The ultimate luxury in today’s busy life is finding the time to relax, and to do it properly. To be able to indulge in the quiet, breathe slowly, take a moment to be grateful and to enjoy getting spoilt.

Okay, we know practicing selfcare doesn’t necessarily have to involve a spa, but everyone would agree: it’s a pretty divine way to do it.

Luckily South Africa boasts with a long list of award-winning spas, many of them hidden in the midst of the majestic winelands. Massages, beauty treatments, wine and vineyard views.

You're ready to take your relationship to the next level. It's time to pop the question. The real question however, is: where to do it?

Fear not, the winelands have you covered – from Plettenberg Bay to Doringbaai and beyond. Here's a short list of suggestions to get your started. Remember that most need to be booked in advance.

Like wine, tasting rooms have their fans. Ask anyone for their favourite and you've launched a debate.

For some, it's about architecture; others, the view. There are tasting rooms that are great because they're like the local pub; a place about people. And still more that have a following because of the art or the frogs (keep reading) or the vibe.

Most people head for the beach when in Plettenberg Bay, but that's changing as the region's winelands break into the mainstream.

Wine has been part of the tourism attractions of Plettenberg Bay since the early 2000s. Today, the number of farms and estates provide interest and a diversity of activities to keep new visitors engaged for more than just a few days.

Do you want to learn a bit more about wine this year to talk the talk in the tasting room? 

Here are 20 facts every lover of South African wine should know. Armed with this checklist you’ll bluff anyone into believing you are an authority.

The South African winelands are not only home to some of the world’s finest vintages and award-winning estates, but also incredible adventure experiences. From mountain biking to quad biking, zip-lining to trail running and sky diving to abseiling, for those seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures, those brave souls willing to tackle the extreme, you will get your fix in the winelands.

Wine producers are already gearing up to host festivals in 2019. Many of the dates are available online, but we've done the surfing (and checking!) for you. Get ahead of your busy schedule and diarize 2019’s food and wine festivals now. From large, family friendly shows to intimate, black-tie affairs – there’s plenty to get excited about.

South African wines are lauded globally for their outstanding quality and distinctive character. Remarkably, they not only taste good, but make a significant contribution to the economy and provide thousands of jobs.

South Africa is famous for its long coastal stretches and world class vineyards. Pristine white-sand beaches, epic surf spots and row-upon-row of vineyards are all calling cards for the country, and visitors come in the thousands, drawn by the vast diversity of varietals and the endless stretches of coastline. The only question is which do you do first? Sample an award-winning vintage or soak up the sun on a Blue Flag beach? The good news is that you can do both with a number of the country’s winelands within a stone’s throw of the beach. 

‘Tis the season for festive markets, carols by candlelight, sparkling decorations and all the magic that a warm South African summer Christmas can bring.

To make sure you and your family have a merry memorable time in the winelands, here’s a round-up of 15 of the 2018 holiday season events and attractions in the different wine routes you can’t miss.

The country's best restaurant rated by Eat Out is located on a wine farm. When coupled with the prominence of local wines, the achievement again re-affirms the excellence inherent in South Africa's culinary landscape. In fact, wineland venues in the final Top 10 dominated in the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards this year.

The Cape winelands are home to not only leading wine farms, but some of the country's best restaurants too, a fact highlighted once again with the announcement this week of winners in the annual Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards.