My girlfriend and I have been to Cape Town before, so we know where to stay in the city, but this time we want a couple of nights in the Winelands as well – somewhere peaceful, romantic, and with good food and wine. Any ideas? Greg Harding, London

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: The Winelands of the Western Cape are less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, but a world away in atmosphere and scenery. The genteel villages backed by craggy mountains make this the most beautiful wine growing region in the world – the areas famous hospitality, cuisine, and wines are perfect for a romantic break.

The picturesque village of Franschhoek is flanked by mountains. It gets its name from French Huguenots who fled to the Cape region to escape religious persecution back in the 17th century. Their legacy is the gourmet capital of the Cape, with a quaint little main street lined with restaurants, antique shops, and renowned wine estates, and if money is no object, you should treat yourselves to a stay at the Quartier Fracais (00 27 21 876 2151, www.lqf.co.za). It’s an exquisite 15-room hotel, with bold Provencal-style décor, lovely grounds, a renowned restaurant, and stylish private cinema. B&B doubles from £208.

Stellenbosch is a bustling university and tourist town with oak-lined avenues and outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture. For total tranquillity, you are best staying outside of the town, and nowhere is more cosy than the historic Devon Valley Hotel (00 27 21 865 2012, www.devonvalleyhotel.com). This lovely cedar wood clad hotel is on the estate that produces Sylvanvale wines, and has 40-rooms, two pools, an intimate bar, and an excellent restaurant. The decor is contemporary colonial, and most rooms have private patios too. B&B doubles are from £82.

Paarl is less touristy than Stellenbosch, but still with plenty of Cape Dutch architecture and vineyards. The classy 34-room Grande Roche Hotel (00 27 21 863 51 00, www.granderoche.co.za) occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century Cape Dutch estate, with lush gardens and the dramatic Drakenstein Mountains as a backdrop. The rooms are like suites, very spacious, and most have private terraces. The service is discreet and exceptional, and don’t miss out on a meal at its award-winning Bosman’s restaurant. There are a couple of pools, and a spa. B&B doubles are from £123.

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