Day Road-tripping in Cape Town: Live it up on the way to Lourensford Wine Estate

A drive out of Cape Town to explore some of the lesser travelled routes is a must if you’re visiting this city with her majestic mountains, valleys, vineyards and wheatfields. In well under 2 hours, you’ll be in another world, taking in sights you would not have imagined possible from your city bowl perimetre.

There certainly is no shortage of private car hire in Cape Town, vehicle hire companies or car hire companies at Cape Town Airport. Many of the car hire companies at Cape Town Airport also work with affiliates, subsidiaries and partners, so the name you see is sometimes more of an umbrella name. Do you research or ask who else the car hire companies at Cape Town Airport have access to so you can explore all your options. Often, if a company’s name is the BLUE car company, they do not only rent out Blue car company cars, but cars from lesser known GREEN company too, sometimes on favourable terms or at shorter notice.

If you are contemplating car hire in Cape Town South Africa from the airport, there are about nine big names you’ll see including Budget, Avis, Hertz and Europcar. Remember that the two no-frills airlines, Kulula and Mango, also offer car hire in Cape Town South Africa from the airport. You can also book via their portals or at their front desks. Mango lets you pay with your Edgars Thank U account, and both airlines offer package deals for flights plus car hire, and/or accommodation. When you book car hire in Cape Town South Africa from the airport, check availability before the time, especially in high season, and remember to present your driver’s licence. Most airport companies hire out on a credit card basis.

Live it up along the N2 to Lourensford with private car hire in Cape Town

For this trip, take the R44 leaving Strand. First though, take in one of the most underrated stretches of beach in the Cape – Strand itself. The water is warmer than the chilly Atlantic and the main road is awash with beach cafes and hotel restaurants. The Saturday flea market also yields some jewels like leather goods, on cathc the farmers’ markets at the entrance to Strand, near the golf club.

Once you’ve turned onto the R44, the coastal drive will take you to Kleinmond. Don’t miss the Stony Point Penguin Colony along the way, pristine Betty’s Bay and the Harold Porter Botanical Garden. As per the warning signs, watch out for baboons and reptiles. It is important never to feed baboons or expose food in your car as these cute creatures can also be quite vicious, especially in a troop.

Next up if you’re into beer, should be Honingklip Brewery. There are also many other nearby brunch, lunch and casual dining options. Honingklip Brewery has some uniquely left-of-centre craft brews that are not to be missed. You’ll be hitting Bot River soon and if you’re into wine, it’s your turn. As you drive you’ll see the signage for the oldest wine cellar in the region, Beaumont.

This is where you should indulge in something to eat if you have the time, with the platters coming highly recommended. Think cheese, fine cold meats, terrine and relishes with freshly baked on-premise bread.

By this time, you should have used slightly more than half a tank in your car, and with so many twists and turns, you’ll probably be relieved you opted for  Private car hire in Cape Town. Hopefully, you also paid less for your private car hire in Cape Town because it would be sacrilege to miss the wine and food pairings at this esteemed estate. They are unusual indeed – not your standard wine and cheese platters! Think chocolate and turkish delight pairings instead. Tastings close at 4.30 pm so get there early and book before the time.

If you don’t have insurance on your private car hire in Cape Town, hand over the wheel to someone else. All that sipping will have you in the mood for a proper lunch at the wine estate’s restaurant, The Millhouse Kitchen. Only seasonal ingredients sourced within a 50km radius of the estate is used. Rustic, lovingly prepared French and Italian-inspired dishes are always on the menu. Depending on the season, Millhouse Kitchen is closed on a Monday and has limited hours on a Sunday. Check before you set off – you don’t want to be disappointed!

There is much else to see and do on and around the estate including visiting the market, studio and art gallery. The market boasts 70 permanent stalls, selling high quality artisanal products that are locally sourced and aid the local economy. You’ll also find handmade wares and arts and crafts.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the popular Friday Night Twilight market under fairy lights. The sense of community, fine food and craft drinks has turned this into the go-to haven after a long week’s work. Time to let your hair down and say ‘Thank God it’s Friday’!