• A Slice of Tranquil Tuscany in the Cape Winelands: Fields of Gold

    It’s not often that one can say you discovered a slice of Tuscany in the Western Cape. And yet, Fields of Gold Farm, tucked near the mountains between Paarl and Franschhoek, certainly feels like a trip to some quaint European villa. The only thing that makes it even better is the fact that it’s edged by our own beautiful South African wine farms and olive trees, with spectacular mountains behind. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a country escape, while still being wonderfully close by to local restaurants, wine farms and shops. (There is a rustic dirt road to access…

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

    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…

  • Dreamy Gardens to Explore Year-Round Near the Cape Winelands

    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…

  • Great Picnics and Lunches in the Cape Winelands, Western Cape

    The Cape Winelands in the beautiful Western Cape offer some of the best picnics and lunches in South Africa. Regardless of whether you are looking for a classy, yet homely weekend lunch, romantic picnic for two or simply a great family meal – this unique region is a foodies’ paradise. The Cape Winelands: A Foodie Destination for All Over time, I have had the pleasure of dining out at some of the Cape’s loveliest wine farms. I have sampled everything from gourmet picnics to soothing lunches. And in this post, I share my pick of my most memorable picnics and…

  • Sustainably Minded Wine Farms near Cape Town

    With our planet under siege and threat from carbon emissions, wastage, single-use plastics and more, there can be no doubt that ‘going green’ is essential. In fact, this drive for more eco-friendly practices and methods needs our gravest support throughout every industry. In South Africa’s own wine industry, the threat of climate change is already apparent in the droughts, changing wine seasons, varying harvests, unseasonal rainfall, wild fires and sweltering temperatures we see each year. Yet, for years now, the wine industry has quietly shown the power of sustainably minded farming – through solar-powered cellars, water-friendly farming practices and of…

  • Interesting Day Trips Near Cape Town to Enjoy

    Day trips are some of my favourite travel adventures. I am a sucker for road trips, hidden gems and new places and a day trip is the perfect chance to enjoy all this and more! Happily, there are so many interesting day trips near Cape Town for locals and tourists to enjoy. In this post, I cover some of my favourite day trips by region. This should help you get the most out of your day. My Most Interesting Day Trips Near Cape Town Whether you go wine farm hopping, dive into nature or road trip to your heart’s content,…

  • My 16 Best Adventures of 2021

    2021 proved to be a trying year on so many levels for many of us – myself included. However, I was fortunate enough to travel more – and safely – during 2021 so there is still much to be thankful for! In this post, I share my best adventures for 2021. Looking Back on 2021: My 16 Best Adventures Here, in chronological order, are my best adventures of 2021: 1) Picking Flowers at Jamestown Flower Farm (Stellenbosch) One of my best discoveries of 2021 was undoubtedly Jamestown Flower Farm. I first saw this gem on an acquaintance’s Instagram feed and…

  • Adjusted Level 4: Where to Order Takeaways, Deliveries and More From

    With South Africa’s shift to (adjusted) Level 4, I would like to support local restaurants, cafes, businesses and wine farms however I can at present. Please note: Sit-down dining in restaurants and alcohol orders and/or deliveries are not permitted by law until 11 July (for further review then). But that doesn’t mean you can’t support local right now! Here are some ways you can help: Order a takeaway coffee or sandwich from a local eatery or cafe; Pre-order wine online for delivery once the ban lifts; Order goods and meals for delivery and enjoy them safely at home. Book a…

  • Solo Travel Inspiration in the Western Cape

    When I first moved to Cape Town, I often had to travel alone. Sometimes, it was a choice – other times, it wasn’t. Regardless, solo travel has shaped me as a traveller – and as an adult. Weirdly enough, solo travel has even made me more confident, especially when it comes to social interactions. I am naturally reserved – but when it comes to travelling, I almost turn into a different person. When I first started doing reviews, I did them alone. This taught me which questions to ask. It also showed me how to engage naturally with others, even…

  • How to Support Western Cape Wine Farms During Extended Level 3

    With the third alcohol ban in South Africa under extended Level 3 regulations, wine farms – and restaurants – across the Western Cape are bleeding. So, for this post, I want to try highlight ways to support Western Cape wine farms during extended Level 3. Even if you can’t enjoy a wine tasting or take-home wine purchase. Show Your Support to Western Cape Wine Farms in Different Ways Many farms have come up with inventive non-alcoholic alternatives or started brainstorming new activities to enjoy when visiting them. However, the sad case remains that our wine- and restaurant-industry is on its…