Cape Town, South Africa, is known for more than just its breathtaking vineyards and superb wines but also for some of the best markets in the Cape Winelands. Scattered across this picturesque region are markets that offer not just shopping but also fantastic dining and socialising opportunities. In the age of artisanal, craft, and authentic delights, these markets draw crowds of foodies, fashionistas, families, and tourists alike. Each market has its unique charm and offers a chance to meet the makers, appreciate fresh produce, and indulge in various culinary delights. Here are the top ten markets you must visit in the Cape Winelands.
Noordhoek Farm Village Market
Located in a charming neck of the woods, the Noordhoek Farm Village Market is an ideal spot for a midweek outing. This open-air evening market is perfect for casual get-togethers with friends. Enjoy delicious food from a variety of stalls offering Italian, Mexican, and Indian cuisine, as well as nori wraps and Kristen’s famous Kick-Ass Ice Cream. The Farm Village stores, including The Foodbarn Deli, are also open, allowing you to shop and eat to your heart’s content. Settle in at a bench table on the lawn while the kids enjoy the playground.
Cape Point Vineyards Community Market
This weekly community pop-up market is one of the best markets in the Cape Winelands. Set in the lakeside picnic area of the Cape Point Vineyards, just 1.2 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, this market offers stunning sea views and delicious fare. Choose from lamb, wood-fired pizzas, sushi, steak sandwiches, deep-fried chicken noodles, and sweet treats. The sunsets are breathtaking, especially with a glass of CPV sauvignon blanc. Ample parking, open grass areas, and a jungle gym for kids make this a perfect taste of the countryside in the city.
Earth Fair Food Market
Held at the Timour Hall Villa Estate in Constantia, the Earth Fair Food Market is a favourite of southern suburb dwellers. Stock up on fresh produce and pasture-raised meat, and enjoy breakfast or lunch from the food stalls. Treat yourself to dinner and drinks on Wednesday evenings while enjoying live music. Communal tables on the expansive lawn and picnic areas make for a relaxed outing.
Lourensford Market
The Lourensford Market in the Winelands features over 70 food, craft, and fashion stalls arranged around a communal eating and bar area. Enjoy views of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains and live music while you sample ribs, German wurst, pizza, sushi, and Korean fried chicken. The estate’s gorgeous gardens provide plenty of space to picnic and a children’s play area with fun activities such as face painting. Visit on a Friday night for a party atmosphere with fairy-lit trees or on weekends for a family-friendly outing.
Elgin Railway Market
Housed in a former apple warehouse, the Elgin Railway Market offers a unique setting with its Art Deco steampunk-style decor. The market features stalls selling produce, jewellery, clothing, decor, vintage items, toys, and more. Enjoy delicious global fare, great coffee, local L-Gin cocktails, and Elgin cool-climate wines. The market also offers live music on weekends, blacksmithing demos, a jungle gym, and roundabouts for kids. Take advantage of the arrival of the puffing steam train, a highlight for all ages.
Blaauwklippen Family Market
This unpretentious weekend market is held under the shade of big fig trees on one of the oldest and most picturesque wine estates. The Blaauwklippen Family Market offers seasonal, local, sustainable, and organic products. Enjoy a variety of food stalls providing chicken schnitzel, flammküchen, Asian dumplings, Dutch croquettes, and Tuist’s small-batch ice cream. Hand-craft stalls, live music, and wine and gin tastings add to the charm. Children will love the pump track, jungle gyms, and waffles on a stick.
Franschhoek Village Market
The Franschhoek Village Market is a warm and convivial gathering of diverse local crafters and purveyors in the town centre next to the church and under ancient oaks. Enjoy live music, a play area for kids, and a variety of stalls offering vetkoek, rotis with fragrant curries, gourmet pancakes, braaied meat, juices, and coffee. There’s always a game of boules to join, best enjoyed with a glass of wine and snacks.
Root 44 Market
Set in glorious surroundings, the Root 44 Market is a weekend showcase of Stellenbosch wines and delicious comfort foods. This glass-brick-and-mortar food hall features an array of stalls, two wine bars, live bands, indoor and outdoor tables, and lush lawns for picnicking. Indulge in tacos, corndogs, mac’ n cheese, gatsby, hotdogs, mussels, pulled fishbein, souvlaki, and many Asian flavours. The market also includes an “art route” of mini-galleries and a splash fountain for kids.
As some of the best markets in the Cape Winelands, they offer a delightful blend of shopping, dining, and socialising opportunities. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these markets provide an authentic and vibrant experience that captures the region’s essence.
