South African Winelands

South Africa’s Cape Winelands

BY: DANIELLA SCHOEMAN

The famous Cape Winelands region is located in the Western Cape. This area is renowned for its diverse landscapes, incredible natural beauty and of course, wine.

There are countless vineyards, fruit orchards, and wine estates to visit in and around the South African wine towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Not only is the Cape Winelands home to breathtaking scenery and tourist hot spots but they also feature some of the world's finest hotels.

Best of all, most of these idyllic wine estates are less than 30 minutes from Cape Town, making them the perfect destination for either a day trip for a wine tasting or a luxury weekend getaway.

Why Visit the Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands is a continuous band of stunning valleys that are overshadowed by the Cape Fold Mountains where you’ll find a myriad of vines growing across the land. It is this unique landscape that supports the production of the iconic South African wines that are so popular across the globe. You’ll also find lovely historic towns, farmsteads, tiny hamlets, and the friendliest locals who are truly passionate about wine.

With more than 300 wineries dotting the peninsula, the Cape is endowed with some of the most stunning wine estates in the nation, if not the whole globe. Because of this it can be tough to decide which ones to visit; especially during a short trip to South Africa.

Below you’ll find a list of my favorite retreats, which range from charming hilltop cottages to five-star designer estates tucked away in the vineyards so that you can find your ideal Cape Winelands farm stay.

These three picturesque sojourns are located on some of the most magnificent wine farms in the Cape, and they are characterized by panoramic vineyard views, exquisite accommodation, and a laid-back country atmosphere.

The first stop on our Cape Winelands meander was in Stellenbosch at Jordan Wine Estate Luxury Suites. Located in the stunning Stellenbosch Wine Valley, this farm has been producing world-class wines since 1993. Besides growing award-winning wine, the setting is also stunning and the ideal place for a luxury stay.

The 13 suites at Jordan Wine Estate are large and beautifully decorated with luxurious fabrics and different textures and patterns. Guests can choose between Deluxe Suites, Superior Suites, and 2-bedroom Luxury Suites. We stayed in one of the Superior Suites which proved to be extremely spacious for our little family of three.

One of the best features in our suite was the wood burning fireplace strategically positioned between the bathroom, living room and bedroom. The large open-plan bathroom had a walk-in shower, free-standing bath, two sinks, a separate toilet, and a heated towel rail. There are also soft bathrobes and towels, as well as toiletries that are environmentally friendly. You’ll also find all the expected mod-cons such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV, Nespresso coffee machine, mini fridge, and more.

We enjoyed in-suite dining for dinner each night which was set up in our room with our meals kept warm in a Wonderbag. A scrumptious a la carte hot breakfast was served each morning at The Cellar Door. In addition to comfortable accommodation and delicious seasonal food, the views are what make a stay at Jordan Suites special. To see even more of the panoramic views, go on a guided vineyard tour in their open safari-style Land Rover.

The next destination our Cape Winelands tour took us to was the reimagined grand dame of Paarl, the Grande Roche Hotel. Our visit coincided with moody winter weather, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for this setting. The hotel recently changed ownership and is now in the very capable hands of Paarl locals, Hansie and Theresa Britz, who have refurbished the property to meet modern luxury standards.

The suites and restaurant now sport stylish touches such as bold wallpaper, contemporary art, and vibrant colors that complement the historic buildings and lovely setting. The five Duplex Suites are best for those who want to immerse themselves in the property’s rich history. The Terrace Suites provide stunning views through sash windows from their cozy lounges or private patios.

Views from the Grande Roche Hotel are impressive. To one side you can gaze out over the Paarl Valley and admire the Groot Drakenstein Mountains in the distance. On the other side is Paarl Rock. The hotel is nestled right at the foot of this iconic natural landmark giving them “the best view in town” according to Director Johann Bouwer.

The best part about a stay at Grande Roche Hotel is the opportunity to sample dishes created by Chef Kevin Grobler. His approach to cooking centers on finding the greatest local, sustainable, and accessible ingredients. They employ a zero-waste philosophy in his kitchen and ensure that everything is utilized. Guests can eat in the restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but I highly recommend booking their phenomenal high tea as well.

Our final destination took us to Franschhoek where we stayed at the enchanting Boschendal Wine Estate. Famous for their leisurely picnics under ancient trees, this is one of South Africa’s oldest farms. It was founded in 1685 and has been providing farm-to-table meals and distinctive vintages ever since.

The farm estate is so large that it resembles a little village, complete with homes, vineyards, orchards, and animals roaming around. There are numerous accommodation options and most of them are set some distance from the main Werf area. However, upon hearing that I would be visiting with a baby, the staff promptly booked us into the lovely Werf Cottages for added convenience.

These one-bedroom cottages all have a Cape-farm design with ultra-luxurious touches. There is a fully furnished kitchenette with a complimentary bar fridge along with a box full of organic snacks produced on the farm, and a bottle of Boschendal wine and other goodies. Additionally, there is a spacious Victorian-style ensuite bathroom complete with a claw-foot bath, waterfall shower and organic locally made toiletries.

Besides the large cozy bedroom, you also have a comfortable living room space with a wood-burning fireplace for those winter nights. Beyond the sash windows is a private patio with the most incredible mountain views. This is the perfect country escape.

Head to the historic Werf area to find your dining options. The Werf Restaurant offers gourmet dinners and breakfast with a view. The Deli has a simple menu perfect for lunch or light dinners. Boschendal’s wine tastings also take place in the beautiful courtyard setting and guests can visit the Farm Shop.

...if you have the time

also visit KWV vineyards

This brand, located in the Western Cape, a South African province, is recognized as the leading producer of wine and spirits in South Africa. Their grapes are sourced from the country's most prestigious wine regions and have received numerous accolades for their excellence.

As early as 1918, Dr. Charles W. H. Kohler was appointed president of KWV and became one of the foremost figures in the Western Cape wine industry during the 20th century. The vineyard became one of the premier brandy producers in the region. In 1930, KWV built their main cellar - the Cathedral Cellar - which features a domed-shaped ceiling and a light show, hence the name of one of KWV's high-end product lines. The estate currently has 420 vineyards, equivalent to 1,200 hectares of grapevines.

The vineyard has a clear vision regarding its significant contribution to the citizens of South Africa. Embracing the three pillars of sustainability - human integrity, social equality, and environmental conservation - holds great importance to KWV. The company endorses sustainable business practices that serve and protect the future of the planet while respecting human rights.