Luxury Cape Winelands Private Tours

As the name suggests, the Cape Winelands are particularly known for their vineyards, where they grow a variety of grapes and make delicious, locally-sourced wine. This includes red, white and rose wine, as well as brandies, sherries and port. Of course, a wine tasting is something you must do during your time in the winelands. This can be done at any winery, as well as most of the restaurants in the towns. You are usually guided through the wines by a professional, with the opportunity to enjoy a sharing platter of food while you drink. There is a ‘wine tram’ in Franschhoek which is often quite a popular experience. This is a tram which takes you through the winelands, allowing you to get off and on at as many vineyards as you like. You can buy tickets when you are in Franschhoek and I will happily share my recommendations of the best vineyards to stop along the way.

The two main towns to stay in the Winelands region are Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Depending on your interests, we’d recommend spending between two and three nights in the Winelands. If you want to be within walking distance of a variety of incredible restaurants, bars, and cafes, then Franschhoek is a good option. Walking through Franschhoek is safe, and evenings around the town square are often enjoyed with alfresco dining, live music, and of course, a glass of wine in your hand! Some of our favorite hotels include the Last Word and Le Quartier Francais.

If you are looking for a more remote place to stay, then we’d recommend staying in the accommodation offered in the wineries. These estates – like Lanzerac, Mont Rochelle, and Delaire Graff – are located on their own private land and are working farms and vineyards. The rooms and cottages on the grounds are much more private, but it will require a car journey into the center of towns like Franschhoek.

There are a couple of options when it comes to visiting the winelands and how long you should spend. Because of its proximity to Cape Town (approximately a one-hour drive), it is possible to do a day trip. We can arrange this and it would be a private tour, with your own private vehicle and driver/guide. We will arrange for you to be picked up from your hotel in Cape Town, enjoy visits to vineyards and wine tasting, and lunch in Franschhoek. Another option is to spend a couple of nights in either Franschhoek or Stellenbosch to relax, and take in the surroundings at a slower pace. All of our trips are private so we can of course, recommend the best option to suit your interests.

Both of these South African towns are charming in their own way. They are both rich in history, agriculture and architecture. One of the most enjoyable things to do is spend time walking through the town, embracing the museums, quaint shops and delicious cafes they both home. Franschhoek’s location offers more dramatic views – with mountains and steep valleys bordering the town, and is regarded as the culinary capital of the country. If you are looking for something more lively, Stellenbosch offers a good night scene in which the local and international students thrive off.