Things to do in the Cape Winelands this holiday

Famed across the globe for its rich history and culture, warm hospitality, unparalleled food & wine experiences, and breathtaking natural surroundings – the Cape Winelands remains a destination of necessity when visiting the Western Cape.

Discover Franschhoek & Elgin

1. Franschhoek is crowned the ‘gastronomical capital of SA’ and home to our country’s ‘Top 100’ restaurants. Choose from an array of renowned eateries for a top culinary experience.
2. Experience the true local flair at the Franschhoek Village Market for quality crafts, music, good food, and great times under the oak trees.  
3. Elgin Railway Market is a bustling steampunk station market boasting local vendors, live music, and a gateway to the beautiful town of Elgin.
4. How will you arrive at the market? By booking a steam-train ride through the countryside.
5. You don’t want to miss a visit to Babylonstoren, where tranquility comes to life through fine food and exquisite gardens.
6. Experience local diversity through an educational and vibrant township tour.
7. No holiday is complete without some pampering, visit one of Franschhoek’s luxurious health and wellness spas.
8. Cultural history enthusiasts will be inspired by the Huguenot Memorial Museum.

“Franschhoek is internationally renowned for its many iconic wine farms which are, without doubt, some of the country’s most desirable and valuable properties.” Surina du Toit, Pam Golding Properties area manager, Franschhoek, Elgin, Paarl & Wellington.

As one the oldest European settlements in SA, near to some of the best schools in the country, the old world charm of Paarl, which is named after an ancient granite rock resembling a glistening pearl in the sunlight, is often described by its wide, leafy streets and sprawling character homes.

Explore Paarl & Wellington

1. Situated on the R301, Freedom Weekend Market is the bustling place to be for foodies and lovers of all things nice to meet over weekends.
2. Vinophiles (lovers of wine) will enjoy the Old Mutual Insure Wellington Wine Route, which boasts one major producer-cellar, family-owned wine estates and a sprinkling of boutique wineries and spirits producers.
3. Get up close and personal with reptiles at Le Bonheur where you get to hold a baby crocodile and enjoy an exotic snake exhibit.  
4. Stop in at the Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop & Weaving Studio for luxurious hand-crafted alpaca products while the kids enjoy the petting zoo and jungle gym.  
5. The Breytenbach Centre in Wellington is a multidisciplinary cultural center for training in and interaction with visual arts, music and the art of writing.
6. Connoisseurs of craftsmanship and authenticity should embark on a journey of artisanal delight at Spice Route – a destination of dreams. 
7. Stand on the hallowed ground of the Paarl Heritage Trail where Nelson Mandela took his first steps to freedom.  
8. Outdoor, horse and quad bike enthusiasts will love Wine Valley Adventures.  
9. Tee off at one of South Africa’s top courses: the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Pearl Valley Golf Estate, or at Boschenmeer.

If you’ve fallen in love with the area, why not make your stay permanent?
Contact a Pam Golding Properties area specialist to find out how you can make your dream a reality.

Posted by Lindy Snyman