever you lay your head, you'll be treated to panoramic views. Art lovers can pore over works from Graff's personal collection, which are on display in the estate's grounds, across its three restaurants, and in the recently renovated tasting lounge. After sipping through Delaire Graff's range, shop for diamonds at the in-house boutique.
Don't leave without: Exploring the estate's gardens, home to more than 350 native species.
Mount Nelson, Cape Town
For the design-obsessed, the Belmond-owned Mount Nelson hotel is an essential stay. From the ballet slipper pink façade to the candy-striped parasols, it seems plucked straight from Wes Anderson's mood board for The Grand Budapest Hotel. Offering a cocoon of calm and comfort in Cape Town, the grande dame was painted pale pink to celebrate the end of World War I and has become a local landmark, hosting everyone from John Lennon to the Dalai Lama. Expect impeccable service, palatial interiors and gorgeous gardens. Celebrated Spanish chef Ángel León of Aponiente (No.84 on the extended list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025) opened Amura at the end of 2025, which celebrates the ocean's treasures through the likes of plankton risottos and kelp martinis.
Don't leave without: Partaking in the hotel's legendary afternoon tea.
Creation, Hemel-en-Aarde 
No visit to South Africa's Winelands would be complete without a trip to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a couple of hours down the coast from Cape Town. Surrounded by mountains and fynbos (shrubland peppered with native South African flora), you'll find Creation, which scooped the No.7 spot on The World's 50 Best Vineyards 2025 list. The guest experience is designed as a decompression arc, moving from the coastal drive and the vineyards to the calm of the light-filled tasting room, where you can put your ear to a 'shell phone' and sip pinot noir while stroking velvet to heighten the sensory experience. The art garden hosts a rotating collection of works by local artists and the restaurant heroes ingredients grown at or near the estate.
Don't leave without: Soaking up the vineyard views during a sunset wine tasting.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Hemel-en-Aarde
Meaning 'heaven and earth', the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is a fitting setting for Hamilton Russell Vineyards, a little slice of wine heaven near the old fishing village of Hermanus. Visitors are hosted in a handsomely renovated farm cottage dating from the turn of the last century, overlooking a beautiful dam bustling with bird life. You'll be well looked after by host Chantal, who was born on the property and has encyclopaedic knowledge of the local history and wines. Tastings at the scenic estate are by appointment only, so plan ahead to try the latest vintages of its pinot noir and chardonnay, which are regarded as among the best in South Africa. Afterwards, stroll around the grounds and meet the estate's rescue donkeys.
Don't leave without: Picking up a jar of raw honey at the farm shop.
Salsify at The Roundhouse, Cape Town 
Experience a meal to remember at Salsify at The Roundhouse in Camps Bay. One of Cape Town's top dining destinations, the restaurant is located within the foundations of a 1700s guardhouse, where chef Ryan Cole takes inspiration from the natural surroundings. The journey begins with a traditional hand-washing ceremony, before guests move to the Preservation Chamber for a welcome cocktail, then take their seats for dinner in the Sea Room overlooking the ocean. Driven by a mantra of simplicity and local and foraged produce from land and sea, Cole's hyper-seasonal tasting menus include the likes of salt-baked celeriac with pickled pine, fire-roasted octopus with peanut and Karoo lamb with sour fig.
Don't leave without: Admiring the 3,000 hand-folded origami flowers in the Seasonal Room.
Discover the full list of The World's 50 Best Vineyards 2025 and special award winners.
