"Life is too short to drink bad wine" (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe). Thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate and winter rains at the Cape, some of the best South African wines come from the southwestern region of the country. The rich, fertile soil along the Breede River and especially in the areas of Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl have made the region world-famous for its wines. Today, South Africa exports 420 million hectoliters of wine to more than 120 countries. The wine sector provides 300,000 jobs, with approximately 160,000 employees coming from previously disadvantaged social backgrounds. South Africa is also a global leader in environmental protection and sustainability. Most wineries in the area offer daily wine tastings and cellar tours. Of course, you can also buy wines directly from the estates. Many of these estates also have excellent restaurants and offer picnic facilities.

 

THINGS TO DO

 

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

WINERY RECOMMENDATIONS

For more restaurant recommendations on wine farms, visit Inside Guide:
www.insideguide.co.za/cape-town/wine-farm-restaurants

OUR TIPS

Our recommendation in the Elgin Valley - near Grabouw: The Railway Market in Elgin. Art Deco meets Victorian style elements here. Held every weekend in former apple storage sheds, the market offers a fantastic selection of stalls including food, drinks, jewelry, clothing, art, live music, and ceramics.

Opening Hours: Saturday 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Elgin Railway Market: Oak Avenue, Elgin, 7180 (www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za/)