The next time you visit Franschhoek; dont just get stuck in the tiny craft and antique stores. Quaint and sedate is interesting and you should definitely do it but there’s a whole other shopping experience to Franschhoek. We’ve made the starting point easier for you. So get cracking.

Buy some diamonds. Or at least just go and check them out at Tracey’s Diamonds. Its catalogue includes rings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets. Some people even get made-to-order engagement rings. If you’re in the position to propose go ahead and order. Remember the ‘four Cs’ in diamond buying; carat, colour, clarity and cut. If you don’t have cash to spend just ask more questions about the art of buying diamonds so next time you know what you’re doing.

It’s not difficult to find wire art. But it’s all just so kitsch that it feels wrong buying it. If you’re on holiday, however, outlandish can be turned into charming and in Franschhoek Live Wire Art does kitsch very well. The resident artist, Prince Ndamane makes spice racks, toilet paper holders, and little animals for your garden – definitely a new take on the garden gnome.  

Sure you can buy some wine at La Cotte Inn but that’s what everybody does. Try something different and get some cigars. You can’t get them anywhere else in Franschhoek and they’re Cuban. They’ve got twenty different kinds and it’ll be a pity not to check them out if you’re a cigar fan. If you’re new to cigars, you’ll get all the guidance you need before you buy. But we’ll get you started; there should be no lumps, the wrapping paper should be wrapped smooth, and pay attention to the end of cigar - the tobacco should be constant without any abrupt changes in colour.

Get something in leather. And show your support for Fair Trade. Tsonga is home to hand-crafted leather shoes that won’t cost your whole trip. Whether it’s sandals or boots you’re after, it’s all here and like we said the store is Fair Trade approved so you’re contributing to something meaningful.

The Cape Winelands are also popular for their indigenous flowers. If you want to take some of the plant life with you, go green at Le Fleur nursery. It’s one the most prominent nurseries in the Winelands offering indigenous plants.   

Jamie Oliver isn’t the only naked chef we know. We have our own cluster of naked chefs in the Winelands; Matthew Gordon, Margot Janse and Vanie Padayachee are just a few of the chefs who bared some of their culinary secrets for the book, Naked Chefs of Franschhoek. Get it there.

Get your fill of mohair, ostrich leather and wool at Karoo Classics. They say nobody does natural fibre quite like they do.  And their range of mohair is extensive. You’ll be in mini heaven if you’re into that kind of thing.

If you’re not a collector the idea of the largest corkscrew collection in Africa may sound rather odd. But The Old Corkscrew is an institution any Winelands visitor must see at least once. They don’t only sell antique and modern corkscrews, there's also a huge selection of glass, silver, porcelain, furniture and copper to inspect. Look out for the 19th century Signet corkscrew, it’s the reason why there’s an art to collecting these things.

Add a new dimension to your shopping by heading to the Winelands. Get a great deal.

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