Cape Town 6-day Itinerary
South Africa
Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Stellenbosch Wine Region
Last updated: 04 November, 2022
South Africa’s oldest wine route is home to more than 150 wineries, many of them still family owned, and the estates around Stellenbosch continue to produce wines that are internationally recognised for their excellent quality.
With a mild Mediterranean climate, proximity to cooling sea breezes and good clay soils, this region is becoming increasingly known for red wines – cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, Bordeaux-style blends, and pinotage.
With gourmet restaurants, gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture and superb art galleries, the route offers so much more than just wine tasting. And it’s not just for adults. Some of the wine estates have good facilities to keep the kids entertained, such as the outdoor playparks at Tokara and Warwick.
While you’re there
The historic university town of Stellenbosch, at the centre of the wine region, is worth a visit for its oak-lined avenues, historic architecture, and a good choice of restaurants, art galleries and boutiques.
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Price: Free
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The wine estates sprawl in the countyside around the quaint, historic town of Stellenbosch, just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town, via either the N1 or N2 freeway.
Book a guided tour or meander along the route independently. At most cellars, bookings are not required for tastings, and walk-ins are welcomed. You’ll find maps and information about daily wine-tasting, cellar tours and sales on the wine route website. Or Instead of cramming wine tasting into one day, explore the area at leisure by checking into a hotel or guesthouse, either on a wine farm or in Stellenbosch.
When to do it
Most wineries are open all year round, except on major public holidays. While many are open daily, some may close on Sundays. Spring and summer see the vineyards in full leaf, making it the most scenic time of year to visit.
Experience
Delaire Graff Wine Estate
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Mesmerising views, wonderful food and an impressive art collection set the scene at this state-of-the-art winery, producing terroir-driven wines. Particularly noteworthy are the award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Coastal Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
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Experience
Jordan Wine Estate
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
At the end of a long farm road, the drive to this family-owned estate is worth it for the excellent wines, the breathtaking vistas back towards Stellenbosch and the wine-friendly menu by chef George Jardine at Jordan Restaurant.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
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Experience
Kanonkop Wine Estate
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
One of Stellenbosch’s legendary red wine producers, this family-owned estate beneath the Simonsberg only produces red wines, notably the Bordeaux-style flagship Paul Sauer.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
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Experience
Ken Forrester Vineyards
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
This unassuming family-owned and operated winery is known as the home of Chenin Blanc, winning countless awards along the way. Ken Forrester is known as ‘Mr Chenin’.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Walking Tour of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch
Explore the “village of the oaks" with its shady oak avenues bordered by the water furrows of the Mill Stream. Admire the charm and har...
Z180 | Rating 4.54 / 5 [33 ratings]
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Stellenbosch Half Day Winelands Cycle Tour
Stellenbosch
Not everyone has the luxury of endless time on holiday, which is why the Stellenbosch Half Day Tour was introduced. Despite being shorter, t...
Z895 | Rating 4.82 / 5 [17 ratings]
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Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour
Cape Town
Enjoy a fun, daily group wine tour, packed with wine tastings, pairings, a cellar tour and more. Make new friends, have a laugh and experien...
Z934 | Rating 4.62 / 5 [132 ratings]
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Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town
Cape Town
Visit the heart of the beautiful Stellenbosch wine-making region on a half-day wine tour from Cape Town! The perfect activity if you’re shor...
Z960 | Rating 4.13 / 5 [22 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Oude Werf Hotel
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.5 miles]
A heritage hotel set in the heart of the charming Stellenbosch town. The ideal central base to explore the surrounding wine region.
Official star rating:
Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[7.2 miles]
An elegant Stellenbosch Winelands hotel with two outstanding restaurants and a dazzling South African art collection.
Official star rating:
Jordan Wines Luxury Suites
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[9.4 miles]
The luxury suites at Jordan offer contemporary comfort, vineyard views and an authentic taste of winelands living.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cape Town
Western Cape, South Africa
Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.
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Overview >Round-ups that include this experience
13 Best wine regions
Multiple countries
The world’s greatest wine regions – where you can sip the world’s greatest wines at source, and tour the vineyards to learn how they’re made.
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