In this picturesque valley, just 50 kilometres from Cape Town, the soils and Mediterranean micro-climate are absolutely ideal for grape growing and, over time, Stellenbosch has become the official capital of the South African wine industry and the main centre for viticulture. Here, vintners have a great reputation for producing traditional and innovative wines and favourable exchange rates make purchasing a bottle or two even more inviting for visitors.

There are more than 60 wine farms – from boutique to big estates – in the wider Stellenbosch region and it boasts the country’s oldest wine route, which was based on France’s Route de Vin. Put simply, you know you’re on to a good thing when locals don’t play favourites and tell you to “just drive around and stop on a whim.”