The fertile soils of the Eerste and Berg river valleys were first cultivated 300 years ago when pioneering farmers planted vines and fruit orchards. Today many of these historic farms are open to the public, and we visit several on this drive, with their fine farmhouses and their wines. The entire route is tarred, except for short access roads.

From Cape Town’s foreshore, drive towards Paarl on the N1, noting your kms as you pass on your left the large redbrick power station with its two tall chimneys.

After passing through extensive built-up areas, you enter a stretch of attractive undulating countryside, with the Slanghoek, Du Toit’s and Drakenstein ranges in the distance.

34 km after passing the power station, take Exit 15, then turn right at the T-junction onto the R304 towards Stellenbosch. Note your kms as you cross over the N1. After 1,2 km turn left onto a tarred road towards ‘Muldersvlei and ‘Klapmuts’. You are now travelling on the R101, the old Great North Road from Cape to Cairo. 3,3 km along it, turn right, following the sign to ‘Muldersvlei/Elsenburg’. Soon you pass the small settlement of Muldersvlei on your right, and shortly after this you pass on your left the Elsenburg Agricultural College building. Continue until you reach a T-junction with the R44, then turn right onto the R44 towards

Stellenbosch — noting your kms. After 2,3km turn left onto a tarred side-road. Follow the tar until the road changes to gravel and enters the gates of the Muratie estate.

Muratie to Spier

Retrace your route to the R44 and turn left towards Stellenbosch. As you enter Stellenbosch, continue straight ahead through the first set of traffic lights, and stay on this same road as it runs parallel to the railway line. When the road swings away from the railway line, turn right into Adam Tas Street, and continue travelling parallel to the railway line. Adam Tas Street becomes the R310. Note your kms as you pass the huge white-painted cellars of the Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery on your left.

After 2,6 km turn left, to stay on the R310 (towards Lynedoch/Faure). 2,2 km later you pass on your left the Van Ryn Brandy Cellars. These are open to the public, and offer a tour on weekdays. 200m beyond the road to the Brandy Cellars, bear left to stay on the R310. 1,3 km later turn left into the Spier estate.

Spier is one of the largest and oldest wine farms in South Africa. The estate’s main cellars have been moved to the nearby farm Goedgeloof, but the wines from the farm can be tasted here for a small fee, and may be bought during normal business hours. The farm buildings house an art gallery and two restaurants.