The N7 from Cape Town isn’t an obvious track for a close-to-home wine trip, but those in the know tell you it’s where some of SA’s real winery gems lie.

“We’re on the very edge of the border. In fact, most people who arrive here by chance are surprised to discover vines out here,” says viticulturist Hein Grobbelaar. In fact, Org de Rac is quite possibly more well-known than its actual location, out here on the rim of the Swartland.

Kalmoesfontein Farm, located in the scenic Paardeberg area in the Swartland is a working wine farm, the home of AA Badenhorst Family Wines, luxury farm-style, self-catering accommodation, and plenty of peaceful wide-open spaces. Kalmoesfontein is all about slow living.

There are at least a hundred reasons to visit the Swartland region, the top three being the world-class wine and olives, its proximity to Cape Town and the quiet beauty of the area.

We recently went on a road trip of the Swartland and put together this weekend of activities, recommended accommodation and (of course) food and wine that will make you fall in love with this region just like we did. Try it over a weekend or whenever you have a chance to break away.

Wine doesn’t immediately come to mind in discussions of the Cape West Coast. This doesn’t mean there isn’t anything for wine lovers to see.

Short excursions to favourite places may not always appear to link up with interests in wine, but in the Cape, that’s rarely possible. One route where this again reveals its truth is up the West Coast. Just two hours out of the city, the region provides not only an array of marvellous experiences but some outstanding wine-related stops too.

For the past few years, thousands of international music-lovers have descended upon the Cloof Wine Estate in Darling for the Rocking the Daisies Music festival.

While, due to the pandemic, the festival headliner, British rapper Stormzy, did not have the opportunity to travel to Darling in 2020, the Darling wine route boasts a myriad of reasons for him to discover Darling, post-pandemic.

Stanford has always been a popular break-away destination thanks to a combination of factors. Many visitors eventually retire there too. It’s a mix of well-preserved historical buildings, lush gardens, muted CBD, diversity of activities on surrounding farms and distance from the city all conspire to make it so.

Without Chardonnay, Dom Perignon would never have uttered the words: “come quickly, I am tasting the stars.”

Without Chardonnay, Winston Churchill would have been less inspired to fight for Champagne.

A new visitor experience will open in mid-November near Bonnievale in the Robertson wine region. Weltevrede, arguably South Africa’s oldest family-owned wine brand, has substantially revamped and expanded its destination showcase.

It was a flash of brilliance that established South Africa’s first official wine route. Prior to the 1970s, very few private wineries existed, and you generally didn’t go because farms weren’t open places to visit.

Since Stellenbosch started the revolution, many have followed. Now, the formalised route has become an indispensable tool for almost every wineland visit. But not all visits may be defined by official road-markers and new “routes” have arisen by pure volume of travellers. Take the Cape’s R43, for example, which is bound to be a-buzz again this holiday.

“My grandfather witnessed the shooting of the last hippo here in 1855,” says local farmer Dirk Human as we look out over a lake of the Nuwejaars Wetland. Now the hippos are back, part of a pioneering conservation initiative of which he’s chairman, alongside being owner of Black Oystercatcher Wines.

The Tulbagh valley has always been celebrated for the beauty of its setting and the historical significance of its town. In more recent times, wine has moved centre stage and visitors to the valley can now enjoy a wide range of wines from the various estates and private cellars wines that have received a string of national and international awards including Diners Club Wine Maker of the Year, a healthy spread of gold and double gold Veritas awards, and numerous others.

The rural area of Elgin lies just east of Cape Town, a wide plateau of undulating hills surrounded by mountain peaks. Its cool climate, the combination of elevation and proximity to the sea, allowed apple and pear farming to thrive for decades. Forestry makes up another important part of the local economy and wine, too. The combination along with a large part of the region being part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, adds to its attraction as a breakaway for lovers of the outdoors.

Visit the magnificent Elgin Valley that’s just an hour’s drive from Cape Town and you’ll be delighted to find not only excellent wines to please every palette, but also activities that will enchant everyone from thrill seekers to city slickers seeking something off the beaten track.

Around the world, purveyors of sparkling wine pursue the spirit of celebration with impassioned fervor. In France, where the method champenoise is trademarked, the pop of a champagne cork signifies celebration. In New York City, the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic celebrated its 12th iteration in 2019. In Paarl, the Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo Cape Town toasted to its ninth annual iteration in 2019.

The tree-lined path leading to the manor house at Boschendal must rank among the most Instagrammed of the Cape Winelands. These days, however, stepping through the door of that historic Cape Dutch building brings an unexpected scene.

Inside, visitors are greeted by a dramatic visual display of art and a gift shop.

The world celebrates Cabernet Sauvignon Day on September 3. Clifford Roberts highlights Worcester as an area to explore an alternative expression of the variety.

The Worcester wine region has become a champion of Chenin Blanc. So much so that it isn’t popularly associated with Cabernet Sauvignon as much as it once was. To disregard it completely however, is to make a serious mistake.

Make your way to Wellington’s wine cellars and expect to be welcomed by a soon-to-be familiar scene. A cosy fireplace, friendly faces and an assortment of wines to warm the heart. Add to this epic mountain views, good food and a short drive from Cape Town and you have the perfect weekend break ahead of you.