South Africa offers stunning landscapes, from mountains to vineyards. For a weekend getaway, you can hike in the morning, enjoy wine in the afternoon, and sleep with beautiful mountain views at night.
Here are five destinations where the mountains meet the vines for the perfect short getaway.
Franschhoek and Stellenbosch – the classic mountain and wine escape
Franschhoek image used for illustrative purposes/Marcelo Novais/Unsplash
Tucked between rugged peaks and sprawling vineyards, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are the heart of South Africa’s wine country. The two towns are neighbours, each offering its own take on mountain-framed indulgence.
Where to sip
Start your weekend with tastings at estates like Tokara or Delaire Graff, where views over the Banghoek Valley stretch toward the Hottentots Holland mountains. In Franschhoek, La Motte and Grande Provence pair heritage charm with glass-walled tasting rooms that invite you to linger.
Where to stay
Mont Rochelle, Sir Richard Branson’s vineyard hotel, has picnic lawns, sweeping valley views and easy access to the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Alternatively, stay at La Petite Ferme for its mountainside cottages and on-site cellar.
Why go
It’s the quintessential wine escape: good food, better wine, and dramatic mountain backdrops that make every sip feel cinematic.
Drakensberg and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands – wine in the highlands
Few people realise that the Drakensberg has its own vineyards. The Cathedral Peak Wine Estate is the first commercial winery in the area, tucked into the foothills of the Central Berg.
Where to sip
Stop by Cathedral Peak’s tasting room for crisp whites and full-bodied reds grown in mountain soil. If you continue toward the Midlands Meander, you’ll find family-run cellars experimenting with cool-climate varietals and local cheeses.
Where to stay
The Cavern Resort & Spa or Ardmore Guest Farm make excellent bases. Both offer mountain walks, fireplaces and hearty meals with regional wines on the menu.
Why go
It’s a refreshing alternative to the Western Cape. You can hike to waterfalls in the morning, sip boutique wines by afternoon, and fall asleep to the quiet of the mountains.
Riebeek Valley and the Swartland – rugged hills and independent wines
If you prefer a more rustic setting, head north of Cape Town to the Swartland. The Riebeek Valley sits beneath the Kasteelberg mountains, where small-scale winemakers craft distinctive, dry-farmed wines.
Where to sip
Visit Pulpit Rock Winery on the slopes of Kasteelberg for a tasting with a view. In town, stop by The Royal Hotel’s veranda for sundowners that overlook the valley. Don’t miss a tasting at AA Badenhorst Family Wines or Mullineux, two Swartland names known for innovation and character.
Where to stay
Stay at The Merindol Manor for an authentic heritage home experience. It offers warm hospitality, gardens filled with olive trees and easy access to wine routes.
Why go
Swartland is all about honesty. It’s rugged, sun-baked and beautifully untamed, with wines that tell the story of the soil and the people who make them.
Breedekloof Valley – between the mountains and the vines
Du Toitskloof mountains/Andresdewet at the English Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons
The Breedekloof Valley lies between the Slanghoek and Du Toitskloof mountains, just an hour from Cape Town. The valley is lush and fertile, with family-owned wineries lining the road between Rawsonville and Wolseley.
Where to sip
Try Slanghoek Cellar or Botha Kelder for tastings with mountain views. Opstal Estate offers a perfect blend of modern tasting spaces and traditional hospitality, with a restaurant that looks straight out over the vineyards.
Where to stay
Stay at Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway or Monte Rosa Guesthouse to be close to both nature and wine. The surrounding mountains offer hiking, fishing and picnic spots beside cool streams.
Why go
It’s one of the most scenic wine valleys in the country, ideal for travellers looking for quiet weekends, farm-to-table food and plenty of outdoor space.
Cederberg and the Western Cape interior – wild beauty and hidden cellars
For something more adventurous, head north into the Cederberg mountains. The landscape is wild and rocky, with vineyards that thrive in extreme conditions.
Where to sip
Cederberg Private Cellar is the highest wine estate in the Western Cape, producing award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. The wines are as bold as the setting, made from vines that cling to ancient sandstone slopes.
Where to stay
Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge offers luxury with a wilderness edge, while Sanddrif Holiday Resort is perfect for a more rustic, stargazing kind of weekend.
Why go
It’s remote, rugged and deeply peaceful. The Cederberg is for travellers who want to pair adventure with a good bottle of red under a billion stars.
Plan your perfect weekend
Each of these destinations offers something unique: the refinement of Franschhoek, the authenticity of the Swartland, the alpine quiet of the Drakensberg, the lushness of the Breedekloof, and the raw wonder of the Cederberg. Whether you’re chasing cellar doors, hiking trails or just a change of scenery, there’s a mountain and a glass of wine waiting for you.
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