Cape Winelands Route
Premier wine tourism circuit through Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Paarl. 200+ estates, world-class restaurants, Cape Dutch heritage.
About this route
The Cape Winelands Route is South Africa's premier wine tourism circuit, encompassing the historic towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. This region produces world-class wines amid stunning mountain backdrops of the Hottentots Holland, Simonsberg, and Drakenstein ranges. With over 200 wine estates, Michelin-quality restaurants, Cape Dutch architecture dating to the 1600s, and a Mediterranean climate, the Winelands offer an unparalleled combination of viticulture, gastronomy, and cultural heritage.
Stops along the route
- 1StellenboschMajor stop
- 2FranschhoekMajor stop
- 3PaarlMajor stop
- 4Somerset WestMajor stop
Stays along this route
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Retreat at Waterfall Valley
Once a royal homestead, situated on twenty three picturesque hectares amongst olive orchards and vineyards, Retreat at Waterfall Valley is an idyllic and luxurious private retreat. A small stream meanders through the estate and cascades down a little waterfall. The Manor House has five double rooms, three suites and one family room. Each room is air-conditioned and has an en-suite bathroom. Television, Mini Bar Fridge and Telephone and Internet are just some of the amenities you will find in your Classic Rooms and Suite. At this Mediterranean-style villa in the heart of the scenic Cape Winelands, you will experience warm hospitality. Your hosts at this family-run, country guesthouse are Maika and Volker Goetze, noted for their professional and accommodating attitude to guests' needs.
Vendôme Wine Estate
Vendôme Manor House offers a serene escape on a working wine and fruit farm with deep historical roots, dating back to 1690 when the French Huguenots first settled here. The building itself, originally constructed in 1898, has been recently renovated to combine the rich history of the Huguenots with a modern, luxurious interior that exudes both charm and comfort. Surrounded by the majestic Paarl and Drakenstein Mountains, our manor house provides a tranquil retreat with easy access to the renowned Paarl Wine Valley, world-class wineries, and exceptional dining options. The original Cape Dutch main house is non-smoking and set within a beautiful, tranquil garden, complete with a spacious outside stoep under our large oak tree. For your convenience, just a short stroll from the manor house is Salmon and Brine, an outstanding Seafood, Sushi and Japanese Fusion restaurant offering a world-class dining experience paired perfectly with a selection of our own Vendôme wines.
Lauradale
Lauradale Accommodation offers a unique opportunity to experience upmarket self-catering accommodation with the bonus of a Continental Breakfast included at Lauradale House. This 2-hectare property along the M12 (Bonniemile Road) just outside Stellenbosch offers breath-taking views, a nice garden and two swimming pools (eco pool and chlorinated pool). Lauradale offers four types of accommodation: 3 Bedroom House (Lavender House) - Self-Catering Apartment with three En-suite bedrooms, spacious Lounge, Dining Area and fully equipped Kitchen. Studio (Strelitzia) attached to the Lavender House with outside entrances. Cottages (Rose Cottage, and Jasmine). One-Bedroom Suites (Lily, Aloe, and Protea). Lavender House (Strelitzia Studio, Iris, Bourgainvillea, Dahlia, and Freesia). All rooms and units have access to the gardens, swimming pools, and facilities.
Klein Waterval Riverside Lodge
Nestled in the enchanting Franschhoek Valley, surrounded by vineyards and dramatic mountain views, lies Klein Waterval Riverside Lodge, only a 10 minute scenic drive from Franschhoek, 20 minutes from Stellenbosch or Paarl, 50 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and Cape Town itself. Klein Waterval Riverside Lodge offers friendly country hospitality in a relaxed farm atmosphere, and is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding attractions and landmarks, namely the Cape's most celebrated wine farms, historical villages, scenic mountain passes and experience Franschhoek, the gastronomic capital of South Africa. Klein Waterval has 8 guest suites, each with their own entrance and private terrace with views of the gardens, vineyards and mountains. We serve a full farmhouse breakfast, and provide a well stocked honesty bar beside the pool and running brook. In the cooler months, relax in the cosy lounge with an open log fireplace.
Manor@Longridge
Manor@Longridge is a luxurious private seven-bedroom Cape-style homestead set among working vineyards on the southern slopes of the Helderberg. Positioned on the acclaimed Longridge Wine Estate, the house offers panoramic views over False Bay, the Cape winelands and, on clear days, Table Mountain, with uninterrupted sunsets and complete privacy, just 30 minutes' drive from Cape Town International. Built in a classic Cape Dutch H-shape to follow the sun, the residence is light-filled and spacious, with generous living areas opening onto terraces, herb and vegetable gardens and an infinity swimming pool with breathtaking views. Recently refreshed and rented exclusively as a whole, the manor is well suited to families, groups of friends or wedding guests seeking a refined yet relaxed base in Stellenbosch wine country. Guests are within walking distance of the Longridge Winery, where Jasper Raats has, since 2011, crafted elegant, site-driven wines from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards. At Manor@Longridge, vineyard living is unhurried and understated — a place to settle in, open a bottle, and let the Helderberg do the rest.
De Hoek Manor
De Hoek Manor offers a traditional guest house experience, perfect for guests who appreciate old-world charm and personalised hospitality. Our property features 4 beautifully appointed en-suite rooms, accommodating up to 8 guests in total. Each room includes: • Free WiFi • Air-conditioning (and heating) • Crisp cotton linen • En-suite bathrooms Guests are also welcome to relax in our communal lounge, a comfortable space to unwind after a day of exploring Stellenbosch. We proudly serve a complimentary traditional South African breakfast to start your day. While dinners are not served on-site, guests will be delighted to know that several top-tier restaurants and bistros are located on the same block and across the street — offering a variety of exceptional dining options within walking distance.
Farm Keerweer
Located 6 miles from Oom Samie se Winkel, Farm Keerweer offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and free WiFi. The units provide views of the river and come with a seating area, a washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. A fridge, an oven and stovetop are also available, as well as an electric tea pot and a coffee machine. If you would like to discover the area, hiking and cycling are possible nearby. Stellenbosch University is 7 miles from the apartment, while Asara Wine Estate is 8 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 26 miles from Farm Keerweer.
Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa
Vergenoegd Boutique Hotel & Spa is located on the beautiful Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate in Somerset West on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, and offers guests beautifully decorated rooms and suites. Vergenoegd Boutique Hotel & Spa offers rooms and suites that can accommodate up to 2 guests. The Luxury Cottages and Presidential Suite can accommodate up to 4 guests in 2 en-suite bedrooms. Furnished with comfortable king-size beds, which can be converted to twin beds in some rooms, all of the air-conditioned rooms and suites have en-suite bathrooms that are fitted with baths and showers, or showers only. Each of the rooms and suites is fitted with a TV with DStv and Netflix, Wi-Fi access, as well as a desk. Tea and coffee facilities with a Nespresso machine are provided, and the rooms and suites open onto a patio with outdoor seating overlooking the surroundings and have either a private plunge pool and a hot tub. The estate offers a choice of dining at Geuwels Restaurant or Clara's Barn, and Vergenoegd Löw's range of wines can be tasted on the estate in historical venues. Experts will introduce guests to the range of estate-grown wines that include red blends, MCC as well as white and red single cultivar wines. Another novelty is the indigenous tasting presented by our tasting room ambassadors in the Homestead where indigenous food like bokkom, umazi and local delicacies are served with a wine that compliments, thus delivering a new experience for all the senses. Guests can also see the working flock of 1000 Indian Runner Ducks forage in the vineyards, happily dining on snails and keeping our farm pest free, naturally. Vergenoegd Löw is one of the most intact of the early Cape farms and a very important heritage site, national monument, part of the European Heritage Project and a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) partner.
Franschhoek Boutique Hotel
The Franschhoek Boutique Hotel is set back behind a dappled courtyard of cafes, galleries and boutique shops in the heart of Franschhoek’s Main Street. Its convenient location is removed from the hustle and bustle of town, while still offering unparalleled access to an abundance of nearby cafes and restaurants. Designed with flourish and flair, this welcoming boutique hotel has 12 bespoke rooms, each uniquely decorated with comfort and practicality in mind. Some are bold and bright, others are understated and minimalistic, but all put your comfort above all else, and offer the discerning guest a heavenly space to relax after a day of wine-tasting and shopping in Franschhoek and surrounds. The spacious living area, open to all guests and armed with a fireplace and cosy armchairs for those cooler winter evenings, provides a tranquil setting to unwind. On warmer days, consider pre-ordering one of our signature picnic baskets, filled to the brim with local delicacies and a bottle of Franschhoek's finest to enjoy outdoors. We look forward to welcoming you with warm Franschhoek hospitality soon.