Cape Winelands
Description
A visit to the Cape Winelands should be on every wine lover’s bucket list. The rich, fertile soils are famous for producing some of the world’s best wines, sherries, ports, and brandies. The unrivalled scenery of mountains, vineyards, and Cape Dutch architecture makes the winelands a sought after destination for holidays, weddings, conferences, and special occasions. Explore our beautiful country accommodations in picturesque towns like Paarl, Robertson, and Franschhoek.
Established in 1679, Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and has an array of beautiful historical buildings and fascinating museums to show for it. As the oldest and largest wine route in South Africa, the Stellenbosch Wine Route was established in 1971 and boasts over 140 estates where you can enjoy some of the country’s finest wine tasting.
But there is more to the winelands than tasting exquisite wine. The Cape Winelands is known as the culinary capital of South Africa and boasts some of the most fantastic gourmet restaurants and cafés. It is also famous for its cheeses, olives, and export quality fruit and organic produce. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a round at one of the world-class golf courses or the countless cycling, walking, and hiking tracks through the mountains and valleys.
Engage in farm-style activities like picking strawberries, taking a donkey or horse-and-carriage ride through the vineyards, or simply enjoying a scenic picnic next to a dam and feeding the ducks and swans that pass by. Wildlife encounters include a number of game reserves as well as the Crocodile Park, Lion Park, and cheetah outreach programme at Wiesenhof Legacy Park where you can interact with the fastest of the big cats. There are also countless gift shops, art galleries, markets, spa and wellness centres, and museums to visit. From an excursion to the Butterfly Park or Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, to hot air balloon and helicopter rides, you will soon discover that there is an endless list of things to do.
The Cape Winelands covers a vast area, from the Stellenbosch region in the south west to the Cederberg in the north, and the Langeberg Valley in the south east. The extent and diversity of geographical features are marvellous, with more mountain peaks, ranges, valleys, cliffs, rivers, pools, waterfalls, springs, forests, caves, and other natural features than you could explore in a lifetime. It’s a region for all seasons, filled with exciting events, attractions, and activities; so be prepared to extend your trip, because you won’t want to miss out on anything.