Cape Winelands Cycling Guide: The Best Routes, Wineries, and Tips
1) Stellenbosch
2)
3) Paarl
f you’re a strong, experienced rider looking for something with real substance, this is the route we point people to. It’s roughly 100 km, built around two significant climbs, and takes in some of the least-touristed scenery in the whole region.
The ride links Bainskloof Pass — built by hand in the 1850s and one of the best-preserved 19th-century mountain passes in the country — with the old Du Toitskloof Pass, the original road over the mountains before the modern highway tunnel replaced it as the main route. Between the two, the route drops into the Slanghoek Valley, a quieter wine-farming valley that most visitors to the Cape never see, let alone ride through. It’s a genuinely different character of riding to the vineyard-floor routes above — two real mountain passes, a valley most tourists miss entirely, and a distance that demands a proper fitness base rather than a casual afternoon. See our guide on how fit you need to be for a guided tour if you’re weighing up whether this one’s for you.
We run this as a fully supported route on request — support vehicle, local knowledge of both passes, and a lunch stop that actually suits the effort involved. Get in touch if this is the kind of day you’re after.
network.
4) our Signature Cape Winelands guided cycle tour
If you’re a strong, experienced rider looking for something with real substance, this is the route we point people to. It’s roughly 100 km, built around two significant climbs, and takes in some of the least-touristed scenery in the whole region. The ride links Bainskloof Pass — built by hand in the 1850s and one of the best-preserved 19th-century mountain passes in the country — with the old Du Toitskloof Pass, the original road over the mountains before the modern highway tunnel replaced it as the main route. Between the two, the route drops into the Slanghoek Valley, a quieter wine-farming valley that most visitors to the Cape never see, let alone ride through. It’s a genuinely different character of riding to the vineyard-floor routes above — two real mountain passes, a valley most tourists miss entirely, and a distance that demands a proper fitness base rather than a casual afternoon. See our guide on how fit you need to be for a guided tour if you’re weighing up whether this one’s for you. We run this as a fully supported route on request — support vehicle, local knowledge of both passes, and a lunch stop that actually suits the effort involved. Get in touch if this is the kind of day you’re after.
Best wineries to visit by bike
A few estates are worth planning a route around, rather than just stopping at whatever’s closest:
Anthonij Rupert Wyne, on the L’Ormarins estate outside Franschhoek, produces some of the most highly regarded wine in the country and sits on genuinely beautiful grounds — a tasting here is a destination in its own right, not a passing stop. It also shares the estate with the Franschhoek Motor Museum, if anyone in your group wants a non-cycling detour.
Boschendal, between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, is one of the oldest wine farms in the country and does an excellent lunch alongside the tasting — a natural finishing point for a Winelands ride.
Tokara, on the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, combines a serious wine list with one of the best views in the valley, and sits right on one of the more popular connecting roads between the two towns.
Glenwood, at the back of Franschhoek along a gravel road known for its Chardonnay, a hidden gem that not many know about.
Stark-Conde Wines, it could be on a post card. Located deep in the Jonkershoek valley it is on the route for many road cyclists and mountain bikers alike.
Best Time to Ride the winelands
The best time of year to cycle the Cape Winelands depends on what you are looking for.
In my opinion shoulder season is the best, fresh mornings and pleasant riding conditions for the most part. This would be April/May and September/October. The summer season is great if you enjoy riding very early. The temperatures start to become extreme around lunch time. This is October to April. Winter does offer lovely conditions between storms, however it is a risky bet if you are thinking of travelling to the Cape Winelands with riding in mind.
Bicycle rental options
Frequently Asked questions
What is the best cycling route in the Cape Winelands? There’s no single “best” — Stellenbosch suits gentler, scenic rides; Franschhoek offers a genuine climbing challenge in the pass; Paarl has the quietest roads with real rolling terrain. Fit riders looking for a bigger day should consider our Bainskloof–Du Toitskloof route, a 100 km loop through the Slanghoek Valley with two significant climbs.
Do I need a road bike or gravel bike for the Winelands? Either works for the valley floors, which are mostly paved. If your route includes Bainskloof, Du Toitskloof, or any backroad detours, a gravel bike gives you more flexibility without costing you much speed on the tar sections.
How much does it cost to rent a bike in the Cape Winelands? Premium road or gravel bike rental typically starts from around R1,000–1,500 per person per day, depending on the spec. Confirm what’s included — a helmet and basic repair kit should come as standard.
Is the Cape Winelands suitable for a first-time cycling holiday in South Africa? Yes — most of the region is one of the more beginner-friendly cycling destinations on this list, with gentle terrain, short distances between towns, and constant places to stop. The Bainskloof–Du Toitskloof route is the exception, built for fit, experienced riders rather than first-timers.
monument.