The Cape Winelands simply lend themselves to a self drive tour. Hiring a car really gives you the opportunity to explore this destination to its fullest; by discovering places that are off the beaten track.
The towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl are all within about 60 kilometres radius of Cape Town and all within about 20 to 30 minutes drive of each other. We recommend strongly that you spend about 5 days in Cape Town before proceeding to the Cape Winelands for 2 or 3 nights. The Cape Winelands can also be a fantastic start to your Garden Route safari. One of the distinct charms of the Cape Winelands is having a tour where you are ‘ free and easy’ and can really do what you feel like. Pop in an discover cheese factories, visit rug shops, pottery studios, olive farms and wine tasting – being on a scheduled tour or traveling on a day trip does not always give you this flexibility.
One of the obvious disadvantages of hiring a car, self driving and exploring the Cape Winelands under your own steam is drink driving.
Despite what you might hear to the contrary South Africa has equally as strict drink driving laws as they do in other countries. Rhino Africa does not for one moment encourage that you tempt fate. During ‘peak seasons’ it is quite common to encounter road blocks. Remember at all times to carry your driving license.
So self driving in the winelands does require nominating a designated driver, or a bit of preplanning. Most of the vineyards have wonderful restaurants and therefore your drinking can be enjoyed over the course of a few hours with some food.
Current legislation states that the maximum amount of alchohol that can be consumed is you are driving is about two glasses of wine. It is easy when tasting wines to forget that they all add up and you might have become a danger to yourself or others on the road. Do the sensble thing and spit ! It is not necessary to swallow wine in order to taste it. Infact you will have a better wine tasting experience if you spit, as you are more likely to remember which ones you really liked. Spittoons are provided in all cellars for this purpose and if you haven't learnt the noble art of spitting, this is the time to try....
Alternatively speak to your guesthouse or hotel about arranging taxis or transfers.
For serious wine tasters we often recommend you still hire a car, but for one dedicated day during your time in the winelands, hire the services of a driver and guide. Not only can this driver guide do the driving for you, but they know the extra special wine estates, where to visit for special varietal.
