Skip to main content

GREENWOOD GUIDES

EXPLORE the CAPE winelands

CAPE winelands

Route 2

Go over the top at the spectacular passes of Bainskloof, Helshoogte, Franschhoek, and Kogmanskloof, and gawk at the lush gardens of Stellenbosch University, Schoonzicht, Babylonstoren, Asttack, and Soekershof. You can bring on the biodynamic with an organic wine and food tour hosted by Coffeebeans Routes, drift down the Breede River with a glass of wine in hand at Viljoensdrift, and then meat and eat at the legendary Mr. Chippa’s in Paarl. Cycle and sip your way through the scenery with Bikes n Wines or the Dwars River Valley Cycle Tour, savour world-class sculpture at Dylan Lewis, Delaire Graaff, and beyond with Art Trails, and explore the cool interiors of spectacular Cape Dutch heritage buildings alongside Five Star Guides. Put the Wow! back into wine during an exclusive cellar tour at independent, world-class producers, float below pristine waterfalls at Paarl Mountain Reserve, Mont Rochelle, Steenbraskloof, and Crystal Pools with The Fynbos Guy, fly along thrilling single-track trails at Dirtopia and Boschendal with iRide, and finally, meet the Karretjiemense at the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary.

Wellington & Paarl – Day 1

In the western foothills of the Hawequa Mountains lies a little-explored route of winding mountain passes, expansive country estates, earthy farms bursting with produce and pretty country lanes connecting heritage towns and villages together.

Cape Town hike with mountain view
Why back wine made by an astrophile? Under Johnathan Grieve, Paarl’s Avondale Estate follows a biodynamic approach, prioritizing lunar cycles and soil health. This ecological philosophy extends from vineyard walks and a signature duck parade to seasonal dining, ensuring everything works in quiet harmony with the land.

VIEW LISTING
Dominating Paarl from on high, a massive granite outcrop offers a scenic drive with plenty of walking opportunities to explore fynbos-laden hillsides. As one of the winelands’ best-kept local secrets, the area features a curated wildflower garden, bass fishing, scenic mountain biking trails, and lush lakeside strolls for visitors to enjoy.

VIEW LISTING
Offering a range of creative outpouring, Spice Route is a destination with routes within it: part ethical shopping mall, part artisanal workspace. Trading stores, food, glass blowing, and exercise spaces combine beautifully into a place you can easily spend a day browsing, grazing, and lazing. We particularly like De Villiers Chocolate and Red Hot Glass.

VIEW LISTING
The best way to see this historic 20km former wagon route is by bicycle. Expect almost no traffic and a slow 7km climb through forest, topping out with views of the Paarl and Breede River valleys. The descent features rock pools and waterfalls of the Witte Rivier. We recommend a guided ride from www.irideafrica.com.

VIEW LISTING
Cape Town image
Fyn
Ask any South African what unifies the country, and they will say "braai." Far more than a simple barbecue, a braai is an essential part of national culture. At Mr. Chippa’s, a popular township shisanyama (public braai) founded in 1996, locals and visitors experience South Africa as most tourists never do.

VIEW LISTING
Named after its labyrinthine setting of valleys, rivers, and meadows, Doolhof entreats you to a wine tasting before handing over a picnic basket. You are invited to stroll their 10km river walk, admiring the estate’s restored biodiversity, spotting buck, porcupine, and baboon while noshing on the contents of said basket.

VIEW LISTING
Set privately between Paarl and Wellington, Tempel is Tom and Tatjana’s organic passion project. Featuring superb blended wines, striking contemporary art, and boutique rooms, the estate offers spectacular Drakenstein mountain views, an infinity pool, and eco-friendly touches.

VIEW LISTING
Below DuToitskloof Pass near Paarl, Liesbeth, Kallie, and Lidia run a beautiful, deeply-loved farm stay. Six detached, comfortable houses are nestled in a shady, winding garden featuring a dam and pool. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and Liesbeth's warm hospitality keeps global and local guests returning year after year.

VIEW LISTING
Located near Wellington, Bartholomeus Klip is a refined, historic farmhouse retreat offering meticulously curated rooms and outstanding attention to detail. Set beside the Waterval mountains, the working farm features an enormous pool, a scenic dam, and self-catering villas, promising an elegant step back in time.

VIEW LISTING
Cape Town hike with mountain view

Worcester & Robertson – Day 2

This beautiful valley which plays host to the upper reaches of the Breede River connects the mountain town of Ceres to the winelands town of Swellendam.  This is the realm of ‘big country’: lonely open roads, large sweeping farms and all framed by high and rugged mountains on three sides of the valley.  A place to breathe out in splendid silence and isolation. The road today is the little-known R60 road that connects Cape Town to the more famous Route 62. 

Cape Town hike with mountain view
Based on a family farm, Reilheim offers an off-the-wall range of striking, excellently priced ceramic art made from African clay. Ranging from functional to tongue-in-cheek and ultra-chic, these products journey from this unassuming rural location to grace Reilheim’s showrooms in the chicest parts of Cape Town and Joburg.

VIEW LISTING
This grand 1940s Worcester house, once home to artist Hugo Naude, is now an arts and culture centre nurturing youthful creativity. Brimming with infectious delight, it trains and promotes talent for South Africa’s thriving creative industries. Visitors can explore the on-site art shop or check socials for special exhibitions.

VIEW LISTING
Willow Creek completes nature’s circle, leaving nothing to waste in producing its internationally renowned olive oil. First planted 20 years ago, the groves yield 13 splendid oils to sample in their purpose-built tasting room. Don’t miss their excellent café and the Thai Olive Pesto during your visit.

VIEW LISTING
Owning a wine estate on the beautiful Breede River, brothers Fred and Manie offer the perfect pairing: riverbank picnics and boat wine tastings. After stocking your picnic hamper at their deli, lazily drift along the river sipping excellent Pinotage or Villion MCC, perhaps chancing upon a fish eagle.

VIEW LISTING
The humble donkey remains central to many South African lives, particularly the San-descended Karritjiemense. At Eseltjesrus, you will see these wonderful animals in a new light, meeting permanent residents and enjoying a small-scale farm complete with a coffee shop overlooking the dam.

VIEW LISTING
Cape Town image
Cape Town image
This informal bistro on a large family-owned wine estate offers fresh wood-oven pizzas, over-the-top salads, and a relaxed ambiance, with afternoon teas by arrangement. Afterwards, explore the Fish Eagle Trail to stroll along the riverfront accompanied by the calls of the eponymous bird hunting for fish.

VIEW LISTING
With no chef’s diplomas or recipe books, family-owned Nerina’s Farm serves traditional South African plaaskos—and that’s how they keep it! Boarding their river barge for a seasonal lunch or dinner is a delight, thanks to the excellent companionship of the captains and the lovely river scenery you drift through.

VIEW LISTING
At historic Eensgevonden, Martin welcomes guests to a dog-friendly working farm with three comfortable cottages, vineyards, and mountain paths. Enjoy a sand-bottomed rock pool, fynbos reserves, and a sustainable, community-minded approach to hospitality in the Breedekloof.

VIEW LISTING
Set along a shaded Robertson street, GUBAS DE HOEK is an eclectic, serene guesthouse run by Gunter and Balbina. It features diverse, wheelchair-friendly rooms, self-catering options, and an expansive garden with a pool, parkour trail, and sustainable, solar-powered hospitality.

VIEW LISTING
In the early noughties, Karl and Sandra bought this splendid vintage farm, pouring love into it from day one. Offering a rustic, authentic atmosphere with diverse cottages, hiking trails, and a 24-seater restaurant, the farm beautifully combines mountain-spring-powered winemaking with superb, deeply ethical staff benefits.

VIEW LISTING
Cape Town hike with mountain view

UNLOCK THE FULL ROUTE

Sorry but full routes are only available to Greenwood Guide customers. We hope you’ve enjoyed a taste of what’s in included. Buy one of the routes today, now 50% off

UNLOCK THE FULL ROUTE

Sorry but full routes are only available to Greenwood Guide customers. We hope you’ve enjoyed a taste of what’s in included. Buy one of the routes today, now 50% off

UNLOCK THE FULL ROUTE

Sorry but full routes are only available to Greenwood Guide customers. We hope you’ve enjoyed a taste of what’s in included. Buy one of the routes today, now 50% off

Cape Winelands

Explore the Cape Winelands by crossing dramatic mountain passes, strolling world-class gardens and art trails, savoring organic wines, cycling scenic valleys, and discovering historic heritage.

$9.99
$ 4.99