Stay in South Africa’s wine country.

Stay in South Africa Wine Country: Where to Stay, What to Do and What To Eat.

When you think of South Africa, you probably picture vast open spaces, safaris and the occasional ostrich. It’s a country primarily associated with its natural wonders rather than its cities and towns. But dig a little deeper; there is so much more to discover about our marvellous world. South Africa is home to some spectacular places perfect for anyone who loves wine, nature and good food. If you are planning a trip to the beautiful country of South Africa, check out our top recommendations for where to stay in South Africa’s wine country and what to do in this fantastic area!

 

Stellenbosch

The city that is famous for its beautiful architecture, rich culture and world-class vineyards is Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is the cultural capital of the Cape Winelands; it is a charming city full of history, culture, art and architecture. It is a city that attracts both local and international visitors and is a great place to base yourself for exploring the rest of the wine country. Stellenbosch is a city of endless opportunities. You can visit the famous Stellenbosch University, see the oldest church in South Africa, go for a wine tour or just stroll the city streets and enjoy its charm. In the summer months, make sure you don’t miss the Stellenbosch Arts Festival, an annual event held in the last week of June when you will experience world-class theatre, music, dance and art. Other things to do during your stay in Stellenbosch include visiting the Bo-Kaap, the Bird Gardens, and the Botanical Gardens.

 

Paarl

The charming town of Paarl is situated in the heart of the Winelands, just a 40-minute drive from Cape Town. Paarl is a great place to base yourself if you come to the Winelands. It has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with plenty at your fingertips. It is only a hop, skip and jump from other famous wine towns, such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Somerset West. Paarl is renowned for its Paul Roux winery, the oldest wine estate in the Cape. It is also the perfect place for sampling all types of wine, thanks to its climate and soil conditions. You can visit the many wine shops and tasting rooms or simply have a picnic under the shade of an old oak tree near the banks of the Rooi Vlak van Oorlog River by the Church.

 

Franschhoek

Franschhoek is a picturesque town surrounded by vineyards, mountains, rolling hills and lush green forests. It is the heart of the beautiful Cape Winelands and is situated just over an hour outside of Cape Town. Franschhoek is a place for all seasons; the temperature can be hot and humid in spring and summer, while it is much more relaxed in autumn and winter. Fancy visiting one of the wineries or restaurants in town? You can walk or hop on a shuttle. If you don’t like walking, you can hire a bicycle and explore the area. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to walk on the main roads, so the only other option is to drive. There is a big parking lot in the middle of town, and the main road is wide enough for two cars to pass by each other.

 

Other accommodations in the area

If you want to stay in the wine country, there are many different accommodations. You can stay in a luxurious hotel, a quaint inn or a cosy cottage. There are many places to stay in all of the towns mentioned. If you are visiting the Winelands in the summer, booking your hotel or house well in advance is best, as the area gets bustling. You can also choose to stay on a working farm, which is a great way to experience South African culture. Stay on a wine farm if you want to see how the grapes are cultivated and made into wine. Or, stay on a sheep or cattle farm to see how locals tend to animals and produce dairy products.

 

What to do in South Africa’s wine country?

Visit the famous coastal city of Cape Town and explore the beautiful Table Mountain and the stunning Cape Town beaches. There is so much to do in and around Cape Town, and you will never be bored. If you are a culture buff, visit the Slave Wrecks or Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was once kept as a political prisoner. If you are interested in nature, visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens or a safari in the Tsitsikamma National Park is a must. If you are interested in wine, visit the Cape Winelands, where you can explore several vineyards and taste some of the best South African wines. You can see any of the towns mentioned above, such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl.

 

Conclusion

South Africa is a vast and diverse country with so much to offer its visitors. The southernmost tip of Africa is home to some spectacular places perfect for anyone who loves wine, nature and good food. If you plan a trip to this beautiful country, add the wine country to your list of places to visit. You will love the breathtaking scenery, delicious wine and wonderful people of South Africa’s wine country!

https://www.go2africa.com/african-travel-blog/best-places-to-stay-in-the-cape-winelands