Exploring South Africa’s winelands: an insider’s guide
Image compliments of La Clé Lodge and Villas, FranschhoekSip your way through historic vineyards, hidden valleys, and world-class estates, with our definitive local guide to the Cape’s top wine regions.
Dramatic mountain vistas, award-winning vintages, delectable cuisine, striking tasting rooms with broad-smiled hosts, and rolling vineyards — it’s impossible not to be charmed by South Africa’s winelands. But, with the Western Cape alone boasting over 560 wine estates, how do you choose which to visit? At Golilo, we are passionate about South African wine — every blend and bouquet, terroir and tannin — and as local experts, we’ve put together a guide to the top wine routes to explore on your travels.
For a tailor-made tour, private tasting, or an exclusive winemaker one-on-one, get in touch and let’s plan your personal winelands experience.
Image 1: Cape Dutch architecture at Meerlust Wine Estate. Image 2: Wine tasting at Delaire Graff EstateStellenbosch Wine Route
The largest and most well-known of South Africa’s wine regions, Stellenbosch is home to more than 200 wine farms spanning five distinct routes. Established during the Dutch colonial era, today it is a thriving university town and wine tourism hub. Art galleries, boutiques, coffee shops and inviting eateries spill out onto oak-lined streets — all set against the majestic backdrop of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Rich in history, Stellenbosch boasts vineyards dating back to the late 17th century and is the birthplace of Pinotage, a red wine grape unique to South Africa. It is also renowned for Bordeaux blends and Cabernet Sauvignon, while white wine lovers can enjoy excellent Chenin and blends. The number of diverse estates in the region means you’re bound to find a varietal to suit your tastes.
For iconic wines: Visit Meerlust (their Rubicon is regarded as a cornerstone of South African winemaking), or enjoy the legendary Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon from Kanonkop Estate.
For the views: From the hidden Banghoek Valley to Simonsberg peaks and sprawling vineyards — soak up incredible views at estates like Oldenburg, Tokara, Delaire Graff, and Ernie Els Wines.
For five-star food: Pair great wine with an exquisite dining experience at Jordan or Rust en Vrede.
Reasons to visit Stellenbosch: overview
Just under an hour from Cape Town (easy day trip)
Spoilt for choice: a large variety of estates, wines, and atmospheres to suit any taste
Wine tourism hub
Historical significance
Quaint university town with boutique shopping, art and incredible food
Taste Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chenin, MCC, and many more
Image: Breathtaking views of the Stellenbosch winelands from Delaire Graff Estate (photo by Scott Ramsay)Constantia Wine Route
Only a short drive from Cape Town’s centre, you’ll find the leafy suburb of Constantia.
Often referred to as ‘the city’s vineyard’, the Constantia Wine Route consists of 10 wineries dotted along winding roads that take you past manicured estates, horse paddocks, forests, and nature reserves. Like Stellenbosch, the region is steeped in history and Constantia vines were, in fact, the first to ever produce wine in the country.
Visit this idyllic route to enjoy fine wine coupled with breathtaking mountain views, sprawling gardens, fantastic food, and beautiful tasting rooms where modern architecture meets its Cape Dutch roots.
For acclaimed dessert wine: Sample the coveted Vin de Constance (famous fans of the wine include George Washington, Napoleon, and Louis XVI) at Klein Constantia.
For fine dining: Reserve a table at Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia, Beyond at Buitenverwachting, or the inventive and refined La Colombe at Silvermist Wine Estate (a regular on the world’s best restaurant list).
For views and gardens: While away the day at contemporary spots like Steenberg and Beau Constantia, relax at the family-friendly Constantia Glen, or roll out your picnic blanket at Buitenverwachting amongst the resident peacocks.
Special mention: Just beyond the mountain, while not officially part of the Constantia Wine Route, you’ll find Cape Point Vineyards. Known for their Sauvignon Blanc, the estate provides a one-of-a-kind panorama of Chapman’s Peak and Noordhoek Beach.
Reasons to visit Constantia: overview
Conveniently located in Cape Town (you can be at the beach in the morning, and on a wine farm in the afternoon)
Idyllic scenery and picture-perfect, polished estates
Top restaurants and family-friendly picnics
Taste Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Constance, and a variety of wines
The birthplace of South African winemaking
Image 1: View from Constantia Glen. Image 2: Beau Constantia deck. Image 3: La Colombe's signature tuna dish (image by Andrea van der Spuy). Image 4: Cape Point Vineyards.Franschhoek Wine Route
If you’re looking to spend a few days immersed in the South African winelands, Franschhoek is the perfect retreat. Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this charming village is a haven for cultural connoisseurs: foodies, art aficionados, and, naturally, wine lovers. The Franschhoek Wine Route consists of 45–50 wine farms, and is particularly known for its Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Bordeaux-style red blends, as well as Méthode Cap Classique (South Africa’s sparkling wine, made using the traditional French Champagne method). Influenced by the arrival of French Huguenot settlers who planted the first vineyards in the 1680s, the town still retains a distinctive “French flair”.
Franschhoek is also home to some of Golilo’s favourite winelands stays, from exclusive villas and boutique hotels to contemporary country homes. Chat with us to find the best one for you.
For MCC: Sip on award-winning bubbles at Colmant or in the plush tasting room of Le Lude Estate.
For exceptional wine: Visit Leeu Estates to try vintages from both Leeu Passant and Mullineux wineries, or let us book you a private appointment at Boekenhoutskloof to enjoy their highly-awarded signature range.
For a full-day experience: From remarkable gardens, spas, renowned galleries, and motor museums to delis, boutiques, and picnics — many of Franschhoek’s estates offer so much more than wine tastings. Visiting farms like Babylonstoren, La Motte, Rupert Wines, and Boschendal can turn into a wonderful, full-day affair.
Reasons to visit Franschhoek: overview
Linger longer: stay a few nights at one of the many luxury accommodation options
Gourmet food
Wander the town: art galleries, markets, boutiques, and cafés
Charming valley with mountain views
Taste MCC, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Bordeaux-style red blends and more.
More than just wine: visit estates that offer unique experiences and activities
Image: Spectacular view of the Franschhoek Valley. Photo compliments of La Clé.
Image 1: The Wine Studio at Leeu Estates. Image 2: Babylonstoren farm shop. Image 3: La Clé Franschhoek. Image 4: Epice restaurant (Andrea van der Spuy photography)Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Route
A little further afield — about an hour and a half from Cape Town — lies the Hemel-en-Aarde valley (an Afrikaans phrase for “Heaven on Earth”). A single road winds up from the seaside town of Hermanus, leading you through a dramatic landscape to the cellar doors of a handful of prestigious farms and hidden gems.
The cool Atlantic breeze and rugged terrain of this region provide the ideal conditions to produce some of South Africa’s best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A visit to the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route offers a quieter escape into nature and an understated, more secluded experience.
For exclusive tastings: Restless River, Hamilton Russell, and Crystallum are some of the region’s top wineries, and open their doors by appointment only.
For wining and dining: Order a multi-course pairing at Creation Wines, or sip on a single vineyard from Newton Johnson Family Vineyards at their freshly renovated restaurant (due to reopen in November 2025).
For family: Bosman Wines offers the perfect blend of great wine, food, and an outdoor, child-friendly play area.
For the views: From its elevated position, the chapel-like wine lounge at Ataraxia has views that will take your breath away.
Reasons to visit Hemel-en-Aarde: overview
Coastal wine route: combine whale watching and wine tasting
Close to the seaside town of Hermanus
Dramatic views, more rugged and secluded
A true escape (1 hour 40 minutes from Cape Town)
Exclusive tastings at award-winning farms
Top-class restaurants
Taste Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Image 1: Ataraxia Wines. Image 2: Pinot Noir and views from Newton Johnson Wine Farm. Image 3: Restless River cellar. Image 4: Food pairing with Reserve Chardonnay at Creation Wines.Swartland Wine Route
The renegade heart of South African winemaking, the Swartland has long been home to the rebels and mavericks of the industry. Once an overlooked rural landscape of mainly wheat fields, visionaries like Eben Sadie have led the region through a transformation. Today, while it retains its down-to-earth, pioneering spirit, the Swartland is globally recognised as producing some of the most outstanding and exciting wines in South Africa.
People seek out the dusty, bush-vine-peppered Swartland for one thing — not fine dining, luxury tasting rooms, boutiques, or tourist activities — but simply to savour exceptional wine and learn from the trailblazers who make it.
Chenin Blanc and Syrah predominate this route, but Grenache, Cinsault and an array of warm-climate varietals can also be found, and are producing spectacular wines.
All wine tastings in the Swartland are by appointment only. Reach out to us to help you with booking. Farms worth visiting are:
The Sadie Family Wines — At the forefront of South Africa’s fine wine revolution, with their range of red and white wines setting benchmarks for the country.
AA Badenhorst Family Wines — Another of the original Swartland winemakers, this unpretentious and quirky estate specialises in old vine wines. A farm lunch and cellar tour is available.
Mullineux — Serious Chenin and Syrah producers focusing on single-site wines.
David & Nadia Wines — Similar to Mullineux in their focus on showcasing Chenin and Syrah from specific soil conditions.
Porseleinberg — They produce one wine only, and that Syrah is consistently rated one of the best in the country.
Rall Wines — Named as South Africa’s 2025 Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkins.
Image 1 & 2: Old Grenache bushvines and cellar tour at AA Badenhorst Family Wines. Image 3: Cellar at Sadie Family Wines. Image 4: Eben Sadie hosting a private wine experience.
Let’s plan your tailor-made Cape winelands tour
Exploring South Africa’s winelands is a not-to-be-missed experience. Whether you’re interested in a food-and-wine gourmet getaway, a blissful picnic or an intimate cellar tour and tasting, let Golilo help you pair the perfect vintage with unforgettable moments.