Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa
You can have your wine (and drink it too!) when visiting the beautiful Cape Winelands. But, the region offers so much more than some of the best vino in the world! With such a wide variety of experiences on offer, it would be a pity to just go wine tasting and miss out on all there is to see and do. Here are 10 sights and activities to enjoy among the vineyards during your trip to South Africa – Napa Valley eat your heart out!
A Garden Tour of Babylonstoren
The Company’s Garden in Cape Town used to supply fresh fruit and vegetables to passing ships when the Cape was a major stop on shipping routes in centuries past. Designed by French architect Patrice Taravella, the gardens at Babylonstoren were created to pay homage to the history of the Cape as a supply station. Babylonstoren also harks back to the hanging gardens at Babel of ancient times.
Every one of the 300 plus species of plants cultivated is edible or has medicinal value. They also grow heritage varieties of fruit and vegetables that are no longer commonly cultivated. Everything is grown organically and most sustainably.
You can explore the gardens on your own - the indigenous Clivia walk is a huge attraction when they burst into flower in spring. Guided tours are conducted daily from 10:00 to 11:30 am. There are two exceptional restaurants – the more formal Babel and the more informal Greenhouse which both serve food based on produce grown on the property. The garden is open 09:00 – 17:00 each day.
The Franschhoek Motor Museum
A must-see for all petrol-heads, the Franschhoek Motor Museum showcases 100 years of automotive history with over 220 cars, ranging from an 1898 Beeston motor tricycle to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo Supercar. The collection of vehicles is on display in chronological order in four Cape Dutch style warehouses. Each warehouse is carefully de-humidified to ensure the cars are kept in pristine condition.
Book a guided tour with the Museum and spend an hour or two wandering among the cars learning about their history and place in the rise of the automobile. Note: Admittance is by appointment only.
Tour the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
Minotaur? Shamanistic dreams? No, you are not in some maze of Greek mythology. Instead, you are in the gardens of one of the most famous sculptors in South Africa - Dylan Lewis. He is recognised as one of the world’s foremost sculptors of the animal form, with his casts of cheetahs being renowned. In recent years Lewis has used the human figure to explore our relationship with our inner wilderness. He is one of only a few living artists to have held a solo auction at Christie's in London.
In this garden of private myth, the artist explores the Jungian notion of ‘the wilderness within’. More than 60 sculptures constitute a comprehensive record of his artistic development thus far. Each has been carefully sited along 4 km of paths. Set in an indigenous garden, with the dramatic mountains of the Cape Winelands as the backdrop, buffalo can leap out of bushes and giants can dominate the horizon.
Visits are by appointment only.
Olive and Olive Oil Tastings
The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, perfect for growing olives. Throughout the Winelands, you will find olive groves and estates. Many estates offer olive oil tastings where you can sample the acidic grassy green flavours of a first press to mellow second pressings.
One of the best places to go to is Morganster Estate which dates to 1711 and is famous worldwide for its olive oil. Another famous olive farm is Tokara. At both, you can do olive and olive oil tastings of different oils and varietals of olives produced on the estate.
Buy some to take home with you to remember your unique time in the Cape Winelands.
Rupert Art Museum
Not everyone wants to tramp around dusty museums on holiday. But, this museum has a special place in art history with works by many renowned South African Artists. The Rupert family are South African businessmen, philanthropists, and conservationists. Featuring among the world’s richest families, their art collection was moved into the curated museum when a fire at the family home threatened the collection.
The museum has more than 350 artworks representing the 1940s–1970s and is considered the foremost collection of contemporary South African Art. The collection spans paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.Works by Maggie Laubser, Irma Stern, Alexis Preller, Walter Battiss, Elsa Dziomba, Jean Welz, JH Pierneef, Lippy Lipshitz, Moses Kotler, Anton van Wouw, and Coert Steynberg can be found at this unique museum.
Food Markets
There are several arts and crafts and food markets in the Cape Winelands. Usually, these take place on a Saturday and Sunday. Often small artisanal food and produce sellers, craft beer, and gin. Along with a range of tasty foods from wood-fired pizza to hamburgers and sweet treats there is something for everyone. The markets often have live music and have a festival atmosphere.
The best known are the Blaauwklippen Market and the Root 44 Market. The Blaauwklippen Market is pet friendly too.
Catch a Steam Train into the Cape Winelands
Step aboard a bit of South African railway history riding a Class 19D – 3321 Steam Engine called Jessica. Departing in Cape Town, chug your way into the beautiful surrounds of the Winelands.
Trips take you through the Ceres Valley which is known for its production of deciduous fruits. Stop along the way and enjoy cherry-picking in Summer.
Other routes take you to the scenic Elgin Valley and stop off at the famous Elgin Railway Market, another renowned local food market where you can enjoy a few hours before boarding the train back to Cape Town.
Segway through the Vineyards
Driving through the Winelands not enough, but not quite feeling up to walking among the vines? Opt for a different way to discover the Winelands by taking a Segway tour.
After some training on how to use a Segway, you will go on a guided tour of the vineyards at Spier, learning about their organic wine production while taking in the views. Afterwards, you will enjoy a wine tasting of 3 of the estate’s spectacular wines.
Play a round of Golf
Tee off in the footsteps of some of the greatest golfers the world has seen. South Africa boasts some of the best golf courses in the World, several of which are found in the Cape Winelands.
Pearl Valley is a beautiful golf estate near Paarl, designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course is ranked no 5 in the country. The course is characterised by lush green-all-season fairways, exceptional bunkering and the clever use of beautiful water features.
Another option is the play a round at Erinvale Championship Course which was designed by the legendary Gary Player.
Photo Credit: Bikes n Wine
Biking in the Vineyards
These days travellers often want to know what fitness options are available when they travel to keep themselves in shape. A gym is all very well, but why not head outside for your exercise? The Cape Winelands has beautiful scenery, with vineyards overlooked by the gentle peaks of mountains.
One of the best ways to explore is from the saddle, and there are many different areas which you can enjoy a bike ride. You could choose a gentle meander with a couple of wine tastings en route or a challenging full-day adventure through many vineyards, stopping off for lunch along the way. The guides tell you about the history of the vineyards and the wines that they produce.
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