Cape Winelands essentials

South Africa’s premier wine region spans the historic towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. This selection highlights Cape Dutch architecture at Spier Wine Farm and the Taal Monument overlooking the Paarl Valley. It includes the 17th-century gardens of Babylonstoren, the vintage vehicle collection at the Franschhoek Motor Museum, and the continent's first carbon-neutral cheesery at Fairview. The list also features the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, the oldest in South Africa, alongside established estates like Kanonkop and Delaire Graff.

Cape Winelands Essentials — Map

A

Babylonstoren Labyrinth

Circular walk located within a 3.5-hectare garden, featuring indigenous vegetation and paths inspired by the farm's historic layout.

USBGroup4 / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Spier Wine Farm

Admire the architecture of one of the oldest farms in the region and don't forget to taste their best wines.

Dewet / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Taal Monument

The Afrikaans Language Monument is located on a hill overlooking Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa.

naeem mayet / CC BY 2.0

D

Franschhoek Motor Museum

The Franschhoek Motor Museum maintains a collection of vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles dating back over 100 years and is located in…

Moshe Elias / CC-BY-SA

E

Delaire Graff Estate

Situated on the Helshoogte Pass, this estate features a contemporary art collection, landscaped botanical gardens, and views of the Banghoek Valley.

F

Huguenot Monument

A memorial in Franschhoek dedicated to the 17th-century French settlers, featuring three arches symbolizing the Holy Trinity and a central figure representing religious freedom.

G

Fairview Wines

Visit the first carbon neutral cheesery in Africa and taste the best wine coming from their vineyards.

Martin F. Smit / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Stellenbosch Botanical Garden

The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden located in the historical center of Stellenbosch is the oldest university botanical garden in…

I

Cafe | Boschendal

Visit a unique restaurant and winery located in wine cellars in the hills and don't forget to book your 6 course dinner in advance.

HelenOnline / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Oom samie se winkel

A Victorian-era general store on Dorp Street in Stellenbosch, selling traditional South African goods, antiques, and curios in a preserved historical building.

K

Kanonkop Estate

Family-owned estate on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, specializing in Pinotage. The name refers to the 17th-century cannon once used to signal ships in Table Bay.

L

La Motte

Historic wine estate in the Franschhoek Valley housing the Pierneef art gallery, a museum dedicated to local history, and a restaurant serving regional Cape Winelands cuisine.

Other Lists

Wineries & Vineyards Scenic Viewpoints Outdoor Adventures Scenic Camping & Huts