The best way to spend a fruitful day in the Winelands

What’s the best way to spend a fruitful day in the Winelands? Winner of the coveted 2018 Veritas Young Wine Writer of the Year, Llewellyn Lambert, gives his suggestions for tourists about planning such a day.

How to get the most out of a mere 24 hours in the Winelands? The Winelands, much like their Cape Blends, vary from terroir to location and choosing between the 20 various wine routes in South Africa may become a quite daunting affair. Here’s a compact check list to make sure you make the most of your travels:

What type of traveller are you? Are you a wine novice (read millennial) and the idea of beautiful wineries and photographic gardens and contemporary architecture perfectly photographed for Instagram are completely up your alley? Then look for farms Like Babylonstoren in Franschhoek, Waterkloof in Somerset West or Tokara in Stellenbosch.

What is the main objective of your time here? If your main intention to tick the “tourist” boxes, then farms like Delaire Graff for a beautiful view, KWV in Paarl for its history and stunning Cathedral Cellar and a Segway at Spier Wine Estate are all good places to start planning your trip around. Also, Groot Constantia; the oldest wine estate in South Africa.

I adore wine and know what I like, now what? This is when smaller, “paths less travelled” type wine routes are best. Think the Botrivier, Breedekloof or Stanford Wine routes. Here, tasting rooms are smaller more personal and often the owner/winemaker will take their time in explaining the wine making process. Luddite, Beaumont, Gabrielskloof, Deetlefs and Sir Robert Stanford are my favourites that offer an enlightening experience.

It’s all about the food, where to? It’s likely that you’ll spend at least one evening in the Cape city bowl, so whether it’s at the start of your trip or the end, be sure to visit the Constantia Wine Route. Minutes away from your accommodation I assure you. With Eateries like Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia or La Colombe at Silvermist you’re bound to try some of South Africa’s finest fare and wines to boot.

I haven’t planned anything, how do I see the most in a day? The Red Bus Tour in Cape Town with City Sightseeing Tours or The Franschhoek Wine tram, the only double decker Tram Tour in the world are your best bets.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Llewellyn Lambert from Franschhoek is the winner of the coveted 2018 Veritas Awards Young Wine Writer of the Year. As part of his prize, Llewellyn’s work will be published exclusively on WineLand Media’s print and digital platforms.

Llewellyn is the founder of the HospitalityHedonist.co.za blog.

Watch our video interview with Llewellyn here. Alternatively, read the full story here.