Here are 20 things you can do (including a few interesting wine pairings, not tastings) in the Winelands for under R100. Plus, they’re all close to Cape Town so you don’t have to drive very far.
Affordable things to do in the Durbanville Wine Valley
1. Signal Gun
You are always guaranteed to have a good time at Signal Gun as there is so much to do, eat and drink. The kids will love it too! They do a beer and biltong pairing at R50 per person, a wine and Turkish delight pairing at R50 per person and a wine and chocolate pairing at R50 per person. The wine and pizza pairing is also worth a mention at R115 per person for four wines paired with four saucer-sized pizzas. Great idea if you are feeling peckish while wanting to try some of their wines!
Affordable things to do in Franschhoek
4. The Franschhoek Cellar
Their latest addition to their pairings is the Pinotage Experience, which sees five Pinotage wines paired with five nut and biltong offerings. The cheese and wine pairing costs R60 per person, the chocolate and wine pairing costs R70 per person and the Pinotage Experience also costs R70 per person. Parents will also be pleased to know that Franschhoek Cellars are very child-friendly with plenty of activities for the kids in a safe, enclosed area with child-minders.
Affordable things to do in the Helderberg / Somerset West
9. Waterkloof Wines
The view from the restaurant at Waterkloof Wines is astounding, along with the chic décor and interesting art pieces. The restaurant set menu may be a bit pricey for many, but don’t let that put you off visiting this beautiful wine estate. Pop in and enjoy a wine tasting from R30 per person, a cheese tasting for R50 per person or share a Waterkloof Platter with your wine tasting for R150. You’ll enjoy the same views as everyone else, but at a fraction of the price!
Affordable things to do in Paarl
14. The Spice Route
Prepare for a full day out to enjoy a carefully curated selection of artisanal wares to explore, taste and appreciate. Pop into the Barley & Biltong Emporium for a cold craft beer and some biltong or a burger; indulge in a chocolate & confectionery tasting (R25 per person) at De Villiers Artisan Chocolate, Roastery & Espresso Bar; try an authentic South African dish with a twist at Bertus Basson; take on a Grappa Tasting (from R30 per person) at Wilderer Distillery; tuck into pizza, flammkuchen or tapas next door at La Grapperia Pizza & Bistro; enjoy homemade ice cream at the DV Café; appreciate works of art at the Barn Artist’s Studio Gallery; or shop for glassware, deli meats, jams, wine and more. There’s something for all tastes and all budgets on The Spice Route!
Affordable things to do in Stellenbosch
19. Middelvlei Wine Estate
Only in South Africa would you find boerebraai tapas! Relax on the Middelvlei veranda in summer, or cosy up in front of the fireplace in winter to enjoy a fun pairing of Middelvlei wines paired with their very own boerebraai tapas, including mini potbrood and snoek pâté; biltong and caramelised onion paptertjie; and a cocktail boerewors sosatie. This uniquely South African wine pairing costs R70 per person and you only need to confirm your visit an hour prior to arrival.
Click here to read more online on what is available in the winelands.