5 Best Things to Do in Stellenbosch & Franschhoek • Winelands Day Trip…

They say you can’t come to Cape Town and not take a trip to the Winelands, best known for its, er, wines. It’s basically a tourist rite of passage regardless of whether you like wine or not. It’s easy to see why. You just drive for an hour from the city and suddenly you’re in a vineyard, surrounded by scenic mountains.

But the Cape Winelands isn’t just about the wine. Okay, let’s be honest, wine is a huge part of it, but there’s also a whole lot more to see and enjoy here: from its oak-lined streets, stunning Cape Dutch architecture, and some of the most charming little towns in South Africa.

Whether you’re in it for the wine tastings, cultural attractions, or luxurious pampering — let’s dive into the best experiences that Stellenbosch and the Franschhoek Valley have to offer!

1. Wine Tasting

Wine tasting in the Cape Winelands is basically the grownup version of a candy store visit, but classier and with more swirling. Whether you’re a wine snob or just here for the photos, you’ll find even greater appreciation for the vino here. Many estates produce certain varieties of grapes, but most wine-tasting activities will allow you to try a wide range, from delicate whites to bold reds.

One of these is Anthonij Rupert Wines. Located on the L’Ormarins farm, this estate offers an unforgettable tasting experience. Its roots can be traced back to 1694 when much of L’Omarins was converted into vineyards. But it was in 1969 that the Rupert family purchased it, transforming it into one of South Africa’s most recognizable wine producers.

Today, it’s known for its premium wines, including their flagship Cape of Good Hope and Protea ranges.

Some wine-tasting sessions include a walk around vineyards and a tour of the facilities. But for most, including the Anthonij Rupert Wines, it’s exclusively a tasting session. At least, that’s what we booked. When we arrived, we were led to a room that we were to explore while waiting and were given a welcome glass of wine. We spent some minutes admiring and inspecting the photographs on the wall, depicting the history of the estate. I particularly like the window at the end of the hallway where I practiced saying, “Mmm, yes, I like the notes of berry in this.” Just kidding.

But seriously, I’m not a sommelier but I’ll try my best to describe each wine as I tasted it

When the session started, we were presented a menu, containing different flights of wines. Oh, for the uninitiated like us, in the wine world, a “flight” refers to a selection of wine, usually presented in a row, for tasting. I had the Cape of Good Hope flight (ZAR 70), a four-piece composed of two reds and two whites:

• Altima Sauvignon Blanc (white), supposed to be dry but for some reason smelled and tasted sweet to me. It’s very fruity, dominated by guava.
• Serruria Chardonnay (white), full-bodied, acidic, and very citrusy. Made my mouth water with one sip.
• Sneeuwkrans Pinot Noir (red), tart with hints of sweetness, earthiness and bitterness that reminded me of coffee.
• Basson Pinotage (red), this one’s very dry and had little aroma no matter how much I swirled it in the glass. But it did have a fruity finish. I was told I was supposed to detect plum, but what my uncultured tastebuds and untrained palate got was berries. And yes — wait for it — I like the notes of berries in this. (Yes, I finally got to use what I practiced. Hahaha)

Vins, on the other hand, had the Anthonij Rupert flight (ZAR 120), consisted of three reds from their flagship range. And yes, I got to taste them too because I’m a greedy mother-eff like that.

• Anthonij Rupert Melot, full-bodied, 14.5% alcohol content. Vins said it tasted dry to him, but I don’t know what was wrong with me that morning (or in general), but it was sort of sweet to me. Not sweet-sweet, but there was a sweetness to it that reminded me of blackberries. Maybe I’m mistaking fruitiness for sweetness.
• Anthonij Rupert Syrah, now this was dry for me. But it had strong hints of spice and oak. We were told this was a special bottle because it was produced in 2019, during the drought, so there were only a limited number of bottles produced that year.
• Anthonij Rupert Optima, I didn’t get to taste it. Maybe Vins got tired of sharing his wines with me.

Most of the time, wine tastings here aren’t just about sipping a few glasses inside beautiful tasting rooms. While within the estate, you’ll be surrounded by stunning gardens and vineyards, making it the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Cape Winelands.

2. Franschhoek Motor Museum

For something a bit different, gearheads and history buffs alike should check out the Franschhoek Motor Museum. I can’t say I care much about cars or know a lot about it, but even with my indifference and ignorance, I still truly and thoroughly enjoyed gawking at these expensive cars.

Dedicated to showcasing over 100 years of automotive history, it has over 220 vehicles ranging from antiques to modern supercars. Whether you’re into old-school Rolls Royce or Ferrari or Volkswagen, this auto museum has it all. But don’t expect to see them all in one visit. The collection on display rotates every season, giving you a different set of cars every visit.

The museum is located on the same L’Ormarins estate as Anthonij Rupert Wines. The fact that it’s tucked away in wine country just adds to its allure.

Entrance Fee: ZAR 90
Advance reservation is required.

3. Boschendal Estate

Another essential stop is Boschendal Estate, one of South Africa’s oldest farms, dating back to 1685. This historic property offers a little bit of everything —- wine, food, outdoor activities, and history.

Boschendal is vast, with vineyards, orchards, and gardens. But one of the biggest draws here is Werf Restaurant, a farm-to-table gem that celebrates premium proteins — including grass-fed black angus beef, pasture-raised lamb, and forest-reared duroc pork — and fresh, seasonal produce grown right on its own food garden. The food is as much of an experience as the wine, with dishes that highlight local ingredients in creative ways.

The first to be served was the complimentary mosbolletjies, a uniquely South African bread. This was our first time stuffing our face with it, and we truly enjoyed it. Traditionally made by the Afrikaner community, these buns are flavored with mos (the Afrikaans word for “must”), which is the fermented grape juice leftover from winemaking. That fermented juice gives the bread its characteristic light, airy texture and a subtle hint of sweetness. These buns were a bit spiced with aniseed and served with a little cup of butter.

The tradition of mosbolletjies dates back to early Cape settlers, who’d bake these during the grape harvest season. So really, you could say they’re like the love child of bread and wine!

For starters, we had shaved smoked Duroc pork salad (ZAR 110). The pork had a good ratio of fat and meat. It was served with grapefruit salsa and local burrata at the center, and then sprinkled with crushed pistachios, rocket (arugula) and garden herbs. It also had sourdough crisps on the side.

Our guide had lentil tabbouleh (ZAR 65), which was lentil salad tossed with red onion, cucumber bits, chopped herbs, local olives, and olive oil.

For mains, Vins had free-range roasted chicken (ZAR 195), sitting atop a fondant potato drenched in a mustard and herb velouté and adorned with thin slices of preserved lemons.

I had sticky beef short rib (ZAR 180), which was slow smoked and crowned with grilled carrots, toasted onions, and orange zest. Some bites were bordering on dry, but it was tender and the flavors were on point.

For dessert, we had malva pudding (ZAR 85), which is another beloved South African creation. It’s a soft, sweet and sticky sponge cake that feels comforting as a warm hug. Werf’s version was really moist and baked to perfection, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of crème anglaise to pour over the cake.

All these while you’re also taking in a relaxing view of the estate.

4. Stellenbosch Town Center

Stellenbosch town itself is a charming blend of history and modernity. Walking through the town center, you’ll find beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture, art galleries, and coffee shops that seem to invite you to linger a little longer. The town’s oak-lined avenues are perfect for strolling, and you can easily spend hours wandering in and out of quaint boutiques and cafes. But Stellenbosch is more than just pretty streets—there’s history here too.

Make sure to visit the Stellenbosch Museum, a collection of preserved buildings that showcase life in the town through the centuries. You’ll find restored homes, a village blacksmith, and even a cooperage (a barrel-making workshop), giving you a glimpse into the town’s colonial past.

The Rupert Museum, dedicated to South African art, is another must-see if you’re a fan of fine art.

And if you’re a nature lover, Jan Marais Nature Reserve offers a peaceful escape right in the middle of town, with walking trails that showcase the region’s unique flora.

5. Lanzerac Hotel and Spa

If your idea of a perfect getaway includes a little indulgence, Lanzerac Hotel and Spa has got you covered. This five-star estate is the epitome of luxury, offering guests a chance to unwind in the lap of historical opulence. It is located on one of Stellenbosch’s oldest wine estates, with roots dating back to 1692.

Driving onto the property, I couldn’t help but feel like we’d wandered straight into a movie set. The first thing that greeted us was a cinematic row of towering oak trees, framed by majestic mountains, endless vineyards, and Cape Dutch architecture.

If you’re on a day trip, you could drop by Lanzerac for wines or a meal. It has four on-site dining spots:

• Manor Kitchen
• Lanzerac Deli
• Taphuis
• Craven Lounge

We only had the chance to experience the Manor Kitchen. For appetizers, I kicked things off with crispy pork belly and king oyster scallops, accompanied by an apple-celeriac puree and spiced mushroom juice (ZAR 160). I paired it with Lanzerac’s Pinotage Rosé 2023, made entirely from Pinotage grapes. Not sure it was the perfect pairing, but I wanted something aromatic to balance out the savory flavors of my starter.

Meanwhile, Vins went for the crayfish cacio e pepe (ZAR 325) with chive linguine and thermidor sauce, a deliciously rich seafood-and-cheese combo, brightened up by a sprinkle of pink peppercorns. I had a taste and can confirm it was amazing! He paired his dish with a fruity 2023 Lanzerac Sauvignon Blanc, which brought a crisp contrast to the ocean-y flavors.

For mains, I opted for the lamb duo, a belly and cutlet combo (ZAR 310), which was so tender. It came with artichoke, potato gratin, and a lemon onion soubise. A smoky 2021 Pinotage, aged for 16 months in French oak, was the perfect companion, with its spiciness playing nicely with the lamb.

Vins had the smoked fillet mignon (ZAR 290), served with sweetbreads, roasted heirloom carrots, and garlic potato purée. His steak was perfectly medium rare, with the light seasoning complementing the plum and berry notes in his Merlot.

But the real highlight of Lanzerac is its world-class spa. Set amidst the vineyards, the spa offers a range of treatments like wine-themed therapies, steam rooms, saunas, and a heated indoor pool. Sadly, our packed schedule kept us from trying this one out.

Let’s not forget that Lanzerac has a hotel. Although Stellenbosch can be explored on a day tour, if you want to indulge a little, you could spend a night here, too! Lanzerac has a reputation for exceptional service, combining classic elegance with modern amenities, and we saw that during our stay. The room assigned to us was spacious and elegantly styled with antique furniture and plush linens that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re into wine, history, cars, or just looking for a bit of R&R, the Cape Winelands has something for everyone. It’s a destination that offers more than just breathtaking landscapes. It’s a place to immerse yourself in South Africa’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and world-class wines. And with that, I say: Cheers to that!

Exploring Cape Town and Cape Winelands

Our stay in Cape Town was a mix of DIY and collab with Constellation Travels. This part of our trip was made possible by them.

To be clear, Cape Town can absolutely be explored on your own. If that’s your travel style and/or you have a limited budget, that could be a great option.

But for us Filipinos, South Africa feels like a once-in-a-lifetime trip—and if you’re there to kick back and enjoy without the fuss, then booking a tour package is the way to go. It has some solid perks!

Constellation Travels, one of the Philippines’ most established travel agencies, has been helping Filipinos discover the world since 1970. They offer a range of South Africa packages, from group tours to custom itineraries, so you can skip the hassle of planning and focus on the best part: enjoying your vacation.

Exploring a new country can be a bit daunting, especially if your schedule is tight. If you’d rather relax than sort through logistics, Constellation has you covered. They’ll handle your visas, flights, and accommodations and offer 24/7 support, so you’re always taken care of.

Get in touch with Constellation Travels through these contact numbers and email address, or visit their official website at www.constellationtravels.com.ph.