Stellenbosch & Franschhoek

The heart of wine country east of Cape Town: Stellenbosch's Cape Dutch streets and university-town buzz, the Franschhoek Wine Tram linking estate after estate, and Paarl's Afrikaans Language Monument and granite domes.

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek is the core of the Cape Winelands in South Africa's Western Cape, 45–80 km east of Cape Town. It is made up of three historic towns—Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl—and the hundreds of wine estates between them. Founded in 1679, Stellenbosch is South Africa's second-oldest town and a university town; its oak-lined streets are flanked by whitewashed, gabled Cape Dutch homes, and on the outskirts are famous estates such as Spier and Delaire Graff as well as the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Franschhoek was founded by French Huguenot refugees and is known as South Africa's gourmet capital: hop-on hop-off Wine Tram tours visit the estates, and at the end of town are the Huguenot Monument and the winding Franschhoek Pass. Paarl has a long main street, the Afrikaans Language Monument and granite domes, as well as Drakenstein Correctional Centre, from which Nelson Mandela was released. Estates such as Babylonstoren and Boschendal are scattered between the three towns. The best seasons are the February–April grape harvest and spring from September to November; summer (December–February) is hot and dry, perfect for long outdoor lunches, while winter is rainy but hotels are cheaper. Getting there: it's a 40–60-minute drive from Cape Town Airport. Public transport is limited, so drive (with a designated driver), join a wine tour or take the Vine Hopper bus. Allow 2–3 days, staying in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. Note: South Africa's drink-driving limits are strict; avoid walking alone on isolated roads at night; and book popular restaurants and Babylonstoren in advance.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries