A day in the Winelands: what Stellenbosch and Franschhoek feel like
Mountains on every side, long lunches, and wine you won't find at home. This is the day guests tell me they didn't want to end.
October 10, 2026 · Christopher Isaacs, Founder & Partner · 2 min read
After the weight of Johannesburg's history, the Winelands day is where everyone exhales. It's about an hour's drive from Cape Town, and the moment the mountains close in around the vineyards, the whole group gets quiet.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is one of South Africa's oldest towns, with oak-lined streets, white Cape Dutch buildings and a university that keeps it young. The estates around it sit at the foot of steep mountains, so every glass comes with a view.
You don't need to know anything about wine. The tastings are relaxed, the staff love to explain, and you'll quickly find what you like.
Franschhoek
Franschhoek, "the French corner", sits in a valley further in. It was settled by French Huguenots in the late 1600s, and today it's known as one of the food capitals of the country. The main street is lined with restaurants, galleries and small shops.
What the day looks like
Which estates? That part we keep a secret until you're there. The reveal is half the fun, and I promise it's worth the wait.
- Morning drive out of Cape Town, with the mountains coming into view.
- A first tasting at an estate in Stellenbosch.
- A long lunch, the South African way, with no rush.
- An afternoon in Franschhoek to walk, shop or taste again.
- Back to Cape Town for the evening.
Worth knowing
- You don't have to drink. Most estates offer non-alcoholic options, grape juice tastings or chocolate pairings.
- Bring a layer. Valley mornings and evenings can be cool, even when the afternoon is warm.
- Shipping wine home is possible from many estates, but check US import limits before you buy a case.
- My own favourite. Diemersdal. It's an excellent blend of quality and price, great value, and the bottle I recommend to friends.