The Cape Winelands offer a wide range of activities beyond wine tasting, making it a diverse and exciting destination for visitors to explore. Experience the beauty of the area from a horse-drawn carriage. Many wine estates offer guided carriage rides through their vineyards, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and taste some of the region’s finest wines along the way. The Cape Winelands has a massive arts scene, with many galleries showcasing the work of local artists. From contemporary pieces to traditional African art, there is something for every art lover to enjoy.
Explore lesser-known attractions of the Cape Winelands, by packing a picnic and head to one of the many scenic spots in the region. Whether you choose to spread out a blanket in a vineyard or relax by a tranquil lake, there are plenty of picturesque locations to enjoy a leisurely meal al fresco. Whilst best known for the wine, there are also several nature reserves in the area. For a truly unique way to experience the Cape Winelands, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards at sunrise or sunset. Enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape below as you soar high above the region.
Horse and Carriage Adventures
Horse & Carriage Wine Tasting at historic Vrede en Lust Wine Estate just outside Franschhoek. Horse-drawn carriage treks are available from Wine Valley Adventures in a range of time lengths, from one to two hours to half-day excursions that include lunch and wine sampling in the picturesque countryside. This is an amazing, off-the-beaten-path experience. Skilled carriage driving teams will ensure a safe and sound experience.
Art Galleries
Winelands Art – Sips & Sights Day Tours & Packages, in Stellenbosch with its 300-year history and wine. With these day tours, guests take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding wine fields, sample exceptional wines, and learn firsthand about the culture and beauty of the region. These treasures include both public and private art collections found in studios, museums, sculpture parks, and art galleries.
Picnic Spots
Are you looking for a classy, homely or romantic picnic? The Cape Winelands is a foodie’s paradise and best destination for the most memorable picnics and lunches.
- Alluvia Boutique Winery, Stellenbosch for picturesque picnics beneath an old oak, cascading willow, or alongside the tranquil dam. Bookings & Picnic Baskets.
- Boschendal Wine Estate, Franschhoek for gourmet picnics – Werf Farm Picnics with live music on weekends and outdoor games. Bookings & Picnic Baskets.
- Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, Franschhoek. Enjoy a picnic by the dam or vineyard. Bookings & Picnic Baskets.
- Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, for romantic, fun farm picnics on the lawn beside the lake or under the oak trees. Bookings & Picnic Baskets.
- Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West, white tableclothed picnics in a Magical Forest. Bookings & Picnic Baskets.
- Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. From the Geuwels Restaurant, delicious, leisurely afternoon picnics on the lawns. Bookings & Picnic Baskets.
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Ballooning Cape Town – hot air balloon flights over the Cape winelands. Hot air balloon flights with coffee/tea, sparkling wine, breakfast and spectacular views. Destinations: Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Spectacular Sunrise.
Cheetah Outreach Programme
Cheetah Outreach is an organization dedicated to the conservation of cheetahs and other endangered species, as well as promoting environmental education and awareness. Visitors to the Cheetah Outreach Programme can participate in educational tours, talks, and interactive experiences with the resident cheetahs.
Bookings for Tours & Encounters.
Nature Reserves
There are several nature reserves in the Cape Winelands where you can spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, fynbos and other plant life, rock art, and more.
- Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve in the Hottentots Holland Mountains – walking & hiking, kloofing, mountain biking, swimming, Cape canopy tours – booking essential), picnicking. a World Heritage Site.
- Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Stellenbosch – walking & hiking, swimming, mountain biking.
- Limietberg Nature Reserve near Paarl – angling, walking & hiking, picnicking, rock art, swimming.
- Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve in the Breede River valley, near Robertson – bird watching, walking & hiking, mountain biking, picnicking.
- Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, small nature reserve in Jonkershoek valley, Stellenbosch – picnicking, walking & hiking. Along with Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Assegaaibosch is a World Heritage Site.
