Stellenbosch Wine Route

Along R310

West of Stellenbosch, the R310 (also known locally as Baden Powell Drive) forks to the left, but go straight on the M12 (also known as Polkadraai Road); Asara is first up on your right, followed by Neethlingshof. Turn right on Stellenbosch Kloof Road, where Overgaauw is a Merlot mainstay. Follow the winding road through pretty vineyards; at the end is Jordan, known for its excellent Chardonnay. Double back to Stellenbosch, and at the set of traffic lights, take the R310 to your right to the touristy but fun Spier. Next up this road is Meerlust, with its submerged windmill.

If you drive east on the R310 from Stellenbosch, detour up the Idasvallei Road and follow a narrow lane through cattle pastures and oak groves to Rustenberg, which focuses on reds. Then it's up and over the scenic Helshoogte Pass to Thelema Mountain Vineyards, which has knockout reds and whites. Its neighbor, Tokara, is a great lunch spot, and Delaire Graff Estate, over the road, has breathtaking views and an upmarket wine-tasting lounge.

Along R44

Some important wineries are on the R44 north of Stellenbosch. At Morgenhof you can sip Chardonnay and Pinotage and linger for lunch. About 3 km (2 miles) farther along on the R44, turn right on Knorhoek Road to reach low-frills Muratie, with some good reds. Back on the R44, travel a short way and then turn left on Kromme Rhee Road to visit Simonsig, home to wonderful bubbly. On the R44 once more, continue to Kanonkop, which has won numerous awards, and Warwick, with great red blends and lots of place to picnic. Carry on to Klapmuts and take the Simondium Road to the right to get to Babylonstoren, not to be missed for its gardens and interesting restaurant.

Along R304

This road shoots northwest from Stellenbosch past several wine farms. Stop at Mulderbosch for its excellent white wines (and great pizzas). Cross over Kromme Rhee Road and on to Villiera, known for sparkling wine and lush Sauvignon Blanc.