• great-picnics-lunches-cape-winelands

    Great Picnics and Lunches in the Cape Winelands, Western Cape

    19 September 2026 - By 

    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…

  • 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…

  • sustainably-minded-wine-farms-cape-town

    Sustainably Minded Wine Farms near Cape Town

    17 March 2024 - By 

    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…

  • apple-picking-cheverells-farm

    Interesting Day Trips Near Cape Town to Enjoy

    2 April 2023 - By 

    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,…

  • fabulous-fynbos-workshop

    Fabulous Fynbos: A Fynbos and Protea Workshop at The Kraal

    27 September 2021 - By 

    Recently, Susan Dehosse of The Kraal at Joostenberg Wine Estate invited me to cover and participate in an exciting floral workshop event. It was a collaboration between local fynbos and protea supplier, Fabulous Fynbos, and The Kraal. What could be lovelier than a fynbos and protea-themed workshop event during spring? Personally, having grown up on Cape farms, both proteas and fynbos have been a huge part of my life. It is also no secret that I am low-key obsessed with our indigenous proteas. (Everything from my home decor to my favourite bouquets are protea-themed.) Taking place at The Kraal Restaurant…

  • support-wine-farms-during-extended-level-3

    How to Support Western Cape Wine Farms During Extended Level 3

    22 January 2021 - By 

    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…

  • 20-best-travel-blog-experiences

    My 20 Best Travel Blog Experiences… So Far

    26 December 2020 - By 

    In the few short years that I have been blogging, Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust has grown from strength to strength. This year especially, I have had the joy of engaging with my peers and followers online; assisting my readers with travel queries; and producing solid content, all while weathering this trying year. Usually, I share a round-up post of my best travel blog experiences for the year with my readers. This is another way of engaging with them. It also allows me to recap on my own blogging highlights and reflect on the year that has been. But, with COVID-19, my…

  • ceres-rail-company-elgin-train

    19 Best Experiences Near Cape Town for 2019

    26 December 2019 - By 

    As 2019 draws to a close, I am fondly reflecting on the most memorable experiences I have enjoyed in and around Cape Town during the year. All of which you can enjoy going forwards. So, here are the 19 best experiences to enjoy near Cape Town in 2019 – and beyond: 1. Villiera Wines Game Drives and MCC and Nougat Pairing Villiera Wines, near Stellenbosch, is one of the loveliest wine farms to visit. They really offer visitors some excellent experiences. Highlights include: fun, affordable game drives (complete with buck species, giraffes and bird life); MCC and nougat tastings; and…

  • great-picnics-lunches-cape-winelands-western-cape-the-kraal

    Nostalgic, Country-style Dining at Joostenberg Wine Estate’s The Kraal

    14 May 2019 - By 

    Very few dining experiences can feed your mind and soul, even as they nourish your belly. Yet, The Kraal Restaurant at Joostenberg Wine Estate manages to do all three, in generous portions. Tucked away down a quaint farm road, lined with sprawling trees, The Kraal is every bit a breath of fresh country air… So breathe deep. Because every inch of this dreamy, family-owned and run-wine estate, located in Stellenbosch’s Muldersvlei district, echoes timeless, country nostalgia, modern-day serenity and a sense of belonging. A Family Affair Right Through Susan Dehosse, her sister, Nicky von Wiese and her brothers, Tyrrel and…