There’s something special about the change from vineyards to mountains. One moment, you’re enjoying a glass of Chenin Blanc under oak trees, and the next, you’re in a wild area filled with bird calls and waterfalls.
Cape Winelands (image used for illustrative purposes)/nairnbairn/Wikimedia Commons
The Cape Winelands are known for their great wines, but the beautiful nature at the edges of these valleys is what really takes your breath away.
From Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, nature reserves like Jonkershoek, Mont Rochelle and the Simonsberg biosphere remind travellers that wine country is also wild country. These are places where fynbos meets farmland and where you can spend your morning hiking and your afternoon wine tasting, all within the same view.
Jonkershoek
First waterfall at Jonkershoek Mountains/Glany Saldanha/Wikimedia Commons
Few reserves capture the raw beauty of the Winelands quite like Jonkershoek. Just a ten-minute drive from Stellenbosch’s oak-lined streets, this 11,000-hectare reserve unfolds into deep valleys, shimmering waterfalls and river-fed pools framed by steep peaks. It’s hard to believe that such a lush wilderness lies so close to town.
The reserve is the birthplace of the Eerste and Berg rivers and the heart of the Cape Winelands Biosphere. Trails range from short loops to challenging climbs that reward you with panoramic views of vineyards and fynbos-covered slopes.
Take the Swartboskloof trail (18 km for 6 hours) for a half-day hike that leads to cascading falls, or the Panorama circuit (17 km for 6 hours) if you’re up for a full day on the mountain. Pack a picnic, dip your toes into the icy streams, and finish your day with a wine tasting at a nearby estate such as Stark-Condé or Lanzerac.
If you prefer something gentler, stop at the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve at Jonkershoek’s entrance. This peaceful area offers shaded walks among oak trees and a historic farmhouse that dates back to the early 1800s.
Mont Rochelle
Mont Rochelle/Glany Saldanha/Wikimedia Commons
Situated high above Franschhoek’s valley, Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is where hikers go to breathe in pure mountain air. With over 30 km of trails weaving through slopes of proteas and restios, it’s a favourite for anyone craving wide views and quiet paths. The Perdekop trail climbs to a high ridge that overlooks the valley and its patchwork of vineyards.
After your hike, it’s easy to turn the day into a wine adventure. The Franschhoek Wine Tram’s Red and Green Lines both connect Mont Rochelle with nearby estates such as Holden Manz, Grande Provence and Chamonix. You can hop on and off to taste at your leisure or simply enjoy the scenic ride between the vineyards.
If you prefer to drive, the short route between Mont Rochelle and Haute Cabrière offers sweeping views and quick access to Franschhoek’s restaurants. Either way, the combination of mountain trails and wine tastings makes Mont Rochelle a highlight of any Winelands trip.
Simonsberg
Rising between Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, Simonsberg stands like a giant sentinel guarding the heart of the Winelands. Its granite slopes are draped in rare fynbos and renosterveld, protected through the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy – a collaboration between local farms and conservation groups.
Unlike Jonkershoek and Mont Rochelle, Simonsberg doesn’t have an official nature reserve entrance, but there are several access routes through participating wine estates. One of the most popular hikes begins at Tokara Wine Estate, where the trail ascends steeply through vineyards and rocky slopes to a summit that rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree views.
The mountain is also home to leopards, caracals and countless bird species, all thriving thanks to the conservancy’s protection of natural corridors between farms. Many of the estates around Simonsberg, including Delheim, Muratie and Natte Valleij, actively support these efforts, blending wine production with conservation.
Wild trails and tasting rooms
Exploring these mountain reserves offers a deeper appreciation for the balance that defines the Cape Winelands – a landscape where human cultivation meets natural wonder. In a single day, you can follow a waterfall trail, share a picnic among proteas and end with a sunset tasting overlooking the same valley you just hiked.
For travellers seeking more than just a tasting itinerary, this is the perfect blend of adventure and indulgence. Bring sturdy shoes, water, and curiosity. Visit between August and November for wildflowers, or during harvest season to watch vineyards at their busiest.
The Winelands aren’t just about what’s in your glass – they’re about what surrounds it. Between the vines and the mountains lies the true spirit of this region: wild, beautiful and endlessly inviting.
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