The Cape Winelands is an area of stunning natural beauty not far from Cape Town, surrounded by mountains, with huge vineyards and wine estates steeped in history. The excellent wines produced in this area are world-renowned. However, the area attracts not only serious wine lovers but many other tourists too who enjoy the spectacular scenery, the wining and dining and the many other activities on offer.
Famous for its historic buildings and oak line streets, Stellenbosch is an ideal point to start exploring the area. The Stellenbosch wine route is the oldest route in the country and incorporates the wine farms surrounding this historic university town. Today the route is divided into five sub-routes: the Helderberg, the Valley, Berg, Greater Simonsberg and Bottelary Hills routes.
Estates on the various routes offer cellar tours and daily wine tastings. There are those, like Fairview estate on the Paarl route, that offer cheese as well as wine tastings. Fees charged for wine tasting differ from estate to estate and many offer a discount on the tasting if wines are purchased. Customized tours and tutored tastings are available but need to be booked in advance.
Many of the estates have their own restaurants. At these restaurants one can taste a variety of local dishes, including venison, bobotie and snoek. International cuisine is offered too. Day tours usually include a leisurely lunch on one of the estates. Other items like olives, berries, baked goods and organic produce are often available for purchase.
The traditional French town of Franschhoek lies in a valley surrounded by vineyards and mountains. This makes it a good springboard to many wine estates. There are a number of top quality establishments offering accommodation in the area. It is also notable for its restaurants and its main street is lined with both restaurants and coffee shops.
The Paarl Wine Route is another popular route and is home to the largest wine cellar in South Africa, the KWV Wine Emporium. The town of Paarl also offers historical charm, culture and architectural heritage. The old Thatched Roof Church in the main road is one of the oldest in South Africa and is still in use today. Breath-taking scenery and many cycling and nature trails make this a favorite stop for nature lovers and those who enjoy being active.
Regional wine festivals are often held in the winelands and the different estates arrange special events throughout the year as well. Every estate has different attractions too such as tractor rides, horse-and-carriage rides through the vineyards and musical events. There are even wellness centers and spas on some estates.
The Cape Winelands can be explored in a variety of ways. Its proximity to Cape Town means that it can be explored as a day trip. You can use a tour operator or choose to hire a car. There are also shuttle and hop-on-hop-off bus services available. Whether you want to simply soak up the atmosphere, find out more about wines, enjoy the scenery or have a cultural adventure, you will not be disappointed.
Famous for its historic buildings and oak line streets, Stellenbosch is an ideal point to start exploring the area. The Stellenbosch wine route is the oldest route in the country and incorporates the wine farms surrounding this historic university town. Today the route is divided into five sub-routes: the Helderberg, the Valley, Berg, Greater Simonsberg and Bottelary Hills routes.
Estates on the various routes offer cellar tours and daily wine tastings. There are those, like Fairview estate on the Paarl route, that offer cheese as well as wine tastings. Fees charged for wine tasting differ from estate to estate and many offer a discount on the tasting if wines are purchased. Customized tours and tutored tastings are available but need to be booked in advance.
Many of the estates have their own restaurants. At these restaurants one can taste a variety of local dishes, including venison, bobotie and snoek. International cuisine is offered too. Day tours usually include a leisurely lunch on one of the estates. Other items like olives, berries, baked goods and organic produce are often available for purchase.
The traditional French town of Franschhoek lies in a valley surrounded by vineyards and mountains. This makes it a good springboard to many wine estates. There are a number of top quality establishments offering accommodation in the area. It is also notable for its restaurants and its main street is lined with both restaurants and coffee shops.
The Paarl Wine Route is another popular route and is home to the largest wine cellar in South Africa, the KWV Wine Emporium. The town of Paarl also offers historical charm, culture and architectural heritage. The old Thatched Roof Church in the main road is one of the oldest in South Africa and is still in use today. Breath-taking scenery and many cycling and nature trails make this a favorite stop for nature lovers and those who enjoy being active.
Regional wine festivals are often held in the winelands and the different estates arrange special events throughout the year as well. Every estate has different attractions too such as tractor rides, horse-and-carriage rides through the vineyards and musical events. There are even wellness centers and spas on some estates.
The Cape Winelands can be explored in a variety of ways. Its proximity to Cape Town means that it can be explored as a day trip. You can use a tour operator or choose to hire a car. There are also shuttle and hop-on-hop-off bus services available. Whether you want to simply soak up the atmosphere, find out more about wines, enjoy the scenery or have a cultural adventure, you will not be disappointed.
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