The Cape winelands is known for its many historic wine estates with massive vineyards that date back centuries. This wine country is found not far from Cape Town and is an area of great beauty with its lush vineyards surrounded by mountains. Tours are not only enjoyed by serious wine enthusiasts but by many other tourists too, from nature lovers to history buffs. There are plenty of opportunities for great wining and dining as well as enjoying culture and history.
In 1971 the first wine route in South Africa was established, consisting of an organized network of wineries surrounding the old, historic town of Stellenbosch. Today the Stellenbosch Wine Route has five sub-routes and represents many wine producers. The town of Stellenbosch with its streets lined with oak trees and historic buildings is a good place from which to start exploring these 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.
As food and wine are perfect partners, it is no wonder that visitors are also able to sample and buy olives, cheeses, baked goods, olive oils, herbs and berries as well as other organic produce at these wine estates. A typical outing may consist of visiting a couple of estates, enjoying gorgeous award-winning wine and then having a long delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants, offering both traditional and international cuisine.
The Franschhoek Wine Route is characterized by French flair. The town itself is rich with Huguenot history and is the unofficial food and wine capital of South Africa. There are a number of award-winning restaurants in this charming town. Many different accommodation options are available for those wanting to use this town as a base for exploring the surrounding estates.
The Paarl route also offers historical charm, culture and breathtaking scenery as well as many wine estates. There are numerous cycling and nature trails for the more active. One does not have to go further than the main street to enjoy looking at the old historic buildings, such as the old Thatched Roof Church, one of the oldest in the country. Another attraction is the Afrikaans Language Monument.
Any time of the year is a good time to visit. There are regional wine festivals throughout the year, as well as special events and activities organized by wine estates. Take a donkey or horse-and-carriage ride through the vineyards or picnic next to a dam. Enjoy a show at an outdoor amphitheater or a massage at a spa and wellness center. The more active tourist has not been forgotten either with world-class golf courses and numerous cycling, walking and hiking routes.
The variety of experiences offered on a visit to the Cape Winelands is extensive. One needs to explore all the different options available before booking. It is possible to hire a car but many tourists prefer to use a tour operator or to make use one of the shuttle services or hop-on-hop-off buses provided. A visit to this area will not disappoint, no matter how you choose to experience it.
In 1971 the first wine route in South Africa was established, consisting of an organized network of wineries surrounding the old, historic town of Stellenbosch. Today the Stellenbosch Wine Route has five sub-routes and represents many wine producers. The town of Stellenbosch with its streets lined with oak trees and historic buildings is a good place from which to start exploring these 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.
As food and wine are perfect partners, it is no wonder that visitors are also able to sample and buy olives, cheeses, baked goods, olive oils, herbs and berries as well as other organic produce at these wine estates. A typical outing may consist of visiting a couple of estates, enjoying gorgeous award-winning wine and then having a long delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants, offering both traditional and international cuisine.
The Franschhoek Wine Route is characterized by French flair. The town itself is rich with Huguenot history and is the unofficial food and wine capital of South Africa. There are a number of award-winning restaurants in this charming town. Many different accommodation options are available for those wanting to use this town as a base for exploring the surrounding estates.
The Paarl route also offers historical charm, culture and breathtaking scenery as well as many wine estates. There are numerous cycling and nature trails for the more active. One does not have to go further than the main street to enjoy looking at the old historic buildings, such as the old Thatched Roof Church, one of the oldest in the country. Another attraction is the Afrikaans Language Monument.
Any time of the year is a good time to visit. There are regional wine festivals throughout the year, as well as special events and activities organized by wine estates. Take a donkey or horse-and-carriage ride through the vineyards or picnic next to a dam. Enjoy a show at an outdoor amphitheater or a massage at a spa and wellness center. The more active tourist has not been forgotten either with world-class golf courses and numerous cycling, walking and hiking routes.
The variety of experiences offered on a visit to the Cape Winelands is extensive. One needs to explore all the different options available before booking. It is possible to hire a car but many tourists prefer to use a tour operator or to make use one of the shuttle services or hop-on-hop-off buses provided. A visit to this area will not disappoint, no matter how you choose to experience it.
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