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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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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