Wine country basics

Choose an area

Franschhoek works well for a village base with restaurants and estate outings. Stellenbosch combines a historic university town with a wider wine route. Paarl’s route is another collection of estates rather than a single walkable tasting strip. Choose a cluster and stay with it; visiting all three areas in one leisurely day is unrealistic.

Tastings and meals

Book the tastings and meals you care about, and confirm the current format, fee and opening days with each estate (check before you go). A tasting reservation does not automatically reserve lunch. Arrive on time, ask the host about the wines, use the spittoon if you prefer and feel free to leave a pour unfinished. Eat and drink water between tastings. These are practical etiquette suggestions, not universal house rules.

For a relaxed day, choose a morning estate and lunch there rather than trying to visit every cellar. Confirm children’s access and non-alcoholic options; tasting rooms and restaurants may have different arrangements (check before you go).

Leave the driving to someone else

Use a designated driver who does not drink, a booked driver or an estate shuttle agreed in advance. Do not rely on finding a ride immediately at a rural estate (check before you go).

The Wine Tram combines trams and buses, with estates determined by the line booked. Read that line’s current timetable before reserving lunch and arrange transport back to your accommodation. Tastings and meals are paid separately from the standard hop-on hop-off transport ticket. Book ahead; check operating dates and any extra estate admission. Pushchairs must be folded on the vehicles, and wheelchair arrangements need advance discussion.