The Cape Winelands in harvest season

In March, summer is turning to autumn in the southern hemisphere, and the harvest in the Western Cape's vineyards is in progress or ending. The Cape Winelands, inland from Cape Town, include the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, each within about an hour's drive of the city.

Stellenbosch is home to South Africa's first official wine route, opened in 1971, and has a university-town atmosphere with oak-lined streets and historic Cape Dutch buildings. Franschhoek, settled by French Huguenots in the late seventeenth century, is known for its restaurants and its mountain-backed setting. Groot Constantia, nearer to the city, is described as the country's oldest wine estate.

March days are warm and mostly dry, and cellars are busy. A harvest visit can be more interesting than a tasting-room stop: ask whether a producer offers a vineyard walk or a cellar tour. Book popular estates and lunches in advance, particularly at weekends.

Plan the driving. Wine tasting and driving do not mix, and South Africa has strict drink-driving laws. Hire a driver, join a guided tour, use the Franschhoek wine tram, or nominate a non-drinking driver. Spit, share tastings and eat well.

Responsible-travel points: ask producers about their labour practices and ethical certifications, and buy from estates that are open about them. Entry rules depend on your passport; check the official South African government site.