The Cape Winelands at a Fraction of European Prices

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl — forty-five minutes east. Franschhoek is South Africa's culinary capital. Stellenbosch has Cape Dutch architecture and wine estates like Spier and Delheim with tastings at prices that make European wine country look like a shakedown.

The Franschhoek Wine Tram connects eight estates and solves the designated-driver problem. A full day with three or four tastings and a long lunch in the Franschhoek valley — mountains framing the vines — is one of the great affordable luxury experiences in the world.