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.
The town of Stellenbosch with its oak lined streets and historic buildings provides a good starting point from which to explore the surrounding wine estates. The Stellenbosch wine route was first established in 1971 and is the oldest one in the country. It is still going strong today and has grown to include five sub-routes, representing numerous grape and wine producers.
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.
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 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.
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.
The wine estates arrange events throughout the year and regional wine festivals are also held. Horse-and-carriage rides through vineyards, shows at amphitheaters, picnics and musical evenings are just some activities that can be enjoyed. There is also plenty to do for the active types with walking, hiking and biking trails abounding. Golfers have the opportunity of playing at world-class golf courses.
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.
The town of Stellenbosch with its oak lined streets and historic buildings provides a good starting point from which to explore the surrounding wine estates. The Stellenbosch wine route was first established in 1971 and is the oldest one in the country. It is still going strong today and has grown to include five sub-routes, representing numerous grape and wine producers.
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.
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 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.
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.
The wine estates arrange events throughout the year and regional wine festivals are also held. Horse-and-carriage rides through vineyards, shows at amphitheaters, picnics and musical evenings are just some activities that can be enjoyed. There is also plenty to do for the active types with walking, hiking and biking trails abounding. Golfers have the opportunity of playing at world-class golf courses.
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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