‘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.

When you cannot visit the magical wine farms of the Cape Winelands, do not despair: South Africa’s innovative wine bars creates wonderful settings to enjoy the fruit of the grape in a stylish fashion.

Whether you want to sit with your feet in the sand overlooking the ocean or sip ice cold MCC in the heart of Stellenbosch or even have dinner in a wine cellar with a glass ceiling in Umhlanga, there is something for everyone.

There are many things that South Africa can boast about, but arguably, there are two things that sit on top of that impressively large list of bragging rights: wine and safari. Few other destination can match up in terms of diversity and quality, so why not combine them? Next time you visit the SA winelands, be sure to pair the world class vintages with the might and beauty of the Big 6 and more.

We interview Nkululeko Mkhwanazi, brand ambassador in his home town of Johannesburg and Kwa-Zulu Natal for a number of wine brands - a job that has earned him the moniker of 'Durban's Minister of Wine' - on how his wine story started. 

It’s that time again. Another year has passed and you have to organise a special event to celebrate your company’s achievements or incentivise team members. Perhaps you have to organise someone’s birthday, your anniversary, a team building or actually any fun occasion for that matter.

The South African winelands offers incredible experiences that will ensure that you host an occasion that is unique, memorable and in a postcard-pretty setting, ensuring that perfect #selfie. 

What do South Africans think of as their traditional food? Here are some dishes to look out for. They are cooked in our homes, in country restaurants, and sold at farmstalls. To our delight, our fine dining restaurants are beginning to re-invent them, deconstruct them, and generally create magic around them.

The Black Cellar Club (BLACC) is to host its first premium wine and spirits festival in November. 

South Africa’s first township, Langa, was chosen for the historic occasion and the Guga s’Thebe Arts & Culture Centre, making for the ideal address.

If you come to South Africa, you should certainly celebrate your visit with a glass of Pinotage, our very own wine, “born” in South Africa over 80 years ago. 

Pinotage was developed by Abraham Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. 

Let us help you pick a wine estate or event to celebrate Pinotage Day at on Saturday, 13 October 2018! 

Let’s be honest. There’s not much that can top a picnic in the winelands on a beautiful day. Literally kicking back to enjoy a spread of delicious eats paired with your favourite bottle of wine, surrounded by vineyards and vistas.

Here’s our round-up of 15 fabulous pre-packed picnics on South African wine farms that you’ve got to try during the sunny seasons.

The Cape Winelands is not only set up for wining and dining, it is also the perfect backdrop to explore your adventurous side, with the natural elements and lay of the land providing the perfect network of trails for mountain bikers.