Table Mountain, looming over Cape Town, has be one of the most recognisable and thrilling sights in Africa. However, for me, it is what lies just beyond the famous peak that delivers the greatest treasure. The Cape Wineland region is a stone’s throw from the ‘Mother City’, and is home to an array of cool-climate wines, kissed by an endless breeze from where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet.

The must-visit towns of Stellenbosch, Constantia, Paarl and Franschhoek sprouted as the result of 17th-century explorers bringing with them vital supplies – European vines.

The striking valleys and mountains surrounding the towns create micro-climates in which a diverse collection of cooler-climate grape varieties flourish. From robust Rhône-style reds to aromatic sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc, the vines stand on fairytale-like estates with Cape-Dutch homestead buildings at the heart of each. And despite the luxury and quality of the wines, it never feels pretentious, nor is it necessary to memorise a wine encyclopaedia before you visit. Great wine attracts great food, and most estates have accommodation, so there’s no need to worry about a designated driver.

Constantia is close to Cape Town, a 15-minute drive from the centre. My first stop is the oldest winery, Groot Constantia, where you must take home a bottle of its chardonnay.

If there were a bucket-list spot, it has to be Babylonstoren. The Paarl estate is an Instagrammer’s heaven, with astonishing gardens, olive groves, a winery and luxury accommodation, and also one of the most exciting restaurants in the region. Babel serves up an ever-changing menu, guided by the seasons and sourced from its gardens.

Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, you won’t be bored if you indulge in all three. Vergenoegd in Stellenbosch may be hard to pronounce, but it’s worth visiting to see its pest control. No, I’m not joking. More than 1000 ducks on the estate go for a daily parade as they head to work, picking out insects in the vines. Grab an artisanal picnic basket and laze on the grass for a front-row seat as the cute creatures head off.

La Petite Ferme is a standout and provides my recipe inspiration. The idyllic winery, restaurant and hotel is nestled in the hills of Franschhoek – a glorious spot to dine or taste some wine. Bobotie, a spiced mince with a baked egg topping, is one of South Africa’s best-known Cape Malay dishes. At the restaurant, I tried the ‘Bobotie Bitterballen’, which steals the flavours from bobotie and turns them into a brilliant entrée.

The Cape Winelands is a place you must visit, and I say this not just because I’m originally from South Africa. There are few locations in the world that allow you to visit a vibrant city, swim in crystal-clear waters, feast on excellent food and taste some of the best wine, all within one spot. Until you book your flight, you should try my bobotiespiced sosaties (lamb skewers). Cook them on the barbecue, set a table outside in the sun, and enjoy them with a chilled glass of chardonnay – just as a teaser.