Early to mid-Autumn is arguably the best time of the year to visit the Cape Winelands District (CWD). The days are still warm and sultry, while the night air settles like velvet on one’s skin. If you are yearning for a break from the summer bustle, think Cape Winelands.
The CWD is situated in the centre of the Western Cape and offers the space you need, the places you have always wanted to be and the adventures you crave.
They say a change is as good as a holiday, but if you only have one day, the Cape Winelands is perfect. Take a hike to the waterfall in the mountains at the Du Toits Kloof Pass or a shorter hike in Tulbagh. Or drive to Franschhoek for some breakfast, before doing a walking tour in Stellenbosch or Paarl.
Staying for a night or two is even better. Take an early morning drive through the tunnel into the gorgeous Breede Kloof for early coffee on the Old N1. Visit the Fossil Museum at the Institute for the Blind in Worcester or take the kids for a run at the Karoo gardens or Kleinplasie Farm Museum.
From Worcester, drive straight to the Hex Valley or Touwsriver with their hidden gems such as Karoo 1 or Gecko Rock Private Nature Reserve where you can spend the afternoon and evening hiking, biking and stargazing.
From Touwsriver there are two choices. You can take a shot left and take the back road through the Tankwa Karoo to Witzenberg, which is world-renowned for its fruit and incredible natural rock formations. This area of valleys and hills has a number of delights for everyone – olives and wines to taste, art and crafts galore, a few antique stores and all sorts of adventures to keep you busy.
Once refreshed by the clean air, travel through the Bain’s Kloof Pass into the Drakenstein Valley to Wellington and Paarl. These well-known towns are home to a number of innovative wines and wine and food pairing tastings. There are many hidden gems where families can relax while the more adventurous members of the tribe take on the newly opened hiking and biking trail that links all the farms situated on the slopes of the iconic Paarl Rock.
The other choice is to turn right out of Touwsriver, where a world of wonder awaits you as you meander along the well-maintained gravel road to Montagu. Stay at Montagu Springs and revive those travel-weary bones at the mineral springs, walk through the historical town and join in some of the activities on offer.
Once rested and replenished, take an awe-inspiring drive through the Kogmanskloof Pass and Ashton. Stop at one of the farmstalls for a leg stretch before heading into the Robertson Valley where you can go on a river boat, cycle through a cactus sanctuary and stay on a working farm or a five-star mid-town hotel, amongst many others.
The small town of McGregor feeds the soul and offers venues for all tastes, and a number of excellent hiking, biking and running routes with eateries and galleries. McGregor always pleases the senses.
End your Cape Winelands trip with a stay in the Stellenbosch Valley where gastronomy, history and art meet. Book a heritage walk from Stellenbosch across several wine farms, over the Helshoogte Pass and down into Kylemore and Pniel.
To find out more about a visit to the Cape Winelands, visit the website: www.capewinelands.gov.za, scroll down to the map and click on any of the towns to find out where to stay and play.
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Pictures: Supplied