In years gone by, the Cape Winelands was primarily known for its heritage wine farms, spectacular vistas, snow-covered peaks and agricultural industry. Fast forward and the area is now also celebrated for a variety of craft produce, exceptional restaurants and a bustling adventure industry.
Cape Winelands distilleries and wine farms compete with the best in the world, not only in terms of product but also experience. The adventure industry has grown by leaps and bounds, with many premier (and internationally acclaimed) mountain biking, road cycling and trail running events held across some of the most difficult yet incredibly beautiful terrain, with high mountain peaks, colourful vineyards and blue skies providing an incredible backdrop against which to explore the area.

Wine Lands Trails #UltimatePermit
With such a variety of world-class trails and routes, established infrastructure, and off-the-trails experiences – combined with a mild climate – it is no wonder the region attracts vast numbers of local and international visitors (often as competitors) that, in turn, has developed into a key economic growth pillar.
For those who choose the solitude of the mountains to compete (or escape), the offering is world class, with a vast number of trail options across many picturesque farms and establishments accessed through several trail network permits.
To address this demand, the Wine Lands Regional Trail permit was launched in 2022, offering access to nine trail networks for a single annual fee.
Not only is the distance of trails covered unparalleled, but so is the variety of terrain and disciplines. This year, the permit has been expanded to 17 networks covering over 1300 km of trail access, all under one permit.
The full offering for 2023 now includes:
A-Z Grabouw, Banhoek Conservancy, Boschendal trails, Bottelary Hills Conservancy trails, Elgin Valley trails, Franschhoek trails, Fruitways Farms trails, Grabouw trails, Helderberg trails, MTO Jonkershoek trails, Oak Valley trails, Paarl Trails, Plaisir trails, Stellenbosch Trail Fund trails, Van Loveren trails, Wellington trails (Wild Boar & Scouts) and Wine Lands Cycling Club trails.
More for 2023 is the WineLandsTrails.com platform, which consolidates all routes, attractions, partner network information, contact details and much more in a single place. The platform will also host information about events, outrides, and promotions. Members are able to create profiles, upload photos, find and connect with other members, join outride and trail groups, and reach out to the organising committee. Also, users will be able to interact with Wine Lands Trails through the WhatsApp BOT, which will allow adventurers to find routes, request gate codes, report emergencies, request trail maintenance, chat with a representative, and much more.
An overview of the Wine Lands Regional Trail permit:
Local trail networks, including the founding network, Paarl Trails, will still offer day passes that allow access to more than 200km of mixed-use trails built by the Paarl Trails team around Paarl Mountain. This network includes the renowned Spice Route Destination route, which offers a variety of trails ideal for walking, trail running, and/or mountain biking. From the leisurely 2.5km route to a more challenging 35km loop, there is something for everyone.
Good to know: Day permits can be paid via SnapScan at the start of the trails, online at https://paarltrails.com/purchase-day-permit / or by credit card at the Information Centre, where there are also showers available to clean up afterwards.
Details:
- Cost (day permit): R80 to R100
- Wineland Regional Pass: R1800 per adult (18 to 64 years)
- Young adventurers: R1400 per person under the age of 18 or older than 65 years
- More info: www.WineLandsTrails.com
There’s more: Bike Fest Paarl
Bike Fest Paarl promises to be an unforgettable weekend in the magnificent Winelands.
The 2023 South African Marathon Championships returns to the Western Cape this year and will be incorporated into Bike Fest Paarl, a new multi-day cycling festival from 3 to 5 March that will become an annual feature in one of the country’s premier cycling destinations.
Bike Fest Paarl will be based at Rhebokskloof on the north of Paarl Mountain and the South African Marathon Championships race routes will use the established, world-class Paarl Trails network (including the renowned Spice Route Destination trails) on the slopes of this iconic landmark.
The weekend will be packed with loads of different races to cater for everyone, from children to professionals, and includes marathon, half marathon XCM, enduro and short track, to mention a few.
The racing, however, is not the only action on the farm. The expo will play host to stalls for many of South Africa’s leading brands while a demo test track will make it possible to test ride the latest bicycles. There will be loads of food, wine and entertainment over the weekend. Entry to the festival is free, so bring the entire family along to enjoy a weekend filled with fun and adventure.
Find out more at bikefestpaarl.com or [email protected]
Also read:
WATCH: How to spend a day in the Bottelary Conservancy, Stellenbosch
Picture: Usplash