The Winelands Holidays

The Winelands district contains the earliest European settlements at Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Somerset West, each with its own wine route, on which you travel from one estate to the next to taste the wines. If you're looking to drink in the scenery, rather than the wine, the Winelands are best explored by car, however if you are keen to taste the local wine, then you can join a tour or perhaps hire bicycles to explore one of the wonderfully scenic wine routes.

The Stellenbosch Winelands are considered to be the capital of the South African wine industry with some of the world's most acclaimed wines produced on these estates. Surrounded by mountains it's an elegant town, characterised by oak-lined streets and whitewashed buildings, many of Cape Dutch origin. The town's wine route comprises five different options encompassing some 100 estates, which are open to the public, including one of the most well known at Spier.

The town of Franschhoek owes its name, which means French Corner, to the Huguenots who settled there in the 18th century. Lying around 17 miles north east of Stellenbosch the Franschhoek Valley is lined with spectacular mountain peaks with vineyards clinging to the slopes. Franschhoek is also home to some of South Africa's top restaurants, which along with the strong winemaking heritage, have helped make it what many describe as the 'food and wine capital' of South Africa. You'll also find wonderful crafts, antique shops, galleries and for the more energetic there are numerous walking trails in the surrounding mountains, cycling and horse riding.

Founded in 1687 Paarl is the third oldest town in South Africa. It quickly established itself as a centre for fine wines, many of which are considered amongst the best in the world, particularly red wine. Surrounded by mountains and vineyards and set on the banks of the Berg River, Paarl is a charming town home to Cape Dutch architecture, a good range of places to stay and like its neighbours it has a wine route and some excellent restaurants.