A weekend of wine tours and luxury accommodation makes a trip to the Cape Winelands an unforgettable culinary and viticultural experience. Indeed, those with a taste for fine wine and dining in beautiful countryside nestled amidst majestic mountains and picturesque villages are in for a treat.

The Cape Winelands are conveniently close to Cape Town and are considered to be the perfect weekend getaway option for those in the Western Cape. A range of Cape Winelands tours and accommodation await travellers wanting to get away from it all, with wine tastings and cellar tours, breathtaking views and weekend pampering experiences.

The lay of the land

The beautiful landscapes of the Cape Winelands are enveloped by some of the Western Cape's most beautiful mountain ranges. Quaint towns, lush valleys and rolling vineyards epitomise the area's natural beauty.

From the Cape-Dutch Style of Stellenbosch to the valley of the Huguenots in Franschoek, the area maintains an untouched haven of culture and heritage. The rich terroirs have made the area renowned for a range of famous South African wines, and both local and international visitors are drawn to these quiet valley towns for their quaint boutiques, excellent cuisine and relaxed peaceful atmosphere.

As one of South Africa's first wine routes, Stellenbosch is considered the perfect base from which the Cape Winelands can be explored, while Franschhoek near the slopes of the Simonsberg offers magnificent views across the vineyards and splendid sunsets.

Living in wine country

Chic comfortable accommodation on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, the Sugarbird Manor provides a central location from which to explore the many surrounding wine farms or tee-off at any of the 12 nearby golf courses.

The Lanzerac Hotel & Spa is prestigious hotel complex and wine estate, as well as a well-known landmark on the Stellenbosch Wine Route. Facilities at Lanzerac include wine tastings and cellar tours offered on site and an impressive Spa & Wellness Centre.

Those looking for a quiet getaway will enjoy the Cathbert Country Inn which provides superb accommodation in Franschhoek. Here, gourmet dinners are enjoyed with fine wines in an atmosphere of peace and abundantly warm hospitality.

The Franschhoek tradition of good food and wine pairings can also be found at the Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards where discerning foodies and wine aficionados can experience gourmet and casual al fresco dining at the Mange Tout and Country Kitchen restaurants.

A wealth of experiences

Grand views, gourmet foods and the longest wine route in the world, the Cape Winelands are renowned for the fine wines South Africa has become famous for.

Travellers are able to find rich and rewarding viticulture experiences and gastronomic inspired holiday getaways, as well as reputable luxury, recreational activities, award-winning restaurants and warm South African hospitality from the many Cape Winelands tours and accommodation options on offer.

Speaking to a travel expert with local knowledge will ensure that holidaymakers find the best tours and accommodation in the Cape Winelands.