Several WWF Conservation Champions farms promote and support the conservation of the threatened Cape mountain leopard, setting an example of environmental protection in the wine industry.

We’ve awaited the 2018 harvest with cautious optimism and nervous anticipation, bracing ourselves for a lower yield as a result of the drought. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Word from the vineyards is positive as the harvest season is gaining momentum.

The winelands is synonymous with romance. It offers the full package with plenty of wine, great restaurants and beautiful scenery, making the winelands a no-brainer destination to celebrate Valentine's Day. Many estates up the game and offer the ultimate Valentine's Day experience.

While the touring of vineyards may still eat into the most generous of weekend allowances, there are a handful of farms offering the full experience of food and wine to those seeking value for money.

In 2018 Wines of South Africa will once again be hosting its local showcase to the wine world. With the country’s wine producers riding a wave of positive sentiment because of the exciting wines they’re making, gaining heaps of airplay and column centimetres all over the world, there’s no doubt that Cape Wine 2018 will be a focused event that will contribute further to the success and growth of wine tourism.

Vineyards that have been established for 35 years or longer in the Swartland and the rest of the Boland's winelands are currently enjoying renewed attention thanks to the innovative spirit of seasoned role-players in the local wine industry.

If you’re going wine-tasting, you’re most likely to visit at least two estates. I don’t know about you but I hate having to drive after a good meal accompanied by a couple of glasses of the good stuff.  The answer is the wine-estate stay over … preferably at one that boasts a top-class restaurant. The fact that you’ll still be in the winelands for breakfast is a complete bonus!

It’s hard to decide which of the Western Cape’s wine regions are more spectacular during spring. Blossoms are starting to colour the bare branches of Franschhoek’s fruit trees, the vines of Stellenbosch are just starting to show signs of bright green life and everything seems so alive. The yellow canola fields of Bot River, however, make this region a solid contender for the most breathtaking of all.

Book your ticket on the Cape Explorer – Cape Winelands Tour to enjoy a fully guided (in English) day excursion to the picturesque Cape Winelands, in a luxury air-conditioned coach. Spend the day exploring the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch winelands, and even stop for an iconic postcard view of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand. This day tour to the Cape Winelands – which includes a wine and cheese tasting, a cellar tour in Franschhoek and a wine tasting at a Stellenbosch wine farm – is a must-do for visitors and locals alike.

Preparations for one of the world’s most prominent adventure races coming to South Africa’s Namaqua West Coast have moved into overdrive following the event’s official launch in the village of Vanrhynsdorp this week. The epic challenge to take place in May next year puts global attention on a region known for its magnificent wilderness and incomparable hospitality when competitors line up for the thrilling start. 

The South African wine industry, like the country itself, has lived through political turmoil and a fair amount of negativity with regards to its history. However, through radical transformation and a number of innovative projects, this perception is gradually changing as the industry is remade from within. By means of continued dialogue with all role players, authentic transformation and a commitment to grassroots development, the modern South African wine industry is taking its rightful place on the world wine tourism stage, to the benefit of all.

I was first introduced to Spier by my mother when I was younger, although she had never been on the farm, it was her favourite winery.  We took a trip to Cape Town and drove through Stellenbosch and she pointed it out to me: ‘Spier! That’s my favourite wine brand.”, I fondly remember her saying to me. It’s crazy how the universe works, who knew that about 10 years later I would be reintroduced to the brand at a welcome dinner that was hosted on the Spier farm during my #Stellenblog experience.