South Africa's Western Cape offers travel experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist trail. This guide highlights five distinctive activities, from farm stalls to hidden wineries, backed by insights from regional travel experts. These carefully selected experiences reveal the authentic character of the Cape Winelands and its surrounding areas.

• Explore Helshoogte Pass Three Estate Circuit
• Discover Elgin Valley's Boutique Wineries
• Bike Through Paarl and Wellington
• Wander Franschhoek's Smaller Art Galleries
• Stop at a Padstal Farm Stall

Explore Helshoogte Pass Three Estate Circuit

Instead of the Franschhoek wine tram crowds, I'd suggest doing the Helshoogte Pass, which sits at about 400 metres high and links three high-altitude estates: Thelema, Tokara and Delaire Graff. All are within a five-minute Uber ride of each other. The nights here are cooler than down on the valley floor, so the Cab Savs and Syrahs pack extra freshness, and you can taste that difference in your very first sip.

- Thelema is known for classic Stellenbosch reds and offers a peek at Simonsberg peaks.

- Tokara offers single-vineyard Chardonnay and olive-oil bread.

- Delaire Graff has a premium range, plus its terrace gives you views all the way to Table Mountain.

It's one road, three tastings, tons of Insta-worthy views, and it can be done in any order you like. The Uber drivers know the circuit well, and rides average about ZAR 70-90 (AUD $6-8 and USD $4-5) depending on time and vehicle - you can look up the current fares in the app. The cost of tasting flights varies at each cellar door and is naturally more for premium options (also be sure to check whether you need to book in advance).

For backpackers, honeymooners, or anyone who's keen on something that feels insiderish but is so easy, Helshoogte Pass is the Cape Winelands sweet spot.

Bryce Collins, Marketing Director, INTRO

Discover Elgin Valley's Boutique Wineries

An excellent off-the-beaten-path experience in the Cape Winelands is visiting the Elgin Valley and seeking out a cool-climate boutique winery for a tasting. While Franschhoek and Stellenbosch capture the spotlight, the Elgin Valley, known primarily for its apple orchards, offers a truly authentic and less crowded experience.

This area is one of the Cape's best-kept secrets. It's a cool-climate region, which gives its wines, especially Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, a distinctive, elegant character. The scenery is lush, with vineyards nestled against mountains and orchards, offering a peaceful retreat from the usual tourist bustle.

Look for a small, family-run estate like Belfield Wines, one of the smallest in the valley, or South Hill Vineyards. These boutique operations provide a highly personalized tasting experience, often feeling more like a visit with friends than a formal tour.

The Elgin Valley is also a hub for adventure activities, including the thrilling Cape Canopy Tour zip-lining experience in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve. Instead of the well-trodden wine routes, head to Elgin for a refreshing change of pace, beautiful scenery, and a taste of some of South Africa's most exciting, emerging wines.

Grace Olayiwola, Founder, bitsstylejourney Luxury Travel Concierge

Bike Through Paarl and Wellington

Skip the big wine tours and try biking through the smaller estates around Paarl or Wellington. When I went with friends, we actually talked with the winemakers themselves, which felt so much more personal than the standard tours. The bike made it easy to stop at hidden cellar doors and local delis, letting us set our own pace. If you're okay with some riding, it's the best way to see the quieter side of the region.

Alvin Poh, Chairman, CLDY.com Pte Ltd

Wander Franschhoek's Smaller Art Galleries

If you're in the Cape Winelands, wander through the smaller galleries in Franschhoek. I ducked into one on a whim, and the local artists were right there, ready to talk about their work. You get a feel for the place that way, something deeper than a wine tour. Just get off the main street for a bit. You'll find spots the guidebooks always miss.

Selene Luk, Customer Care manager, Spanish Cultural Association of Hong Kong

Stop at a Padstal Farm Stall

You should visit the farm stalls in the Cape Winelands. They call them padstals there. I stopped at one outside Stellenbosch recently, a family place with food you just don't get in restaurants. The owners were so friendly it made the whole experience. Having worked in restaurants, I can tell these places know how to use local ingredients right. Foodies, seriously, stop at a padstal. You'll taste what the area's really about.

Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille