Capetonians are a spoilt bunch when it comes to wine farms – after all, the likes of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are only a short drive away, while the Constantia Valley is literally on many a local’s doorstep.
Ask anyone about their favourite Cape Winelands destination, and you’ll get wildly different answers – it’s down to personal preference, and whether you’re after a romantic wine tasting à deux or more energetic family adventures. What they all have in common, however, is that there’s way more on offer than just simple wine tastings – from farm-fresh cuisine, scenic picnics, and chocolate and cheese tastings, to Segway vineyard tours, curated gift shops, extraordinary playgrounds and world-class hotels, each one is a destination in its own right.
Why we love it: One of South Africa’s most renowned wine estates, Spier has recently unveiled a reimagined hotel and an expanded range of nature-based activities – making it one of the Cape Winelands’ top family-friendly destinations.
Things to do: A day here might start with freshly brewed coffee from the deli, before you hop on a Segway for an exhilarating guided ride through the vineyards. Afterwards, let little ones discover hidden tunnels, cross swaying bridges and cool off in splash pools in the lush Elemental Play Garden, while you enjoy a curated wine tasting overlooking the farm dam, and a visit to The Cowshed Shop for handcrafted products.
And there’s more: Then it’s time for lunch at Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery, where wood-fired cooking meets farm-fresh ingredients. On summer days, the Bubbles & Braai stand is a great option for Karoo lamb, Farmer Angus burgers and boeries off the open fire – or book a relaxing picnic.
Accommodation: Opened in spring 2025, the reimagined Spier Hotel offers a holistic stay rooted in nature. With 80 rooms and suites, a heated pool, Rooftop Bar, farm-to-table dining at Veld and The Garden Room, plus a complimentary kids’ club and a spa and Cape Herbal Bath House offering therapeutic wellness journeys, it’s easy to while away a few days here.
Why we love it: Set at the foot of the Simonsberg, Babylonstoren is Franschhoek’s (impossibly beautiful) poster child. Everything feels just right – from the happy chickens running free to the famed fruit and vegetable gardens, where children can roam in search of splashy water features, tree swings, labyrinthine walkways and giant bird nest sculptures to hide in.
Things to do: Start your day feeding the donkeys before joining an informative garden tour (tasting encouraged!) or stopping at the Greenhouse for freshly baked scones. Then it’s time for a cellar tour, wine tasting and lunch at Babel – housed within the old cow shed - this is the definition of farm-to-fork dining.
And there’s more: The farm also houses a deli selling farm-fresh produce, as well as the beautiful Scented Rooms – a tranquil hideaway where guests can inhale the lingering scent of waterblommetjies, clivias and fynbos, with a range of body and bath products to take home.
Accommodation: It’s easy to spend an entire day here – or better still, book into the Farm Hotel, which comprises a farmhouse, garden and fynbos cottages, and family houses, as well as a holistic spa and access to cycling, rowing boats on the dam, bread baking and more.
Why we love it: Stretching out across 2,200 hectares and enveloped by the lush Franschhoek Valley, Boschendal is all about farm-fresh food, outdoor living and quality family time.
Things to do: The farm’s Tree House is an outdoor adventureland where ‘Free-range kids’ are encouraged to run wild – complete with bike pump track and immersive Outdoor Experience programme that appeals to kids’ sense of exploration. The farm also offers action-packed activities for the whole family, from guided farm tours and horse riding to hitting one of the numerous hiking, biking and running trails.
And there’s more: Food-wise, the Deli and Werf restaurants celebrate the seasonal produce of the farm and the Franschhoek Valley, while picnics are popular among locals, and wine tastings under ancient oak trees cap off the day beautifully.
Accommodation: Perfect for both couples and families, Boschendal’s 1- to 4-bedroom Orchard Cottages come with fully equipped kitchenettes, outdoor dining areas for braais and a large pool and boma. The farm also offers exclusive-use cottages and villas for up to 12 guests, for those looking for total privacy.
Why we love it: Tucked into the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley outside Stellenbosch, Waterford Estate is the kind of place where time slows down. The estate’s ochre coloured stone buildings, old citrus groves and old-world fountains nod to a classic Tuscan aesthetic, but the mood is distinctly South African – warm, relaxed and rooted in the surrounding mountain-framed vineyards.
Things to do: You might begin with a stroll through the fynbos-edged gardens, before settling into the shady courtyard to sample the estate’s award-winning wines, best enjoyed as part of a unique chocolate pairing. For those who like a bit of adventure with their Cabernet, there’s a guided safari-style drive through the vineyards. You can also book the Porcupine Trail Wine Walk, which is inspired by the natural paths of porcupines on the farm, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the cellar to learn about the estate’s low-intervention winemaking and conservation-led ethos.
And there’s more: If you want to linger longer, head to SALT. As its name suggests, the restaurant is rooted in the art of salting – with menus marrying rich flavours from around the world with locally sourced South African produce, and refined Waterford Estate wines, served in the shaded courtyard.
Why we love it: Founded in 1700, this storied wine estate at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains in Somerset West is home to sweeping vineyards, an impressive 17 themed gardens and forests and a nature reserve.
Things to do: The cellar tour is a must for wine fans keen to see the vineyards and multi-level, gravity-flow cellar. Budding botanists can also book a guided Heritage and Garden tour, while the new Vergelegen Trail showcases the culmination of 20 years of ongoing commitment to sustainability and rehabilitation on a full-day guided hike across the estate – including an exclusive journey through the game camp. Little ones can explore the gardens, forests, and Yellowwood Walk, and let off some steam at the adventure playground next to The Stables restaurant.
And there’s more: Talking of which – when hunger strikes, The Stables offers relaxed bistro-style dining, or satisfy sweet craving with a slice of cake at the Rose Terrace Tea Room, which sits adjacent to a fragrant rose garden. In summer, seasonal white tablecloth picnics will take you to the banks of the bubbling Lourens River.
Why we love it: Born in 1685, Cape Town’s oldest wine estate remains one of its most popular. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, historic Cape Dutch buildings, and Constantia Valley mountain views, it’s a spot that blends history, wine and beautiful scenery all in one.
Things to do: To fully immerse yourself in the estate’s heritage, book a Visitors Route experience ticket, which offers access to the original Cape Dutch Manor House, Cloete Cellar (the birthplace of Napoleon’s favourite wine, Grand Constance), wine museum, and cultural history museum, audio walking tours of the vineyards and modern-day production cellar and, of course, a wine tasting experience – with a branded wine glass to keep as a souvenir, and the option of adding a chocolate tasting.
And there’s more: Looking for something more substantial to keep you sustained? Surrounded by ancient oak trees, Jonkershuis Restaurant offers several lovely dining spots, be it fireside indoors, in the courtyard, or next to the front lawns overlooking the vineyards. Or head to local favourite, Simons’ Restaurant, for classics such as braised pork belly and fish & chips.
Why we love it: Perched on the sunlit slopes of Paarl Mountain, Fairview offers a tapestry of award-winning wines, handcrafted cheeses, farm-style dining, nature walks – and yes, goats. Look out for the whimsical Goat Tower, where these playful residents greet you from their spiral perch.
Things to do: The barrel-shaped pods of the Tasting Room host lively wine and cheese tastings with an expertly paired selection of 6 Fairview cow and goat's milk cheeses – there’s also a private Masters tasting, as well as a special kids’ tasting with sweeter cheeses and lemonade. Still hungry? The Goatshed offers farm-style dining with fresh, homemade flavours. Alternatively, pick up some goods from the Fairview Deli, which stocks everything from crispy ciabatta baked onsite, free-range meat, fresh farm eggs and more than 50 cow’s milk and goat’s milk cheeses.
And there’s more: For something different, join farmer Donal, who’s been with Fairview for more than 2 decades, on a Goat Tour or Mountain Tour, which offers an insider's view into farm life and includes either a snack pack or a cheese tasting afterwards.
Why we love it: As soon as you arrive at La Motte, the irresistible aroma of fresh bread wafts through the lush garden and into the Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café. Built in 1752, the Cape Dutch building blends heritage with contemporary glass and steel, inviting guests to relax in the cosy bakery or outdoors in the tranquil garden, where children can run wild in the lovingly created playground.
Things to do: Under the direction of Austrian master baker Markus Färbinger, a selection of different types of bread and fresh baked goods from the in-house wood-fired oven take centre stage. Alternatively, book a table at farm-to-table brasserie, L'Ami, in the elegant dining room or in the garden under centuries-old oak trees – set just below the wine tasting area. Summer also sees the seasonal opening of JAN Franschhoek, an exceptional food and wine experience by award-winning chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen that takes place at the charming Veepos cottage in the middle of lavender fields.
And there’s more: Further highlights include the Spens deli, Farm Shop for curated lifestyle items, art space Ateljee, and the circular La Motte Hiking Trail – sign up for the latter to explore the local flora and fauna in the mountainous region surrounding the winery.
Why we love it: Renowned as one of the Cape Winelands’ top picnic destinations, Warwick makes for a relaxed family day out.
Things to do: Take your pick from spots by the dam, complete with umbrella and cosy bean bags to recline on, or a more private picnic pod, then tuck into the meticulously curated baskets, containing the likes of biltong pâté, fresh salads, rustic baguettes, chicken and roasted vegetables on truffle-infused couscous and gooey brownies. Plant-based and kids’ options are also available. Talking of children – little ones are welcome to splash in the fountain and water feature, which should keep them busy for hours on end – make sure to bring swimming costumes.
And there’s more: The estate also offers various wine tastings – in winter indoors by a crackling fire, or on the terrace or lawns in summer. Another summer highlight are the Vineyard Safaris, which will take you to the summit of Warwick’s vineyards, glass of First Lady Rosé in hand, followed by a wine tasting on your return to the farm.
Why we love it: Part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited collection, this Franschhoek idyll is a paradise for gourmets and wine connoisseurs.
Things to do: Drinking wine is part of the daily ritual here, be it at lunch or during wine tastings in the 150-year-old wine cellar. But don’t forget to eat: on the terrace of the Country Kitchen, overlooking the estate from a scenic terrace; or at fine-dining restaurant MIKO. During the warmer months, you can also enjoy a picnic in a lush spot on the estate.
And there’s more: A stay at Mont Rochelle lets you take full advantage of a wide range of facilities – from a sparkling pool and tennis courts to a gym and spa. You can also hop on a bike, explore the surrounding mountains on foot or go wine estate hopping on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
Accommodation: Mont Rochelle offers a selection of individually styled rooms and suites, each named after a Cape grape varietal and designed for comfort, elegance and vineyard views. Children are affectionately known as ‘Little Corkers’ and enjoy special touches like grape juice tastings, scavenger hunts and games. For larger families, the exclusive-use Manor House includes four suites, children’s bedrooms, two pools, a games room and a private chef – perfect for a luxury stay in the Winelands.
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