The Helshoogte Pass snakes towards Franschhoek through the majestic Simonsberg, at the foot of which is a little village known as Pniel. Its history dates to 1834, the year which also marked the freeing of slaves in South Africa.
Once a mission station for wandering slaves, Pniel really feels like "nowhere South Africa". Most homesteads seem to have an oupa sitting lazily on the stoep, free-range chickens, a couple of scrappy pets and a vegetable patch. The pace of life in the countryside slows down significantly and the air is so much sweeter.
In my student days, we'd drive towards Pniel whenever the budget allowed on Sundays, headed just through the village towards the renowned Boschendal, one of the Cape's oldest wine estates.
Today, Boschendal's restaurant still serves a fine Cape-French buffet lunch even though they no longer charge 90's prices. (R240 per person)
For a French-style picnic under the giant pine trees, book at Le Pique Nique, although the restaurant offers more value. (R150 per person)
We'd walk off our lavish lunch in the estate's 1812 Manor House's gardens, admiring the herbs and fragrant old Cape roses, while taking in the sublime view of the Vignerons de Franschhoek wine region. (Tel: 021 870 4272/3/4/5)
The French Huguenots first settled here more than 300 years ago, leaving their mark on the people and culture of the region. Stellenbosch locals often joke about familiar Afrikaans surnames like De Villiers that somehow became a Frenchified once they hit the other side of the Helshoogte. Today, there are 44 members of the Vignerons de Franschhoek, including some garagiste, or home producers. It is one of the country's most recognisable and awarded wine producing regions.
The valley hosts a Bastille Day Festival and has numerous gourmet attractions.
One of Franschhoek's oldest estates, Allée Bleue (lane of the eucalyptus trees), was bought in 1999 by a German couple who restarted wine production. The estate also sells olive products and fresh herbs. It's a popular wedding venue, with the recently revamped Kendal cottage offering accommodation for honeymooners.
There are regular outdoor concerts and picnics on the lawns. The historic manor house has been renovated and transformed into a boutique hotel.
Allée Bleue's bistro uses fresh produce, olive oil and wine from the estate. We had a passable light lunch there and took a tour of the estate before heading back to Cape Town where we were staying at the Ambassador Hotel in Bantry Bay.
The Ambassador's privately owned restaurant, Salt, has a spectacular view on the water: floor-to-ceiling glass windows open up on good nights so diners can enjoy the Atlantic Seaboard's fresh air.
Wines are from smaller, boutique estates of the Cape, and all 70 labels are available by the glass. Pure genius!
Head chef David Winton is self-taught and well-travelled, which is evident in the international focus of his menu.
I was more impressed with the restaurant's view though.
The Ambassador has recently spruced up its bedrooms, which are a little poky, although you can't beat the fresh ocean breeze.
We hit Camps Bay beach for a brisk walk in the early morning when only dog walkers and joggers are out enjoying the solitude.
It's a sublime way to start the day.
If you're headed out Stellenbosch way, the award-winning 96 Winery Road on Zandberg farm is unmissable.
The restaurant's co-owned by renowned winemakers Ken Forrester and Martin Meinert, so pair the seasonal menu with a glass of their ambrosia.
Simonsig wine estate's Cuvee restaurant sports the same quirky cutlery and crockery chandeliers as the tasting room but the surrounds are much cosier.
Service is also better, and the menu features some fine examples of traditional Cape cuisine like bobotie and malva pudding.
Take a picnic in Franschhoek at Rickety Bridge.
Baskets are prepared by the estate and enjoyed out on a wooden deck that stretches into the vineyards.
Wynand Grobler's boutique wines are also sold from their tasting room, where we couldn't resist buying some of their funky aprons and preserves.
