The amazing vineyards of the Cape of South Africa
The area is known for its wonderful natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned wines. Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, you’ll arrive in the Winelands, with its wondrous mountains providing an inspiring backdrop to bountiful vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch farmhouses steeped in history.
We recommend that you experience the hospitality and beauty of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington, Franschhoek and Robertson in the Breede River Valley. Stop and visit some of the many wineries, or perhaps stroll down one of the beautifully restored streets in the historic city centers.
The excellent wines produced in this area are transported all over the world and enjoy a world-renowned reputation. The Winelands is an ideal base from which to explore Cape Town and its surroundings. Accommodation in this area caters for all tastes, so treat yourself to one of the unique boutique hotels or indulge in the hospitality of one of the many splendid guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments common throughout the area.
Constantia Wine Land
If you contact the Cape Town Tourist Office, it is possible to book a horse-drawn carriage tour through the Constantia vineyards. Along the way, you can stop for snacks, tours, or tastings at wineries like Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, or Buitenverwachting. Remember to spend some time at the Old Cape Farm stall where you can buy fresh produce and gourmet foods.
Stellenbosch Wine Country
This wine route is the oldest and most extensive, with the largest number of farms, wineries and cooperatives, as well as cultural and wine museums. You will need plenty of time to explore this area, probably a whole week or several weekends. You can buy a map of the farms on the route at the Information Center in Stellenbosch.
The land of Paarl wines
This is the second oldest wine route in South Africa and offers a self-guided tour of the Backsberg Estate’s historic cellars and brandy stills, but don’t be tempted while the cameras are watching! Alternatively, take a guided tour of the extensive KWV cellars. Further along the route are Zandwijk, where South Africa’s only kosher wines are made, and Fairview Farm, famous for its cheeses.
Wellington Wine Country
This historic route with its museums and old churches is the center of this “off the beaten path” route, exemplified by the small family owned wineries. At Bovlei you can even have your own wine label designed and made for you. North of Wellington is the beautiful Brian’s Kloof Pass.
Klein Karoo wine country
Believe it or not, this is the route to see ostriches and lianas side by side. Viticulture has fueled the economy of this hot, arid region between the Langeberg and Swartberg mountains, and is practiced on farms around Calitzdorp, Swellendam, Ladismith and Montagu. Don’t miss out on the excellent quality flagship ports of the Boplaas Estate.
The land of Franschhoek wines
Known as the food and wine capital of the world, this postcard town is home to 8 of South Africa’s top 100 restaurants. The farms of the Vignerons de Franschhoek, as the producers along this French-influenced wine route are properly known, sit in a beautiful valley and many have historic houses, including Boschendal, La Motte and L’Ormarins. If you’re short on time, you can always taste the wines of the Franschhoek Vineyards Cooperative at the Franschhoek Wine Tasting Center.
Worcester Wine Country
This triangular route runs from Villiersdorp in the south to Woseley and Worcester in the north. Along the way you will discover wineries such as the Brandvlei and Merwida cooperatives. Worcester itself offers many other attractions, including museums and galleries, and the Karoo National Botanic Gardens, located just four kilometers from the city.
Robertson’s Land of Wines
The region’s lime-rich soils play an important role in the production of Robertson Wineland’s well-balanced wines, including those from Van Loveren, Weltevrede, Zandvliet and Rooiberg Cooperative. This mountainous region is covered in hiking trails that are best enjoyed in spring. It is also famous as the birthplace of some of the best racehorses in the country and a nursery for roses.