Somerset West is a Cape Winelands town of immense charm and tourist appeal. The town is rich in history and heritage and boasts prestigious, centuries-old wine farms and premier golf estates. The town also has many excellent hotels and guest houses and here we list 3 of our favourites.

Somerset West basks in the Helderberg basin, an area that takes its name from the Helderberg Mountains. (These extend between Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay, and the Elgin Valley, with Sir Lowry’s Pass as the crossing.) Like all of the Cape Winelands towns, Somerset West is picturesque, and has to its credit an impressive selection of wine estates, acclaimed restaurants, first-rate golf courses, the Helderberg Nature Reserve, and adventure activities for visitors. Cape Town is 45 km away, and the Cape Town International Airport , 31 km.

There is much to palate-please in Somerset West: there are cellar and vineyard tours and wine tastings at Vergelegen and elsewhere; olive oil and wine tasting at Morgenster Estate; wine tasting at Lourensford; coffee tasting at the Coffee Roasting Company at Lourensford; beer tasting at Abru Brewery at Lourensford; and artisan gin tasting at Erinvale Estate.

Easily reached from Somerset West are the well-known winelands towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, the pretty coastal towns of Strand and Gordon’s Bay, and the Elgin Valley on the other side of Sir Lowry’s Pass. The Elgin Valley is known for its cool-climate wines and apples.

Wine Estates in and Near Somerset West

Wine estates of excellence are one of the charm factors of Somerset West and the surrounding area. The wine farm Vergelegen is an impressive 18th century Cape Dutch farmhouse and one of the great landmarks in Somerset west. Other farms to visit in and around Somerset West include Lourensford Wines, Waterkloof Wine Estate, Morgenster, Miravel Wine Estate, Ken Forrester Wines, Avontur and Annandale Wine Estate.

Beaches

Somerset West is 6 km away from the extensive beach at The Strand, and 13 km away from pretty Gordon’s Bay, with its popular Bikini Beach, mountain trails and nature reserve. The small coastal towns of Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay are 43 km and 49 km away respectively.

Lord Charles Hotel

luxury holiday accommodation somerset west cape winelands
Lord Charles Hotel
luxury holiday accommodation somerset west cape winelands
Lord Charles Hotel

Lord Charles Hotel is set on 22 acres of landscaped gardens at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains, offering visitors a luxurious lifestyle in Somerset West. The extensive estate features 198 rooms and suites, and a range of resort-style amenities, including tennis courts, swimming pools, spa and fitness facilities, a feature dam, and appealing dining options. The Garden Terrace serves buffet breakfasts, while La Vigna Restaurant offers alfresco lunches and sophisticated dinners paired with the region’s best wines. St Andrews is a Scottish-inspired bar where guests and locals meet over a drink and the game of the day. Health treatments are available onsite at Heal Spa. Mail us

Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa

luxury holiday accommodation somerset west cape winelands
Erinvale Hotel & Spa
luxury holiday accommodation somerset west cape winelands
Erinvale Hotel & Spa

Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa is a beautiful heritage hotel and leisure complex in Somerset West, situated near historic wine estates and neighbouring the magnificent Erinvale Golf Course. Retaining the charm of an early Cape Dutch farmstead, Erinvale provides chic, modern hotel facilities to honeymooners, golfers, celebration parties, executive groups and visitors wanting to explore the Cape winelands. 56 Rooms are set in expansive gardens shaded by great old trees. The Erinvale Suite is the premier accommodation offering. Dine at Stefan’s, Erinvale’s flagship restaurant, or at Oak Terrace, or at Magnolia Social Dining Lounge. Other hotel facilities include a hair boutique, spa and wedding chapel. Mail us

Willowbrook Country House

luxury holiday accommodation somerset west cape winelands
Willowbrook Country House
luxury holiday accommodation somerset west cape winelands
Willowbrook Country House

Willowbrook Country House is a small boutique hotel offering luxury accommodation in a secluded country setting in the quiet winelands town of Somerset West. The hotel provides personalized attention to its guests and offers excellent in-house dining at an award-winning restaurant D’vine. Fifteen rooms have king-size beds, private en-suite bathrooms with showers and bathtubs, large windows and patio doors that open onto a serene pool-garden. Stay in close proximity to renowned golf courses, beautiful beaches and premier wine estates. Mail us

Mail us to book a stay in Somerset West or elsewhere in South Africa, or call +27 21 797 7122.