What it is
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, all within an hour of the city, set in valleys between steep mountains. Wine has been made here since the 1680s and the whitewashed gabled farmhouses date from that period.
Why go
Tastings, long lunches and several of the best restaurants in the country, at prices that surprise visitors from Europe. Stellenbosch is a university town with a walkable centre. Franschhoek is smaller, prettier and more expensive, with a tram that loops between estates so nobody has to drive.
When to go
Any month. Harvest runs February to April and the cellars are busy and interesting then. Winter means fires, slow lunches and empty tasting rooms, which some people prefer. Arrange a driver or use the Franschhoek tram. Drink-driving enforcement is real and the mountain passes are not the place to test it.
Most people stay 2-3 nights.