The Winelands of South Africa are well known for their mountain biking culture, with a huge base of riders and an impressive network of trails cutting through the valleys. But there is also a growing movement of trail runners starting to take advantage of the impressive mountain passes, rolling jeep tracks and challenging technical single-tracks that are found throughout the wine regions.

The folks making that secret agent film will be swilling their own martinis by now having just wrapped up the latest edition of this blockbuster. Filming apparently took place almost everywhere again – even the Faroe Islands (where?) - but not South Africa.

What can be better than our wineries? In this edition, we'll explain why many of them are ideal locations plus we offer some story ideas too.

Quality time away with your partner probably doesn’t happen often, so when it does, make sure it’s a memorable experience. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the most romantic and unique getaways across 20 different wine routes in South Africa.

Whether it’s for your honeymoon, anniversary, proposal or just some time away to reconnect, you’ll find something special to suit your budget and taste.

With several local and nearby events dedicated to luxurious bubbles and a bevy of producers focused on fizz, Franschhoek is renowned for how elegantly it sparkles.

Visit the magnificent Elgin Valley that’s just an hour away from Cape Town and you’ll be delighted to find not only excellent wines to please every palette, but also activities that will enchant everyone from thrill seekers to city slickers seeking something off the beaten track.

Spring and Summer in South Africa is the ultimate time to hit the road in search of gorgeous gardens. From the natural splendour of the Namaqualand wild flowers, to perfectly manicured wine estates, and the national treasures of botanical gardens in between.

Our wine routes and valleys play host to a vast variety of gardens that can be experienced in many different ways.

Wines from Elgin lay claim to several overarching characteristics. Among the most prominent will be a cool climate, an interesting landscape and a fascinating history.

Wine is where art, science and nature meet and this month we experienced an urban oasis that embodies this belief: the Constantia Wine Route.

With the slopes of Table Mountain as the backdrop, each of the farms in the area create a truly unique wine with its own story.

Wine tourism can be a tough nut to crack. Being innovative and offering a wine tourism experience that is totally different is not an easy challenge.

But then, the team at Hazendal Wine Estate on the Bottelary sub-route of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, does not shy away from challenges. And when they accept it, they believe in the saying: “go big or go home” as their latest additions proves: a luxurious Russian tea experience, an edutainment centre for children, an art gallery and restaurant.

This year the town of Tulbagh marks the 50th year since it experienced the most destructive earthquake in South Africa’s history.

The town was rebuilt and restored and feels like a meeting place of the old and the new. On Church Street you’ll find traditional Cape Dutch houses with green shuttered windows and at the end of the road you’ll be able to enjoy Bootlegger coffee and contemporary art at Makers Mark.

The South African winelands provide exciting experiences for lovers of wine, leave families with a lifetime of happy memories and provide a spectacular haven for those who seek new experiences, throughout winter. Here are a few of my favourite winelands experiences that are better in winter.

Make your way to Wellington's wine cellars this winter and expect to be welcomed by a soon-to-be familiar scene. A cosy fireplace, friendly faces and an assortment of wines to warm the heart. Add to this epic mountain views, good food and a short drive from Cape Town and you have the perfect weekend break ahead of you.