Choose Stellenbosch for variety, bold reds and a lively university town, typically 45 to 60 minutes from Cape Town. Choose Franschhoek for food, Cap Classique, mountain scenery and the Wine Tram, typically 60 to 90 minutes away. They’re linked by the Helshoogte Pass, so if you have a full day you can visit both.
At a glance
| Stellenbosch | Franschhoek | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Cape Town | c. 55 km by road | c. 75 km by road |
| Typical drive | 45–60 min | 60–90 min |
| History | Town founded 1679; South Africa’s first wine route, 1971 | Settled by French Huguenots in 1688 |
| Size | 150+ wineries across five sub-routes | A single mountain valley |
| Signature wines | Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, red blends, Chenin Blanc | Sémillon, Chardonnay, Cap Classique |
| Getting around | By car or tour; estates are spread out | Car, tour or the hop-on, hop-off Wine Tram |
| Best for | First-time visitors, red wine lovers, history and architecture | Food lovers, couples, Cap Classique fans |
Why choose Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is where South African wine touring began. Three farmers launched the country’s first wine route here in 1971, and today more than 150 wineries welcome visitors. Pinotage was created at Stellenbosch University in 1925, and Kaapse Vonkel from Simonsig (now Simonsig Family Vineyards) was South Africa’s first bottle-fermented sparkling wine. Between tastings, walk the oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture of the town, nicknamed the City of Oaks.
Estates to start with: Spier, Kanonkop, Delaire Graff, Tokara and Waterford.
Why choose Franschhoek
Franschhoek sits in a bowl of mountains settled by French Huguenots in 1688. It’s widely regarded as the culinary capital of the Cape, so plan a long lunch. Sparkling-wine fans can taste Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique at Haute Cabrière, and the Wine Tram, which runs on a branch line built in 1904, means nobody has to drive between farms.
Estates to start with: Boschendal, La Motte, Rickety Bridge, Grande Provence and Chamonix.
Doing both in one day
The Helshoogte Pass road links the two towns, past estates such as Tokara and Delaire Graff. These tours combine them:
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Wine Tour with Tastings & Lunch
- Franschhoek Wine Tram & Stellenbosch Day Tour from Cape Town
- Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Small-Group Wine Tour with Lunch
- Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch
More ideas in our guide to the best wine tours from Cape Town.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stellenbosch or Franschhoek better for a first visit?
Stellenbosch is the usual first choice: it’s closer to Cape Town and has the widest range of estates. Franschhoek is ideal if food, scenery and Cap Classique are your priorities.
How far apart are Stellenbosch and Franschhoek?
They’re neighbouring valleys linked by the Helshoogte Pass, so it’s easy to visit both in one day.
Which is closer to Cape Town?
Stellenbosch: typically 45 to 60 minutes by road (about 55 km), compared with 60 to 90 minutes (about 75 km) for Franschhoek.
Can I visit Franschhoek without driving?
Yes. Take a guided tour from Cape Town, or use the Franschhoek Wine Tram to hop between estates once you’re in the valley.
What wines are Stellenbosch and Franschhoek known for?
Stellenbosch is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz and red blends, as well as Chenin Blanc. Franschhoek is known for Sémillon, Chardonnay and Cap Classique sparkling wine.