Cape Town & the Winelands: A Weekend That Will Ruin Wine For You Forever
I don't drink much wine. I drink wine in the Cape Winelands. The distinction matters because one weekend in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek will recalibrate your entire baseline for what wine can be.
The Cape Town Context
Cape Town is extraordinary: Table Mountain, Boulders Beach penguins, the V&A Waterfront (touristy but genuinely lovely), Kalk Bay fishing village, Bo-Kaap's painted houses. You need at least 3–4 days in the city before heading to the winelands. Don't rush it.
Stellenbosch
A 45-minute drive from Cape Town. Beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, tree-lined streets, hundreds of wine estates. Rent a bike and cycle between estates — the roads are quiet and the scenery is extraordinary. Delaire Graff and Meerlust are must-visits. A full tasting at most estates costs R150–R200 ($8–$11).
Franschhoek
The Huguenot Valley. Smaller, more expensive, better food. The Franschhoek Motor Museum is genuinely world-class if you care about cars. The wine tram connects the valley's estates — it's cheesy and we loved it.
Photos (1)
Tips & Advice
- Rent a car for the winelands — public transport doesn't cover the estates.
- Book Delaire Graff restaurant weeks in advance. The views are as good as the wine.
- The V&A Waterfront is worth one evening. The rest of the time, explore the neighbourhoods.
- Seal Island boat trip is an hour well spent.
Recommendations (2)
Delaire Graff Estate
restaurantStunning Stellenbosch estate. Book the restaurant. The rosé is extraordinary.
Boulders Beach
attractionAfrican penguin colony 45 min from Cape Town. Book in advance. They're absurdly charming.
About the contributor
Jake Thompson
@jakeinthewild
Nature photographer & conservationist. Chasing sunsets, wildlife, and the perfect shot in every corner of the planet.