Cape Winelands
The Winelands of Cape Town are within a 45 minute drive from the city centre and is ideal for both self drive and guided tours. With towering mountains and undulating winelands basked in glorious African sunshine as a backdrop, it is a region of spectacular natural beauty. The most popular of the wine producing towns are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Paarl which are all steeped in rich history and culture. Together they boast over 200 wine cellars with some excellent examples of gracious Cape Dutch and French Huguenot estates and charming country houses dating back to the 17th century when viticulture first began in the Cape.
There are literally hundreds of small luxury boutique hotels and bed and breakfast places and Africa Exclusive will prepare an itinerary for you where you will stay at some of the best and most friendly, using the Cape's excellent road network. Some of our favourites are Le Quartier Francaise, Roggeland Country House and Mont Rochelle. The Winelands is also home to some exquisite internationally acclaimed award winning restaurants and championship golf courses.
Constantia
Nestled on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain a mere two minutes from the city is the beautiful fertile valley of Constantia. It is the birthplace of viticulture in South Africa, the place where the first governor of the Cape, Simon Van der Stel began set up his wine farm. It is home to five wine producing vineyards and some excellent restaurants. Amongst the many historical buildings and country estates in the area is the Boer and Brit pub, a setting which tells the story of family conflict during the Boer War, when a Boer wife spied on her pro British husband and his frequent guests, Lord Roberts and Kitchener and sent information to her Boer family in the North.
Stellenbosch
Considered by many to be the true heart of the Cape Winelands and as the second oldest town in South Africa, being both a co-operative and producers hub for the wine industry, this region has plenty to offer in the lines of very fine wine. With new wine cellars and farms popping up all the time there's never a dull moment if what you're looking for is wine, wine, and more wine. Gorgeous scenery, old Cape Dutch houses and picture perfect streets lined with old oak trees one can easily get lost in this beautiful little town.
Franschhoek
The culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek boasts some of the best restaurants in the country. Dotted with wine farms, many being of French origin, this is where the original French Huguenots settled in South Africa around 1692. Nowadays this little town is booming with the good vibrations of fine wine, great dining and gorgeous scenery. A must visit if you’re a wine and food lover!
Wellington
The historic town of Wellington lies just north of Paarl on the foot of the Groenberg in a beautiful green valley on the banks of two rivers. There are numerous vineyards, olive fruit farms to visit as well as many interesting museums. Outdoor pursuits include scenic hikes, horse riding and cycling trails.
Paarl
The picturesque town of Paarl is cradled between 50 million year old granite boulders and the Du Toitskloof Mountain range. With gorgeous landscapes and beautiful farms in the surrounds it is fast becoming one of the Capes best kept secrets.
