By While the festive season overflows with year-end events, sunny afternoons spent outdoors, and endless Sunday lunches, the rest of the year—and particularly the New Year—can feel a bit lacklustre when it comes to gathering with friends without the hassle of hosting at home.
Cape Town recently snatched the title for the best foodie capital in the world in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, leaving no excuse for not finding the perfect spot to get friends out of their comfort zones for a meal. However, it’s not always just the food that makes a venue ideal for a social gathering with friends, and often, you’ll need to bring the kids along to make your group outing possible.
Cape Town—and especially its surrounding Winelands—has so much more to offer. Imagine a variety of tastings (not just wine) that tourists rave about when they return home, encounters with adorable animals, breathtaking views that would be highly valued in the property market, and even some adventurous activities like hiking and mountain biking to keep the energy high.
If creating more meaningful memories with friends is one of your New Year’s resolutions, these four nearby Cape Winelands destinations will make planning effortless. Conveniently located just off the N1, on Suid-Agter Paarl Road, and a short distance from Paarl Central and 40-minute drive from Cape Town, they offer the ideal escape for an adventure away from home and the city alike.
Fairview has long been a beloved destination, with its welcoming goat shed and family-friendly atmosphere making it a favourite among visitors, especially young families. Celebrating 50 years of winemaking this year, Fairview is dedicated to fine wine and cheese, ensuring plenty of delicious options for tasting. In addition to their signature wine and cheese pairings, they also offer a cheese-only tasting featuring Fairview cow and goat milk cheeses. A highlight of any visit is the Goat Tower, a stone structure where you can watch and admire Fairview’s playful furry mascots.
Adored for its winding pathways connecting charming shops, tasting spots, restaurants, thorn-free green lawns, and children’s playgrounds, Spice Route Destination is always a great choice. With 12 on-site vendors (and more to come in 2025) and no need to plan ahead, the relaxed atmosphere invites you to leave the city’s bustle behind and enjoy a leisurely day filled with activities. There’s something for everyone, and if deciding feels overwhelming, the Spice Route Passport offers a curated experience: a two-hour tasting journey featuring 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 R315.
If you’re still craving some time with adorable animals or your kids need to burn off their remaining energy, stop by The Alpaca Loom. For a rustic, outdoor experience, try an alpaca walk. On-site, you’ll find “The Coffee Shop,” a cozy spot for refreshments, along with a petting zoo and jungle gym. A shop selling woven alpaca wool completes the experience.
Still quite a new addition to Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Vrymansfontein, has quickly raised the bar for wine tasting and dining. Launched by Vondeling Wines, this destination doubles as a working almond farm, adding a unique twist to the traditional “wine destination.” It may not be long before global dining critics take notice of its restaurant, SCAPE, which offers a Mediterranean-inspired, seasonal sharing plate menu. For a more casual, family-friendly option, there’s The Shed—a relaxed alfresco eatery situated next to a spacious lawn and play area.
Ruling out fussy excuses becomes less of an issue when opening your eyes and mind for a group outing in the Cape Winelands-there truly is something for everyone. From fine wines and cheeses to unique family-friendly experiences. Conveniently close to Cape Town, these spots make it easy to gather friends and family, embrace the beauty of the Winelands, and create lasting memories—no hosting required.