Spring is always an amazing time of year in the Western Cape. The weather turns milder, giving us some respite after the harsh Cape winters; wild flowers spring from the earth and above all, new life and hope hang in the air. The Cape Winelands is especially beautiful during springtime. In this post, I share my most stunning spring experiences to enjoy in and around the Cape Winelands.
With everything from dreamy picnics to beautiful gardens to explore and fun winelands markets, there is something for all ages to enjoy during springtime in the winelands:
1) Explore a Beautiful Garden
There are no shortage of incredible gardens to enjoy in the Cape Winelands. Personally, I love exploring wine farm gardens and other local gardens. It’s just such a lovely way to experience the outdoors and natural beauty of the Cape without even having to travel far from the Mother City.
Some of my personal favourite gardens and/or estate gardens in and around the Cape Winelands include:
- Babylonstoren
- La Motte
- Spier
- Lourensford
- Vergelegen
- De Meye
- Boschendal
- Old Nectar (read my review here)
- Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden (read my review here)
Most of the wine estate gardens are free to visit – with the exception of Babylonstoren and Vergelegen. These two have a small entry fee but it’s so worth it.
Otherwise, Old Nectar and Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden (both found in Stellenbosch) have paid entry but they are excellent and definitely recommended.
2) Head for a Dreamy Picnic
Another wonderful part of spring in the winelands is that the winelands picnic season starts up. Most estates ring in the spring season, re-launching their annual picnic season during September or October for the duration of summer.
Some of the best winelands picnics to enjoy include the likes of:
- Boschendal (read my picnic review here)
- La Bri (read my picnic review here)
- Mont Rochelle (read my picnic review here)
- Alluvia Boutique Winery (read my picnic review here)
- The Table at De Meye (read my picnic review here)
- Hazendal (read my picnic review here)
- Warwick
- Spier (read my picnic review here)
Most picnic baskets are suitable for two adults sharing. Although in some cases, you can buy a single basket for one person.
There are also usually some lovely kiddies’ picnic options for the little ones to enjoy too.
Picnics in the winelands are fun, family-friendly affairs.
A winelands picnic is the perfect way to enjoy excellent food and wine (usually billed separately from your standard picnic fee); soak up the good weather – and best of all, experience some of the Cape’s most glorious wine farms!
3) Enjoy a Soothing Wine Estate Luncheon
Another lovely way to enjoy the finest food and wine in the winelands during springtime is to enjoy a soothing wine estate luncheon.
There are many different wine farms with restaurants and lunch offerings – but here are some of my personal picks:
4) Pick Your Own Flowers
Although there are a few flower farms in the Western Cape that allow visitors to stroll among the flowers or buy bouquets/flower arrangements – Jamestown Flower Farm near Stellenbosch is one of the few places where you can actually pick your own flowers!
2026 Update: Jamestown Flower Farm has unfortunately closed. The team will be moving their flower operations to Tulbagh.
While their annual flower season generally only resumes in September, this is one of the most enjoyable outdoor experiences I have found through my blog.
It is affordable, fun and ideal for families with kids, solo travellers and of course, friends and couples too. The farm also sells seeds and ready-made bunches. These are ideal, especially if you prefer to take a more hands-on approach in your garden or give a beautifully arranged flower gift to yourself or a loved one.
5) Head to a Winelands Market
The Cape Winelands is also famous for its diverse range of local family-friendly markets. These markets offer everything from delicious eats to elegant home ware and other beautifully crafted items.
Some of my favourite markets near the Cape Winelands include:
6) Enjoy a Scenic Wine Tasting
Few things are more pleasant and interesting than a good Cape Winelands wine pairing or tasting.
Not only does South Africa’s wine region produce and export some of the best wines anywhere in the world but we have one of the most diverse, beautiful wine regions to boot.
And of course, with quality wines comes excellent pairing options and tastings that offer something for all wine lovers to enjoy.
Some of my favourite wine tastings and/or pairings can be enjoyed at the following estates:
- Bloemendal
- Groot Constantia
- De Grendel
- Durbanville Hills
- Kunjani Wines
- Esona Boutique Wine Estate
- Constantia Glen
- Nederberg
- Canto Wines
- Villiera Wines
- Blaauwklippen Wine Estate
- Fairview
- Lourensford
- Warwick Wine Estate
7) See Some Wildlife or Cute Farm Animals
Last but by no means least is to enjoy seeing some wildlife or adorable farm animals during springtime. (Or all year-round, in some instances!)
- Seeing the famous Fairview goats. (The sweet kids are normally present on the farm from September onwards.)
- Enjoying a quality game drive at Villiera Wines.
Springtime in the Cape Winelands
These are just some of the most stunning springtime experiences that you can enjoy in the Cape Winelands. 🙂
Are there any others you would add to this list?
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