"Cradled between the craggy peaks of the Cape Fold Mountains, the Winelands carries the reputation of being not only one of the world’s top wine-producing areas, but also one of the most picturesque. Hundreds of wine farms are linked by a network of scenic roads that makes the region a delight to explore.”

- Narina Exelby

Winelands

Back in the days when the Dutch East India Company was sailing ships around the Cape of Good Hope, many of the fruit and vegetables grown to restock the vessels came from the fertile hills and valleys just east of Cape Town. Nowadays, much of that farmland is dominated by vines and there are literally hundreds of wine farms across a region, just larger than Wales, that has become known as “the Winelands”.

The landscapes here are superb: row upon row of well-tended vines dip and weave through the valleys, wrapping around grand old farm houses that are watched over by towering trees, centuries old. In some places, exquisite contemporary buildings stand as monuments to winemaking traditions and always, as a backdrop, there are the craggy mountain peaks that loom with a drama that is utterly captivating.

Stellenbosch is the historic heart of the region. The elegant university town’s delightful Dorp Street is lined with gnarly old oak trees and the grand Cape Dutch architecture that defines this part of the world. Just over the mountains, via a dramatic pass, is pretty Franschhoek. The French roots of this quaint town date back to the late 1600s when Huguenot families brought with them invaluable knowledge and winemaking skills. Franschhoek (which translates as “French Corner”) still lives up to its name and there are many French-style cafes, galleries and charming streets to be found here.

From Stellenbosch across to Franschhoek and museum-rich Paarl, the Winelands is now an area packed with so many attractions that a fleeting visit could never do it justice. Heritage sites, historically significant farms, artisan food markets, collections of award-winning restaurants, gorgeous gardens, galleries, craft stores, dramatic mountain passes and, of course, the wine farms and cellars themselves… the Winelands has so much to offer.

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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SUMMER

Ideal weather with mainly clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind. Midday temperatures are often over 30°C/86°F, occasionally getting close to 40°C/104°F. Nights are warm, but comfortable.

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

SUMMER

Ideal weather with mainly clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind. Midday temperatures are often over 30°C/86°F, occasionally getting close to 40°C/104°F. Nights are warm, but comfortable.

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

AUTUMN

This can be a fantastic time of year to visit as the summer's heat subsides, the wind settles and autumn casts its brightly coloured mantle over the vineyards, generating red, burnished vistas spreading from the mountain tops to the sea. Midday temperatures of around 25°C/77°F, mornings can be a little chilly at times, so do pack a warm jumper.

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

AUTUMN

This can be a fantastic time of year to visit as the summer's heat subsides, the wind settles and autumn casts its brightly coloured mantle over the vineyards, generating red, burnished vistas spreading from the mountain tops to the sea. Midday temperatures of around 25°C/77°F, mornings can be a little chilly at times, so do pack a warm jumper.

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

WINTER

The arrival of Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather!

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

WINTER

The arrival of Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather!

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

WINTER

The arrival of Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather!

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

WINTER

The arrival of Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather!

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

SPRING

With a flora and fauna as biodiverse as the Western Cape it is no surprise that spring can be spectacular period to visit. Temperatures remain fairly cool, with a maximum average high of around 19°C/67°F, though the number of clear calm days is almost as high as the summer.

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

SPRING

These months are a great time to visit South Africa. We would particularly recommend KwaZulu-Natal during this period, as well as the Southern part of the country Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape).

Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.

SUMMER

Ideal weather with mainly clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind. Midday temperatures average 25°C/77°F , but often rise over 30°C/86°F, occasionally getting close to 40°C/104°F. Nights are warm, but comfortable.

Like the rest of the Western Cape, the Winelands can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.

SUMMER / WET SEASON

This is the perfect time to visit the Southern part of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), with clear skies and warm weather dominating. It is also a good time to visit KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains.

These months mark the wet season throughout the north of the country, where you can expect high temperatures and thunderstorms. So not ideal for safaris within these regions.

Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.

Explore Winelands Properties

What People Say

★★★★★
  • The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…

    Chris Hutchens

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  • We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!

    Amy Williams

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  • Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...

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  • Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!

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  • Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!

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  • Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.

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  • Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars

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  • We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.

    Glen and Amanda Crawford

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  • Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.

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