Made up of three primary regions - Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek - the Cape Winelands area extends in all directions, the wines becoming more distinct the further from the epicentre you travel.

Wine tasting is an institution in the Cape and most farms open daily for tastings at a couple of Euros. And, lest they appear avaricious, the tasting fee is discreetly waived if you buy.

Along the back roads, farm stalls sell preserves, cured meats, breads and home-made cheeses. All you need now is somewhere to enjoy the spoils of your wanderings. Might we recommend a gentle hike through a nearby nature reserve? Perhaps you'd like to make a picnic by a waterfall, dip in the crystal clear water and dry yourself off in the sun? The winelands are a giant amphitheatre of mountain ranges and valleys and the Cape Floral Kingdom extends into the nature reserves that surround the towns.

The towns themselves are worthy of a visit, each with an interesting cultural heritage along with monuments and museums to prove it. Dining out is a regional pastime in this well-heeled neck of the Cape and many world-class chefs ply their trade in unassuming eateries.