There are so many magnificent destinations to explore in the Western Cape – so much to do, so little time, right?

Here's a taste of just a few places that I've been that I feel should be on the top of anyone's 'Things to do in the Cape Winelands in winter' list.

A few wineries have gone the extra mile to help visitors understand what goes into making wine. 

You can expand your knowledge of South African wine by seeking out producers that allow you to blend your own or offer vertical tastings at their wineries. Learn more through these rare local experiences. 

It’s not fun to kiss summer picnics and late sunsets goodbye. But once again we are reminded why the love of wine is such a great romance, you can trade in your chilled whites for some warming reds and wineries have always got your back with their amazing winter offerings. There is bound to be a roaring fire or a special winter menu waiting to welcome you in the winelands.

As a sommelier and self-proclaimed foodie, the rainy days in the Winelands start showing other gems as everything slows down. I find myself having the precious time to really enjoy what is on offer.

Agriculture and activities like the making of wine is often a family affair, as the stories of many of South Africa's winemakers reflect. Marking Father's Day this month, Maryke Roberts asked some of them to be re-told.

The Black Cellar Club (BLACC) is a young organisation with a mission to share the story of South African wine. 

BLACC is a voluntary association created "to reach out to black Africans … interested in furthering their wine knowledge". 

Ranging from 1700’s Cape Dutch buildings with thatched roofs, to ultra-modern millennium brick, cement and glass buildings, the Western Cape Winelands offer a diverse range of architecture, the one more show-stopping than the next. Even more so, most of these buildings are either set against the backdrop of the majestic Western Cape mountains, lush green vineyards, designer crafted gardens and/or a sapphire ocean.

Get ahead of your busy schedule and diarize 2018’s remaining food and wine festivals in the Cape winelands now. From large, family friendly shows to intimate, black-tie affairs – there’s plenty to get excited about.

The Aleit Group has been planning weddings for local and international bridal parties, including many a celebrity wedding, in the Winelands for 16 years.

“And it has to be said, this is our forte – from the nitty-gritty, to keeping the in-laws happy, from the not-so-fun-logistics, to the intrinsically extravagant wish-list, The Aleit Group will plan and pave the rose-petal-way to your perfect wedding. From the moment you walk in till the moment you walk out, every step of the way.”

Aleit writes for us about some of his favourite venues in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Winelands.

Cape Town and the Western Cape are open for business in spite of the current drought. Visitors are arriving in a place with a significant breadth and depth of experiences and exceptional beauty. However, as beautiful as it is, the Western Cape is a water-scarce part of the world (much like other successful tourist regions like Southern California and Western Australia) and is vulnerable to the effects of climate change and is susceptible to periodic droughts.

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.