The perfect compliment to Cape Town is The Winelands. The Winelands are within easy reach, either for a daytrip or to stay for a few days. Many guests spend a few days discovering the delights of Cape Town, a few days in The Winelands and then move onwards in search of the Big Five on safari. The Winelands are where some of the best New World’s best wines are produced and it is one of the hubs of food and wine in South Africa. The two main places to visit are the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Each has plenty of fantastic foodie-worthy experiences to be enjoyed, below you will find some of my recommendations of these! 

Stellenbosch Classic Foodie Walk:

What better way to be introduced to The Winelands than by walking around South Africa’s second oldest town. This is a town which is steeped in incredible history and culture. The Stellenbosch Classic Foodie Walk is a guided small group or private tour that draws on the years of experience of a local guide. It takes approximately four hours and explores this picturesque town and some of its best spots. Alongside tasting the local cuisine those on the tour will take a look at historical buildings, art galleries and coffee shops. 

The local guide will tell of enchanting stories whilst making sure that foodies taste traditional snacks and sample local wines. The walk is finished off with a hearty heritage lunch platter consisting of lots of delicious South African dishes.

Terroir Restaurant: 

Terroir is located about five kilometres outside of Stellenbosch on the Kleine Zalze Wine Estate. With over 15 years of experience providing fine dining to those who visit The Winelands it’s a great restaurant to try. Terroir is headed up by expert chef Michael Boughton who creates spectacular dishes to pair with the many local wines on offer.

Set amongst the ancient oak trees in a relaxed setting, this indoor-outdoor restaurant offers a cosy warm dining experience in the cooler months. In summer the outdoor seating in the courtyard is beautiful, ideal for a long lunch and the views are sensational. The ambience is relaxed with the food and wine doing the majority of the talking. Many of the esteemed wines of the Kleine Zalze Estate are available to try to compliment the food.

The food is stunning in its presentation and absolutely delicious. The plating, flavors and generous portions shout of a chef who has had plenty of practice and is a master of his art. Dishes like baby beef tartare with quail’s egg and chocolate cremeux with vanilla sherbert showcase Chef Broughton’s skill. They also illustrate his desire to choose the best ingredients at the best time of year and show these off to diners.

Franschhoek Wine Tram:

Whilst not strictly for the gourmand, the Franschhoek Wine Tram is almost a rite of passage for those heading to The Winelands. This hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the Franschhoek Valley and the fine wines, cuisine and scenery. 

Take the tram and tram-bus at your leisure and take in the rolling vineyards of South Africa and some of the country’s finest and most well established wine estates. There are designated stopping off points which allow guests to hop-on or off at their leisure. Whether that is for the next glass of wine, a tour of an estate, a walk through the vineyards or for a long lazy lunch.

From The Coals:

For an authentic South African experience, From The Coals is hosted by Rueben’s Restaurant and Bar in the Franschhoek area. It showcases the Braai heritage of South Africa: Braai, the shortened version of Braaivleis is the classic South African experience of grilling meat over an open fire. 

This typically outdoor activity is a sociable experience. Platters of traditional favourites like marinated lamb with herb salsa and sosatie boerewors (spiced sausage) are available weather dependent for groups of five or more and From The Coals is available Monday-Friday at lunchtime at Reuben’s.

Babel at Babylonstoren:

Babylonstoren Farm Hotel is one of the best spots to stay in The Winelands. Offering homegrown produce from the gardens, there’s beautiful ingredients in abundance. The garden is like a conveyor belt of mouthwatering local fruit and vegetables which make it onto the menu of Babel at Babylonstoren.

Whilst many restaurants try to emulate what Babel does, many fall short. Babel offers farm to table dining exquisitely. Knowing exactly what is in season and what to showcase on its menu the chefs at Babel pick fresh and seasonal ingredients to pair with their creativity. 

The restaurant is a converted old cow shed which has undergone modernisation. It has been turned into a fresh feeling restaurant with white walls and plenty of glass creating a light and tranquil space. For those who are visiting for the day and not staying at Babylonstoren Farm Hotel there’s plenty to see and do. Visitors often choose to spend the day wandering through the picturesque eight hectares of gardens, to meet the donkeys, sample the wines and enjoy the delicious food!

Inevitably to cover all the best places to dine across The Winelands never mind an entire country is a hard task but hopefully now you have a little inspiration for visiting the Winelands. If you want to find out what’s on offer in Cape Town then read our blog; A foodie’s guide to Cape Town. If you would like to visit South Africa then get in touch and we would love to help.