Discover the peaceful beauty of the Cape Winelands with your family! Visit Fairview for yummy wine and cheese, and don’t miss the playful goats at the Goat Tower. Enjoy a fun day at Spice Route Destination, where you can try tasty foods and relax in a lovely setting. At The Alpaca Loom, kids can pet adorable alpacas and play in the petting zoo. Finally, savor Mediterranean dishes at Vrymansfontein, a working almond farm with great views. These charming spots are just a short drive from Cape Town, making them perfect for unforgettable family adventures!
What are the best family-friendly destinations in the Cape Winelands?
Explore four family-friendly destinations in the Cape Winelands:
- Fairview – Enjoy wine and cheese pairings and visit the Goat Tower.
- Spice Route Destination – Experience a relaxing atmosphere with diverse food and wine tastings.
- The Alpaca Loom – Interact with alpacas and enjoy a petting zoo for kids.
- Vrymansfontein – Savor Mediterranean dining and wine tastings on a working almond farm.
As the vibrant days of summer start to fade and the whirlwind of seasonal events winds down, a calm serenity takes its place. While the coming months may not seem as bustling, they present an ideal time for relaxed gatherings with friends, free from the pressures of home hosting. Cape Town, recently crowned the best foodie capital for 2024 by the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, offers more than just culinary delights. This city combines wine, gourmet food, unique wildlife experiences, stunning landscapes, and thrilling adventures, making it a perfect destination for memorable, family-friendly outings.
To help you create lasting memories with friends and family, we’ve curated four Cape Winelands destinations. Each is just a 40-minute drive from Cape Town along the N1, offering a convenient yet rich array of experiences.
Fairview: A Wine and Cheese Wonderland
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
Fairview, known for its warm goat shed and welcoming atmosphere, has been a favorite for years. This year, it marks half a century of winemaking, staying true to its mission of crafting exceptional wines and cheeses. Visitors can savor delightful pairings of wine and cheese or opt for a cheese-only tasting, sampling an array of Fairview’s cow and goat milk cheeses.
The Charming Goat Tower
A visit to Fairview wouldn’t be complete without seeing the iconic Goat Tower. This quaint stone structure is home to the farm’s lively goats, who amuse guests with their playful antics. These spirited animals add a unique charm to Fairview, making it a must-see destination.
Location and Contact Information
- Location: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Suider, Paarl
- Contact: 021 863 2450
- Website: fairview.co.za
Spice Route Destination: A Day of Discovery
A Relaxing Retreat
Spice Route Destination offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle, with winding paths connecting charming shops, tasting spots, and restaurants. The thorn-free lawns and playgrounds make it a family-friendly haven, ensuring a day filled with joyous activities.
A Variety of Experiences
With twelve on-site vendors and more on the way, the atmosphere at Spice Route is effortlessly relaxed. Guests can explore at their own pace or choose the Spice Route Passport, a curated two-hour tasting journey. This passport includes six Spice Route wines, six Jewell’s charcuterie samples, four CBC premium beers, a Wilderer Fynbos and Rose Water gin with tonic, and a selection of Beyers chocolates—all for an affordable R320. This experience guides visitors through the best offerings of Spice Route, ensuring a day of delightful discoveries.
Location and Contact Information
- Location: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Southern Paarl, Paarl
- Contact: 021 863 5200
- Website: spiceroute.co.za
The Alpaca Loom: Rustic Charm
Interact with Alpacas
For those looking for more animal encounters or a place for children to expend their energy, The Alpaca Loom provides a rustic, outdoor experience. Visitors can partake in an alpaca walk, offering a unique chance to interact with these delightful creatures.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The on-site Coffee Shop serves cozy refreshments, while a petting zoo and jungle gym keep younger visitors entertained. Additionally, the shop selling woven alpaca wool products and memorabilia allows guests to take a piece of their experience home, making it a perfect stop for souvenirs.
Location and Contact Information
- Location: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Southern Paarl, Paarl
- Contact: 084 793 3666
- Website: alpacas.co.za
Vrymansfontein: A New Gem in the Winelands
A Multifaceted Experience
Vrymansfontein, a recent addition on Suid-Agter Paarl Road, quickly became a premier destination for wine tasting and dining. Launched by Vondeling Wines, Vrymansfontein also functions as a working almond farm, adding an interesting facet to its offerings.
Dining Options
SCAPE, the on-site restaurant, features a Mediterranean-inspired, seasonal sharing plate menu that promises to capture the attention of global dining critics. For a more laid-back, family-friendly option, The Shed offers alfresco dining next to a spacious lawn and play area. This variety ensures that Vrymansfontein caters to both casual visitors and discerning gourmands.
Location and Contact Information
- Location: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Southern Paarl, Paarl
- Contact: 082 617 4903
- Website: vrymansfontein.co.za
Embracing the Winelands
These Cape Winelands destinations, conveniently close to Cape Town, offer ample opportunities for friends and families to gather and enjoy the region’s beauty. From exquisite wines and artisanal cheeses to unique, family-friendly experiences, there’s something for everyone. The proximity and diverse offerings of these locations make creating lasting memories an effortless endeavor, without the stress of hosting at home. The charm of the Winelands beckons, inviting all to embrace its splendor and enjoy these tranquil, yet enriching, outings.
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FAQ: Exploring the Cape Winelands
What family-friendly destinations can we visit in the Cape Winelands?
You can explore four delightful family-friendly destinations in the Cape Winelands:
1. Fairview – Enjoy wine and cheese pairings and visit the playful Goat Tower.
2. Spice Route Destination – Experience a relaxing atmosphere with diverse food and wine tastings.
3. The Alpaca Loom – Interact with adorable alpacas and enjoy a petting zoo for kids.
4. Vrymansfontein – Savor Mediterranean dishes and wine tastings on a working almond farm.
How far are these destinations from Cape Town?
All the mentioned destinations are conveniently located about a 40-minute drive from Cape Town along the N1, making them easily accessible for family outings.
What can we expect at Fairview?
At Fairview, you can enjoy wine and cheese pairings, opt for a cheese-only tasting, and visit the charming Goat Tower where playful goats entertain visitors. It has been a favorite spot for over 50 years, known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional products.
What experiences does Spice Route Destination offer?
Spice Route Destination offers a peaceful retreat with various shops, tasting spots, and restaurants. Families can enjoy the thorn-free lawns and playgrounds. The Spice Route Passport provides a curated tasting journey, showcasing wines, charcuterie, craft beers, and chocolates, all at an affordable price of R320.
What activities are available for kids at The Alpaca Loom?
At The Alpaca Loom, children can interact with alpacas, enjoy a petting zoo, and play in the jungle gym. The venue also features a coffee shop for refreshments, and a shop where you can purchase unique woven alpaca wool products.
What dining options does Vrymansfontein provide?
Vrymansfontein offers a variety of dining experiences. The on-site restaurant SCAPE features a Mediterranean-inspired menu, while The Shed provides a more casual alfresco dining option next to a spacious lawn for kids to play. Both options cater to family-friendly experiences in a beautiful setting.
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