Vineyards with mountains in the background in South Africa

South African Winelands

A Foodie Road Trip
Through South Africa's Cape Winelands

By Lucy Jackson Walsh

Join Lightfoot Travel's cofounder, Lucy, on a foodie roadtrip through South Africa's scenic Cape Winelands.

Starting in Cape Town, Lucy's journey took her through the picturesque Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek valleys where world-class wine, farm-to-table cuisine, luxurious accommodation and scenic beauty combined to create a perfect foodie road trip in South Africa's Winelands.  
01.

From Cape Town

to Stellenbosch

Leaving the vibrant city of Cape Town behind, the road to the Cape Winelands is an easy, scenic drive, with the iconic Table Mountain gradually giving way to verdant vineyards and historic estates. Our first stop was Stellenbosch, a charming university town renowned for its oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture. 

02.

Paarl

Beside the Berg River

A short drive from Stellenbosch, we arrived at Paarl where the Paarl Rock, its majestic granite outcrop, offered panoramic views over the valley. This area is known for its robust reds and award-winning shiraz. Paarl's culinary scene also impresses, with gourmet restaurants serving dishes inspired by the region's rich agricultural heritage.

03.

Babylonstoren

A boutique farm hotel

A highlight of any Cape Winelands road trip is a stay at Babylonstoren, a historic Cape Dutch farm dating back to 1692. Nestled between Paarl and Franschhoek, this luxurious estate is a paradise for foodies and nature lovers alike. The sprawling gardens provide the freshest ingredients for the estate's acclaimed restaurant, Babel, where every meal was a celebration of the season’s bounty. 

04.

Gourmet delights

Farm-to-table dining

Babylonstoren's kitchen garden and wine estate are destinations in their own right. Seasonality is the foundation of the menu here and lunch was freshly sourced from Babylonstoren’s own garden with zippy leafy salads and zingy flavours.  Breakfast was a particular highlight with freshly laid-eggs and homemade granolas plus a delicious cooked breakfast, if you have space! 

05.

A Charming Farm

Thoughtfully Restored

The perfectly styled bedrooms provide a welcome sanctuary from exploring the local vineyards and picturesque towns of the Cape Region. All the rooms have been thoughtfully restored by Karen Roos, the owner of Babylonstoren. The chic simplicity of the converted farm buildings are incredibly comfortable.

06.

Kitchen Garden

The power of plants

The gateway to the vegetable garden with the hills beyond. This is where Gundula and the team of guides will immerse you into the healing properties of plants and horticultural tips.

07.

Cape Point

Beyond the Winelands

No trip to the Cape would be complete without extending the journey beyond Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope. A scenic drive along the Atlantic coastline, the route is famed for its rugged beauty and dramatic ocean views.  Arriving at the Cape of Good Hope, we were standing at the most southwestern point of the African continent, where the wild Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It was a fitting finale to our roadtrip.

Embark on your own roadtrip through the picturesque Cape Winelands, where rolling vineyards, gourmet delights, and breathtaking landscapes combine to create a memorable holiday. Reach out to our expert travel consultants today to start planning your bespoke trip. 


Photography credits: Callaghan Walsh

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