As the festive season fades and the hustle of holiday hosting winds down, the months ahead can feel quiet, leaving us yearning for relaxed gatherings with friends that don’t require the stress of home hosting.
Cape Town, recently crowned the world’s best foodie capital in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, offers far more than just great meals.
With a mix of wine, food, and unique experiences like animal encounters, stunning views, and adventure activities, it’s the perfect destination for a fun, family-friendly outing beyond the usual dining spot.
If making more meaningful memories with friends is on your New Year’s resolution list, these four Cape Winelands destinations, just off the N1 and only 40 minutes from Cape Town, offer the perfect escape for adventure close to home.
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Fairview
Fairview has long been a beloved destination, with its welcoming goat shed and family-friendly atmosphere making it a favourite among visitors, especially young families.
Celebrating 50 years of winemaking this year, Fairview is dedicated to fine wine and cheese, ensuring plenty of delicious options for tasting. In addition to their signature wine and cheese pairings, they also offer a cheese-only tasting featuring Fairview cow and goat milk cheeses.
A highlight of any visit is the Goat Tower, a stone structure where you can watch and admire Fairview’s playful furry mascots.
Spice Route Destination
Adored for its winding pathways connecting charming shops, tasting spots, restaurants, thorn-free green lawns, and children’s playgrounds, Spice Route Destination is always a great choice.
With 12 on-site vendors (and more to come in 2025) and no need to plan ahead, the relaxed atmosphere invites you to leave the city’s bustle behind and enjoy a leisurely day filled with activities.
There’s something for everyone, and if deciding feels overwhelming, the Spice Route Passport offers a curated experience: a two-hour tasting journey featuring six Spice Route wines, six Jewell’s charcuterie samples, four CBC premium beers, a Wilderer Fynbos and Rose Water gin with tonic, and a selection of Beyers chocolates—all for R315.
The Alpaca Loom
If you’re still craving some time with adorable animals or your kids need to burn off their remaining energy, stop by The Alpaca Loom.
For a rustic, outdoor experience, try an alpaca walk. On-site, you’ll find ‘The Coffee Shop’, a cozy spot for refreshments, along with a petting zoo and jungle gym. A shop selling woven alpaca wool completes the experience.
Vrymansfontein
Still quite a new addition to Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Vrymansfontein, has quickly raised the bar for wine tasting and dining.
Launched by Vondeling Wines, this destination doubles as a working almond farm, adding a unique twist to the traditional ‘wine destination.’
It may not be long before global dining critics take notice of its restaurant, SCAPE, which offers a Mediterranean-inspired, seasonal sharing plate menu.
For a more casual, family-friendly option, there’s The Shed—a relaxed alfresco eatery situated next to a spacious lawn and play area.
Ruling out fussy excuses becomes less of an issue when opening your eyes and mind for a group outing in the Cape Winelands-there truly is something for everyone.
From fine wines and cheeses to unique family-friendly experiences.
Conveniently close to Cape Town, these spots make it easy to gather friends and family, embrace the beauty of the Winelands, and create lasting memories—no hosting required.
Article originally published by Cape Town ETC.
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