Why not take a journey through the Western Cape’s wine route? If you’re a lover of fine wine and breathtaking scenery, this is the ultimate getaway for you. From rolling hills to picturesque vineyards, you’ll experience the best that South Africa has to offer. Get ready to savour award-winning wines, indulge in delicious cuisine, and take in the beauty of the Cape Winelands on this fabulous 7-day itinerary. So pack your bags and join us on a journey through some of the most exquisite wine estates in the Western Cape. Wine not, indeed! Let’s get started.
Cape Wine Routes – 996 km
Considering the variety of wine farms and, therefore, wine routes available in the Western Cape, this itinerary is just a drop in the ocean (or barrel?). – not an exhaustive list, just some of the best we have visited.
Day 1: Cape Town to Franschhoek
- Start your road trip in Cape Town and head towards Stellenbosch through the beautiful Cape Mountains.
- Stop at Spier and Blaauwklippen estates for some relaxed wine tasting and a picnic on the estates.
- Continue on to Franschhoek.
- Stay overnight in one of the many accommodation options in the area. We recommend the Tram Stop and Otter’s Bend Lodge.
Day 2: Franschhoek
- Spend the day exploring the wineries in the area and indulge in some delicious wine and food.
- We love the La Motte Wine Estate situated in the Franschhoek Valley. Besides producing the best merlot on the Cape wine route (in our humble opinion), it also has an amazing bakery, serving a variety of sourdough bread and buns. Eat in at the Bakery and Garden Café, or buy and take away.
- If you don’t want to drive yourself around, try the Franschhoek Wine Tram and be driven to the different vineyards in a double-decker tram and open-air tram bus!
- Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening and probably an early night.
Day 3: Franschhoek to Robertson
- Drive towards Worcester and Cape Route 62.
- Take the R60 and proceed along this stunning stretch of road to Robertson.
- Stay overnight in one of the accommodation options in Robertson. Gecko Lodge and Route 62 B&B are good options.
- Stop at some of the local wineries and farm stalls along the way. Some wine farms we recommend are Robertsons Winery and the Van Loveren Family Cellar. If you need to stretch your legs, go for a walk along the Fish Eagle Hiking Trail on the Van Loveren Estate.
Day 4: Robertson to Calitzdorp
- Visit the local art gallery before continuing on the R62 and visit the charming town of Montagu.
- Stop for a soak in the hot springs before continuing on to Barrydale and Calitzdorp. A must-do when in Calitzdorp is a visit to Boplaas Family Vineyards. Their Cape Vintage Port is the best in the business.
- Stay overnight in one of the accommodation options in Calitzdorp
Day 5: Calitzdorp to Oudtshoorn
- Drive on to Oudtshoorn and visit the Cango Caves and the ostrich farms.
- If you are needing a change from wine tasting, then enjoy either the Heritage Tour or the Adventure Tour through this famous landmark. We have been through the caves twice, and we would happily do it again. They are truly amazing!
- If ostriches are your thing, then there are a variety of ostrich farms to visit.
Day 6: Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert
- Choose whether to drive on to Prince Albert via the magnificent Swartberg Pass or through the equally scenic Meringspoort.
- Stay overnight in one of the accommodation options in Prince Albert
- Spend the day exploring Prince Albert and its surroundings. Don’t forget to visit Prince Albert’s very own winery, Fernskloof Wines.
- Visit the local shops and restaurants for some delicious food and souvenirs.
- Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.
Day 7: Prince Albert to Cape Town
- Drive back to Cape Town along the N1 and through the Hex River Pass.
- Stop at the pad stalls along the way to savour the views and delicious food found in this beautiful country. If you haven’t experienced enough on this wine route, there are plenty more wine farms along this route back to Cape Town.
- Arrive back in Cape Town and reflect on your amazing road trip along the Cape wine route.
