Cape Town's Winelands: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the academic heart of the winelands — a university town of oak-lined streets, excellent restaurants and world-class cellars. The Stellenbosch wine route covers dozens of estates. For the serious wine experience, Delaire Graff Estate (exceptional white wines and the finest restaurant on the Helshoogte Pass), Rust en Vrede (dark, powerful reds) and Kanonkop (the benchmark for pinotage) are the names that matter.

Franschhoek

Franschhoek — "French Corner" — was settled by Huguenot refugees in the 1680s and remains extraordinarily French in character: the main street is lined with outstanding restaurants. The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français has long been considered one of South Africa's finest dining experiences. Reuben's is less formal but excellent. The Franschhoek Motor Museum houses an extraordinary private collection of vintage automobiles.

The Wine Tram

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a hop-on hop-off service connecting the valley's estates — light rail and open-air buses with guided commentary. Good for groups and those who would rather not drive.

Practical Advice

Do not drink and drive. Uber operates throughout the winelands. Many estates require booking for tastings, particularly at weekends.

From Cape Town

Take the N2 east from Cape Town and follow the R310 through the Helshoogte Pass — the drive itself, with Table Mountain visible behind you and the Simonsberg ahead, is part of the experience.