South Africa has 13 designated wine routes, of which the area called the Winelands -- comprising the routes of Helderberg (Somerset West), Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek -- is by far the most popular. While the towns are all within easy driving distance from each other, there are over 250 estates and farms to choose from, and first-time visitors are advised to concentrate on those that offer a combination of historic architecture, excellent wines, and/or views of the vineyard-clad mountains. You can treat the Winelands as an excursion from Cape Town or base yourself here -- no more than 30 to 75 minutes from the bright lights of the city, this is a great area to immerse yourself in rural peace and fine wines. Accommodations options are also excellent, with many offering better value than their Cape Town counterparts. If you have time to concentrate on only one area, make it Franschhoek, the prettiest (though most touristy) of the Winelands valleys, with the best selection of award-winning restaurants; or Stellenbosch, which has a charming historic center and the densest concentration of estates -- this is also the area that produces (by general consensus) the best selection of wines. Both are within easy driving distance of one another, via the scenic Helshoogte Pass.