One of the most appealing aspects of Cape Town is its proximity to the wine country, less than an hour’s drive away. More than 100 wineries and numerous dignified Cape Dutch farmsteads dot the spectacular landscape. The unspoiled town of Franschhoek, “French corner” in Afrikaans, was founded in 1688 by Huguenot refugees. Today, it is an enchanting place of bookstores, galleries, antiques shops and small bistros. In the time since trade sanctions were lifted in the 1990s, South Africa’s wines have become world-class. Cap Classique is the local sparkling wine, made in a similar method as Champagne, and Chenin Blanc produces superb whites. The local Pinotage is quite a polarizing red wine and all too easy to get wrong. We prefer the fine Bordeaux-style blends.