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.
Wine tastings are held on a daily basis at estates on all the different routes and cellar tours are also offered. Customized tours and special tutored tastings are available but these need to be booked in advance. Charges for tasting are usually minimal and are often discounted if wines are purchased. Some estates, like Fairview, found on the Paarl route, offer cheese tastings as well.
Many wine estates have fine restaurants, offering both international and more traditional cuisine. One can sit inside or outside at many of these restaurants, enjoying the scenery and indulging in a delicious, long luncheon. It is hard to resist buying other products for sale such as olives, olive oils, herbs, berries and baked goods.
The Franschhoek route is very popular due to its spectacular scenery and excellent restaurants. The village itself has a strong French influence and it is worth visiting the Huguenot Memorial Museum to find out about its history. It offers top accommodation establishments and staying at one of these provides a great way of exploring the wine estates surrounding the town. Many coffee shops and restaurants line the main street and one can browse through arts-and-craft shops, galleries and antique stores.
Tourists wanting to experience history or culture have plenty of opportunity to do so. Stroll along the oak lined Main Road of Paarl and see the old Thatched Roof Church - one of the oldest and most historic churches in the country. Visit museums, art galleries and craft shops scattered throughout the area and appreciate the unique architecture.
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.
Wine tastings are held on a daily basis at estates on all the different routes and cellar tours are also offered. Customized tours and special tutored tastings are available but these need to be booked in advance. Charges for tasting are usually minimal and are often discounted if wines are purchased. Some estates, like Fairview, found on the Paarl route, offer cheese tastings as well.
Many wine estates have fine restaurants, offering both international and more traditional cuisine. One can sit inside or outside at many of these restaurants, enjoying the scenery and indulging in a delicious, long luncheon. It is hard to resist buying other products for sale such as olives, olive oils, herbs, berries and baked goods.
The Franschhoek route is very popular due to its spectacular scenery and excellent restaurants. The village itself has a strong French influence and it is worth visiting the Huguenot Memorial Museum to find out about its history. It offers top accommodation establishments and staying at one of these provides a great way of exploring the wine estates surrounding the town. Many coffee shops and restaurants line the main street and one can browse through arts-and-craft shops, galleries and antique stores.
Tourists wanting to experience history or culture have plenty of opportunity to do so. Stroll along the oak lined Main Road of Paarl and see the old Thatched Roof Church - one of the oldest and most historic churches in the country. Visit museums, art galleries and craft shops scattered throughout the area and appreciate the unique architecture.
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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