• hout-bay-republic-cape-town

    A Local’s Love Letter to ‘The Republic of Hout Bay’

    20 July 2026 - By 

    Hout Bay is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful and, at times, underrated suburbs. This charming seaside village, so rich in history and blessed with cheery demeanour aplenty, is rightfully well-loved among its locals and tourists. Yet, it is perhaps somewhat underexplored by Capetonians at large. Hout Bay, which is fondly considered its own ‘republic’ (it even has its own passport), is one of my favourite parts of Cape Town. Since I first properly explored Hout Bay in 2014, I have found myself frequently answering its sweet siren’s call. This post is my local love letter to the Republic of…

  • pet-friendly-travel-places-western-cape

    My Favourite Pet-friendly Places across the Western Cape

    1 July 2026 - By 

    Pet-friendly travel – both in terms of accommodation and eateries – is becoming a major, important requirement for pet lovers. To most of us – myself included – our pets are as much a part of our family as anyone else. So being able to or feeling welcome to bring them along matters. (Obviously, not every trip or holiday is geared towards bringing your floof with. But most are suitable for pets, especially local day trips and getaways.) In light of this, I wanted to share some pet-friendly accommodation and restaurants across the Western Cape. These are all places that…

  • val-du-charron-winelands-getaway-wellington

    A Tranquil, Family-friendly Winelands Getaway at Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate

    24 May 2026 - By 

    Wellington is one of my favourite, though personally more undiscovered parts of the Cape Winelands. This small town has plenty of country charm, stunning mountain vistas and amazing wine farms, accommodation and restaurants to enjoy so it’s definitely a destination we plan to explore more as a family in time. For now though, it’s enough to have spent two luxurious nights at one of Wellington’s long-standing, beautiful institutions in Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate. With two on-site eateries, a gorgeous farm setting (with views to rival anywhere in the world) and luxury accommodation, you might not even be…

  • best-child-friendly-restaurants-wine-estates-near-cape-town

    My Best Child-Friendly Restaurants and Wine Farms near Cape Town

    6 May 2026 - By 

    The Western Cape, and Cape Town, offer some excellent places for families with children to enjoy. In particular, there are a host of top child-friendly restaurants and wine farms. With my partner and I now in the early stages of parenthood and, as I have so many friends with children, when I explore new places, I definitely look for family-friendly ones. With this in mind, I’ve compiled a list of my best child-friendly restaurants and wine farms near Cape Town. Top Child-Friendly Restaurant and Wine Farms near Cape Town and Surrounds: I believe that both parents and children, irrespective of…

  • best-breakfasts-sadiecoffee-paarl

    Best Breakfast- and Brunch-Spots in the Cape Winelands

    17 April 2026 - By 

    They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and they are certainly right about that. Still, you also can’t beat a good brunch for setting the tone to your day! In this post, I share my pick of the best breakfast- and brunch-spots in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Breakfasts of Champions and Brunches for Foodie Fiends While breakfast is usually anything from eggs to flapjacks to granola and fresh fruit or gourmet toasties – brunch allows for a bit more menu versatility. You want to order a big juicy burger? Go for it. Craving some coffee…

  • special-date-ideas-durbanville

    Cosy Cape Town Cafes and Restaurants Perfect for Dates

    13 April 2026 - By 

    If, like us, date night is a serious occasion in your household – then you will love these cosy Cape Town cafes and restaurants perfect for dates. Food is truly one of my love languages and it’s no secret that the way to my heart is through great food, memorable travel experiences and a heady dose of the romance. I believe that couples should date continuously (no matter what stage of life or relationship phase you are in) and make time to enjoy good, quality meals and fun outings together. Preferably those that allow you to dress up a bit…

  • stellenbosch-wine-tractor-hop-on-hop-off-experience

    Hop-on, Hop-off Wine Tasting Fun on the Stellenbosch Wine Tractor

    4 April 2026 - By 

    As one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful, exciting wine regions, Stellenbosch offers some incredible, family-friendly wine farms and experiences to enjoy. With a range of world-class wine farms and restaurants, wine pairings that impress from the first sip and a host of fun outdoor and indoor experiences too (everything from historic glass museums to lavish family picnics), there is plenty to see and do in Stellenbosch Wine Region. Since 2024, one of the best additions to the Stellenbosch Wine Routes is the thrilling Stellenbosch Wine Tractor. This amazing hop on, hop off experience is highly affordable and provides great…

  • best-wedding-venues-for-travellers

    Best Wedding Venues for Travellers in the Cape Winelands

    2 April 2026 - By 

    As travellers, we get to experience some incredible destinations across the world. Yet few destinations are as meaningful as the one you choose to host your wedding at. With this in mind, I have put together a list of my favourite Cape Winelands wedding venues. Each of these venues has either been visited or vetted by yours truly, so I can personally attest to their quality. Scattered across South Africa’s most world-famous wine regions, these stunning destinations are individually unique, aesthetically appealing and professionally operated. Each estate and venue offers carefully curated packages, incredible settings and imposing backdrops. Throw in…

  • rose-garden-cape-winelands

    Dreamy Gardens to Explore Year-Round Near the Cape Winelands

    5 January 2026 - By 

    I love all things garden-related and over the years, I have had the pleasure of exploring many wonderful gardens in and around Cape Town and the Western Cape. Some have been during special, annual Open Garden events while others have come from impromptu solo missions. Regardless of the occasion, the Cape has some glorious gardens to explore. And in this post, I share my pick (so far) of the best gardens to explore year–round near the Cape Winelands! Cape Winelands’ Gardens for Every Season Gardens are always great during spring and summertime. But I want to show that in the…

  • winelands-farm-shops

    Best Cape Winelands Farm Shops

    2 January 2025 - By 

    The Cape Winelands offers visitors and locals a treasure trove of food and drink experiences, outdoor adventure and Cape history but one of the most underrated wine farm offerings are local farm shops. My Pick of the Best Cape Winelands Farm Shops to Enjoy Personally, I love a wine farm shop almost as much as any other attraction on our local wine farms – and in this post, I share why. We look at wine farm shops across the Winelands – everything from local farm grocers and wine shops to local cheese shops brimming with local delicacies. Farm Grocer, Laborie…