A must for aficionados of architecture, fine dining, exquisite gardens, world-class art – and, of course, fine wines. Delaire has it all. Its restaurants are deservedly very busy so book early to secure a reservation. This is the perfect place to while away a few hours on a beautiful South African afternoon. delaire.co.za

We love everything about Muratie, from its fascinating history, beautiful and historic buildings, and especially its amazing wines, which are available to our guests at the villa. Let us arrange a special visit and wine tasting for you. muratie.co.za

Hillcrest Berry Orchards is a delicious and delightful stop for visitors to Stellenbosch. We suggest an early start on a day of Winelands touring so that you can stop here first for the mouthwatering breakfast offerings, featuring, of course, fresh berries of every kind when in season. Browse the shop for delicious marmalades and jams, local honeys and many other homemade goodies. hillcrestberries.co.za

The views of rolling vineyards from Tokara’s main building are some of the most stunning in a region of breathtaking views. While you take it all in, be certain to do a tasting of their award-winning olive oils. Maison Noir proudly offers Tokara olive oils and products in our kitchen. tokara.com

SUPER SINGLE VINEYARDS Stop in at Super Single to taste its beautiful and sophisticated Pella and Mount Sutherland wines. We love them and keep them stocked in the Maison Noir cellar. Super Single has created our own range of Maison Noir wines, including a pinotage, a rosé and a chenin blanc. supersinglevineyards.co.za

Visit the Stellenbosch Wine Route Office at 47 Church Street for the latest information about more than 200 wine and grape producers within the boundaries of the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin classification. wineroute.co.za

Boschendal is a true working farm, growing not only grapes but also a large variety of other fruits and vegetables. The farm, one of the oldest in the region, features two restaurants as well as a deli/farm store offering fresh farm-to-table produce and meats. This one is really fun for the whole family. boschendal.com

Grand Provence affords you the experience you would expect given its name. It is quite grand in its French-informed formality. Manicured lawns and gardens stretch out between beautiful buildings housing an exquisite restaurant, beautiful wine tasting rooms featuring award-winning wines, a well curated decor and gift shop, and a world-class art gallery that to us is worth the trip alone. grandeprovence.co.za

Simple. Quaint. Authentic. We love to drop by this charming farm to bring us back to earth after a heady visit to nearby Grand Provence. Sit at wooden tables in the pear orchard, sip a glass of wine and decompress. Bring a jug of some sort so you can fill it with their delicious olive oil made from olives grown and pressed on the farm. labourgogne.co.za

There is a wonderful bistro for a bite to eat attached to the beautiful bakery with brick ovens that produce delicious breads and baked goods. The wine tastings are administered by an extremely knowledgeable and genial staff in a gorgeous setting with sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains beyond. We love the wines and always bring home a case of their Mochalate Malbec and Early Mist Riesling. vnl.co.za

Xanadu comes to mind when trying to describe Babylonstoren. Go early and stay late to experience the stunning 8-acre gardens growing everything you’ve ever heard of and much that you have not. Get lost in the labyrinth until you come upon the restaurant Babel, which gives farm-to-table dining new meaning. Explore the shop full of an irresistible selection of handmade and natural products. Buy fresh baked breads, dried meats and artisanal cheeses all beautifully displayed in historic Cape Dutch buildings. You must go. babylonstoren.com

One sees Dalewood cheeses in better stores and delis all over the region but the best thing is to visit the farm yourself, see where the cheeses are made and get wonderful information about the cheese direct from the owners in the shop. When you step out of your vehicle you are surrounded by the sights and sounds (and aromas) that confirm you are on an authentic working dairy farm. Dairy cows graze just feet away, while chickens scurry about in the yard. We buy their brie by the wheel and stock up on a variety of other camemberts and goat’s cheeses to serve to our guests at Maison Noir every time we go to Paarl. dalewood.co.za

The cheeky goats in front of the Goatshed Restaurant love kidding around for the cameras. They have completely stolen the limelight from all that this lovely wine estate has to offer: three wineries producing well-loved wines; a cheesery; and a range of top-notch olive oils. fairview.co.za

One could be forgiven if you blinked while visiting Beau Constantia and thought you were in the Napa Valley. Visit for the wine tastings held in a contemporary glass box of architecture with beautifully appointed, mid-century-modern decor and overlooking breathtaking views of the Constantia Valley. This is a boutique winemaker producing small amounts annually of some great and award-winning wines. beauconstantia.com

We love it for its laid-back vibe – a little less fussy than some of its neighbours. In particular, we love stretching out on the lawn under massive oak and cedar trees (think Downton Abbey) with one of their delightful picnic baskets and wonderful wines. Try the rosé! The restaurant, in an original, thatched roof Cape Dutch building, is elegant and a great place for lunch only a few minutes’ drive from Maison Noir. Be sure to grab some of their outstanding pastries in the Coffee Bloc for tomorrow’s breakfast. buitenverwachting.com

Groot Constantia is the granddaddy of the region, producing many award-winning wines on this working farm. We love the museum in the historical original manor house full of well-identified and preserved period furniture and art. Sit outdoors under massive oak trees for a lovely and lazy lunch at Jonkershuis restaurant, or inside in the series of rooms that were once the slave quarters and stables of the farm. Don’t miss the room next door, which displays the chronological history of the several owners and eras of the farm over the last several hundred years. Fascinating! Simon’s restaurant here is beautiful and lovely for dinner. Let us make a booking for you. grootconstantia.co.za

We love it for its laid-back vibe – a little less fussy than some of its neighbours. In particular, we love stretching out on the lawn under massive oak and cedar trees (think Downton Abbey) with one of their delightful picnic baskets and wonderful wines. Try the rosé! The restaurant, in an original, thatched roof Cape Dutch building, is elegant and a great place for lunch only a few minutes’ drive from Maison Noir. Be sure to grab some of their outstanding pastries in the Coffee Bloc for tomorrow’s breakfast. buitenverwachting.com

Don’t miss the museum shops at both the Norval Foundation and Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa: they’re world-class, are superbly curated and stock work by some of SA’s top designers.

Situated in the Silo District, adjacent to Zeitz MOCAA, Southern Guild commissions, produces and exhibits collectable design. You’ll find limited-edition pieces here and always be inspired by their distinctively African yet globally relevant works.

If you’re looking for traditional African artefacts and contemporary design, Africa Nova is renowned for its quality design and a well curated selection of local craft and ceramics. The store is proud to be associated with some of the foremost creative talents in South Africa. Africa Nova can be found at Cape Town’s world-class V&A Waterfront, situated on the Atlantic shore, or at Spier and Delaire Graff wines estates. Africa Nova http://www.waterfront.co.za/stores/africa-nova

A vast selection of products can be found here, from ceramics and furniture to textiles, fashion and jewellery. It also includes the Jubilee Exhibition Hall and smaller spaces that play host to world-famous exhibitions, live entertainment and workshops. Not only a place to shop, The Watershed also offers a range of treatments available for your mind, body and soul, which can all be found at ‘Wellness At The Watershed’ on the mezzanine level. http://waterfront.co.za/shop/watershed

First Thursdays is a vibrant public event popular with local Capetonians. Art galleries and cultural events around Cape Town’s central city stay open until 9pm or later on the first Thursday of every month, so you can explore the city on foot and experience the cultural wealth this city has to offer. There is no tour, schedule or guided walk – that is up to you. We simply help you figure out what to see and where to go by highlighting what is happening. http://first-thursdays.co.za/cape-town

The second-oldest public site in central Cape Town, Greenmarket Square is an open-air market featuring African folk art, artefacts and objects. Worth a walk through if you’re in the area Monday to Saturday, 09.30am to 4pm. Also visit the Pan African Market, a minute’s walk away, in Long Street. Head upstairs and you’ll find many stalls offering everything from tribal masks to wood carvings.

If you’re visiting the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock, do pop into this gem of a store offering a broad range of local crafts from diverse African locations. The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock T: +27 (0)21 447 7183 heartworks.co.za

Set in Newlands in the historic Montebello Design Centre, the Montebello Craft Shop has a particular interest in supporting rural craft projects while promoting sustainable craft and good design. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for light and beautifully produced gifts to take home. T: +27 (0)21 685 6445 montebello.co.za

Distinctly South African, this is a richly diverse and authentic social and cultural destination for locals. Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay sits on the water’s edge in an old fish factory, and features more than 100 sellers of locally made and sourced pieces for home, clothing and food. Created as part of the Hangberg Social Upliftment Project, the market provides opportunities for the local community to develop business skills for sustainable business. Open Friday 5pm to 9pm; Saturday and Sunday 09.30am to 4pm. 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay T: +27 (0)82 570 5997 Bay Harbour

Specialising mostly in organic foods but also offering decor, fashion and homeware stalls, this buzzing market is at the V&A Waterfront Look Out area and is open on Saturdays and Sundays until 3pm. Fresh produce is on sale but there are food stalls aplenty for delicious breakfasts and lunches. Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a 30 minute drive from Maison Noir. ozcf.co.za

One of Cape Town’s most trusted galleries, Lutge offers antique Cape furniture set among sophisticated South African ceramics, photography and art. 109 Loop Street, Cape Town T:+27 (0)21 424 8448 lutge.co.za

Sophisticated, modern and emerging fashion designers for women. Their style is comfortable and easy wearing. 108 Long Street, Cape Town T: +27 (0)21 424 5016 mungoandjemima.com

Men’s clothing store – classic tailored street-wear made in Cape Town. 69 Roeland Street, Cape Town T: +27 (0)21 461 0212 facebook.com/simondeporres

Contemporary jewellery and design studio by designers Ida Elsje and Philippa Green. 76 Church Street, Gardens T: +27 (0)21 424 1101 olivegreencat.com

South African-influenced Scandinavian aesthetic achieved through the craftsmanship of a small design studio. 66 Albert Road, Woodstock T: +27 (0)21 447 2020 pedersenlennard.co.za

At the V&A Waterfront, the Zeitz MOCAA museum is set in historic silos that were converted by acclaimed architect Thomas Heatherwick. Not only is the building architecturally interesting, but the views spectacular from the restaurant and rooftop. The Silo Precinct is the newest in the V&A Waterfront and it’s worth exploring. Both galleries are currently exhibiting the acclaimed Kentridge exhibition.

Two superb art experiences await you in Cape Town – both equally close to Maison Noir. The Norval Foundation and it’s excellent restaurant and bar, Skotnes, is on Steenberg Wine Estate, also part of the Constantia Wine Route – so you can combine wine and art with ease! Set in a sculpture garden and as proud custodians of the Gerard Sekoto Foundation, the Edoardo Villa Estate Collection and Alexis Preller Archive, the Norval Foundation deserves at least half a day for a visit.

Woodstock is the creative centre of Cape Town with emerging designers, private collections, and a highly personalised opportunity for the serious buyer. This historic Victorian industrial district has become home for artists and galleries, makers and contemporary art. Galleries we enjoy include: What if the World (young, emerging artists), Goodman Gallery (Fine Arts), Michael Stevenson (International contemporary) and Bell Roberts (Cape -based artists).

Begin the day with an early breakfast at the villa, after which you will then be transported in the comfort of our Mercedes Benz Sprinter to the Winelands. En route your professional guide will share with you the history of the region and insider information on the South African wine scene. Upon arrival, as guests of Maison Noir you will enjoy special treatment, including private, expanded wine tastings and tours of the facilities and manor house hosted by the owner and/or sommelier of the estate. There is no limit to the options for this day. You will work with your guide in advance to put together a perfect day suited best to your interests. Should you choose to visit Stellenbosch, consider leaving the villa earlier to enjoy a stunning breakfast at Hillcrest Berry Farms before visiting the wine farms. Or plan a final stop on your way back for a wine tasting on the lawns at Cape Point Vineyards while watching the sun set over the ocean. It’s incredible!

A cultural museum that is furnished as a house that depicts the lifestyle of a 19th-century Muslim family. T: +21(0)21 481 3939 http://iziko.org.za/museums/bo-kaap-museum

Chronicles South Africa’s apartheid experience. T: +27 (0)21 466 7200 districtsix.co.za

South African art and ongoing international fine art exhibitions. Government Avenue, Company Gardens, Cape Town T: +27 (0)21 481 8790 http://iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-national-gallery

Adjoining the South African Museum, this is the most advanced digital planetarium on the African continent. T: +27 (0)21 481 3900 http://iziko.org.za/museums/planetarium

The easiest hike to reach from Maison Noir, Myburgh’s Ravine is an excellent hike in the summer (when the red disa flowers are on full display) as well as in colder and wetter months, when the waterfalls pound down the mountainside. While still something of a steep climb (anything up Table Mountain involves climbing), Myburgh’s Ravine on Table Mountain is easy to reach. From Farriers Way there is a footpath that leads up the mountain (there is a wooden sign indicating the start of the walk) via an indigenous forest. You will meet the contour path that follows the stream (to the right). A little further along brings you to the base of Myburgh’s Waterfall. From here the hike is simple enough to follow unless the waterfalls are flowing, in which case you’ll need to scramble through a detour or two. A good place for lunch is where you have views out over Oudekraal, Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno. The path down the Llandudno Ravine is steep and loose. Watch your step. You descend onto the contour path above Suikerbossie. Right takes you to Suikerbossie restaurant, while a left turn takes you back across a ravine to Farriers Way (2,5km).

Also called Klein Leeukoppie, this short but taxing trail to the top should take you less than an hour and is lovely in late afternoon or early morning. It is perfect for those who want a good workout within an hour or want to reach a summit and superlative views without too much fuss. The hike takes place on Klein Leeukoppie, which is private property, hence the security wave in.

The Karbonkelberg is the largest of the peaks that tower over the northern side of Hout Bay. Viewed from the top of Chapman’s Peak there are two visible peaks that tower over the sea to the left of Hout Bay. The Sentinel is the smaller, more southerly peak ,with the taller Karbonkelberg behind it. The round trip to the top of the Karbonkelberg should take you about 4 hours. You follow a very eroded jeep track the whole way up, so navigation is relatively easy.

The Baviaanskloof hike is known for its seasonal waterfall, which is simply breathtaking. It is best to find out when it is flowing, because it is the perfect conclusion to your hike. The waterfall is surrounded by shade and lush greenery, and can be the perfect spot for a picnic or to relax with a book. There is also the small forest past the waterfall if you follow the firebreak trail. Here you enter a pine-tree woodland that is reminiscent of a Grimm’s fairy tale. For the really adventurous, deviate and take a hike up to Klein Koppie to take in an unobstructed view of Hout Bay.

Depart from the villa after a leisurely breakfast for a day of hiking and exploration of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the magnificent Table Mountain. At the top of the mountain, you’ll enjoy a delicious sunset picnic while taking in the splendid panoramic views of the Atlantic and Cape Town sprawling below. Finally we will ride the iconic cable car down the mountain to complete our day. Variations of this tour can include exploratory hikes of Lion’s Head peak, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Red Hill or historic Hout Bay. Half- or full-day variations may be put together in various combinations with the following: + yoga (optional on all tours) + wine farm (meditation or pranayama session at a wine farm + wine tasting) + helicopter rides over Cape Town round trip or stop at De Grendel wine farm (optional pilates/pranayama) + paragliding (optional meditation after the flight at Signal Hill for sunset) + kite surfing intro/intermediate + yoga at Two Oceans Aquarium in front of predator tank

A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Table Bay, this is the exceptional cultural and social landmark where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

Dyer Island Cruises specialises in the ‘marine big 5’ experience, where often you’ll be able to see whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and African penguins on any given trip – not to mention incredible seabird sightings (albatross, petrels, skuas, etc.) and breathtaking unspoiled scenery. Each trip is led by experienced marine biologists and guides who will share their knowledge with you, keeping the emphasis on the welfare and conservation of the animals. Responsible tourism is our main objective so we focus on conservation, education, community upliftment and safety.

Spend time at Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town, home to a famous colony of jackass penguins, aptly named for the hilarity of their braying call, followed by lunch at Harbour House in Kalk Bay.

One of the world’s most renowned gardens and nestled at the foot of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens – in the midst of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cape Floral Kingdom – has over 22 000 native plants. Don’t miss the Boomslang Walkway through the tree canopy.

This is the perfect day for those who enjoy a bit of walking as they sightsee. After a leisurely breakfast at the villa we will depart on our way towards Cape Point – the very tip of Africa! The possibilities along the way for stunning scenery and quaint seaside towns are extensive and can be tailored with your guide in advance to meet your particular interests. You may choose to explore the beautiful and historic towns of Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, the latter also offering wonderful penguin watching at Boulder’s Beach. After visiting the awe-inspiring Cape Point, we will begin our way back along the eastern coast, arriving finally at Cape Point Vineyards for sundowners at sunset looking out over Noordhoek Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

This is the perfect day for those who enjoy a bit of walking as they sightsee. After a leisurely breakfast at the villa we will depart on our way towards Cape Point – the very tip of Africa! The possibilities along the way for stunning scenery and quaint seaside towns are extensive and can be tailored with your guide in advance to meet your particular interests. You may choose to explore the beautiful and historic towns of Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, the latter also offering wonderful penguin watching at Boulder’s Beach. After visiting the awe-inspiring Cape Point, we will begin our way back along the eastern coast, arriving finally at Cape Point Vineyards for sundowners at sunset looking out over Noordhoek Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.