‘I paint flowers so they will not die.’ – Frida Kahlo

It’s a completely natural fit, the blending of meticulously curated art with the Cape’s picturesque winelands. Be it perfectly sculpted pieces that add character to landscaped lawns, galleries that showcase the best of the country’s classical artists or a space where contemporary art meets African fusion.

The South African winelands is not only set up for wining and dining, it is also the perfect backdrop to explore your adventurous side, with the natural elements and lay of the land providing the perfect network of trails for mountain bikers.

The Cape Winelands, home to some of the most prestigious wineries in the world, is an amazing tourist attraction right on our doorstep. There are gorgeous spots for long, lazy lunches and lavish afternoons of wine tasting. But, more than that, there are unique experiences like vineyard horseback or Segway tours, interactive wine blending experiences, and artisanal markets. Here is your bucket list of activities in the Cape Winelands to check off in 2023.

The new year has heralded the arrival of several new wine experiences. Listed below are fresh attractions in Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Elgin and the Swartland.

American philosopher Henry David Thoreau once said, “Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”

If you’re looking for extraordinary ways of getting around the South African winelands, read on.

From bicycles and boats to scooters and sidecars you’re set to tick off some bucket-list-worthy experiences amongst the vines.

Picture this: a bottle of incredible local wine, a sunset over the vineyards and the love of your life by your side.

Quality time away with your partner probably doesn’t happen often, so when it does, make sure it’s a memorable experience. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the most romantic and unique getaways across 20 different wine routes in South Africa.

It is spring at last and the fynbos, the natural vegetation of the Cape, is at its most spectacular with hundreds of species in flower. I have been trying to convince myself that it is time to get moving and shake off those nasty winter wobbly bits.

The scenic beauty of South Africa’s winelands combined with wide open spaces and mountainous terrain, make our 23 wine regions a playground for trail runners.

The Winelands of South Africa are well known for their mountain biking culture, with a huge base of riders and an impressive network of trails cutting through the valleys. But there is also a growing movement of trail runners starting to take advantage of the impressive mountain passes, rolling jeep tracks and challenging technical single-tracks that are found throughout the wine regions.

Wine and art lovers living in the spectacular Winelands are in the fortunate position of being surrounded by attractions that’ll please all their senses. From light art displays to art walkabouts with wine tastings, take a look at this list of upcoming wine and art events.

Like wine, tasting rooms have their fans. Ask anyone for their favourite and you’ve launched a debate.

For some, it’s about architecture; others, the view. There are tasting rooms that are great because they’re like the local pub; a place about people. And still more that have a following because of the art or the frogs (keep reading) or the vibe.

“It’s just a perfect road-trip,” declares Doornkraal Farm Stall owner Celia le Roux suddenly.

We’re sitting on the stoep of her well-known roadside wine shop, deep in rural Klein Karoo territory, and she’s punting the Garden Route. “Drive the R44 from Montagu to Oudtshoorn, then head back via George and the Garden Route,” she adds.

Drinks with friends used to be such a complicated affair. Bars were for some, and even those people couldn’t use just any bar. It was the ugly side of Cheers, Where Everybody Knows Your Name™. You had to be sure these were your people, once your eyes had adjusted to the smoke and dim interior.