The Cape Winelands
- Constantia Wineland
Contact Cape
Town Tourism for a horse-drawn carriage tour through the
Constantia winelands. You can stop en-route for refreshments, tours,
or tastings at wineries such as Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia or
Buitenverwachting. Don’t forget to shop at the Old Cape Farm Stall for
fresh goods and gourmet foods.
 Stellenbosch Wineland
Since this is the oldest and largest route, having the most estates,
wineries and cooperatives as well as wine and cultural museums, allow
plenty of time to explore it – probably a whole week or several weekends.
You can buy a map of the farms on the route from the Information Centre
in Stellenbosch.
- Paarl
Wineland
For a satisfying experience on the country’s second-oldest
wine-route, try historic Backsberg Estate’s self-conducted tour of
its cellars and brandy pot stills (you’re watched on camera). Or
take a guided tour of the sprawling KWV cellars. Also along the route
are Zandwijk, where South Africa’s only kosher wines are made, and
Fairview farm, known for its cheeses.
 Wellington
Wineland
Historic
Wellington with its museums and old churches, is the centre of this
off-the-beat-en-track route, typified by small, family-run wineries.
At Bovlei you can have your own wine label designed and made for you.
North of Wellington’ is the lovely Brian’s Kloof Pass.
- Klein Karoo Wineland
Where else can you see ostriches and vines side by side? Viticulture
has boosted the economy of this hot, arid region between the Langeberg
and Swartberg
mountains, and is practised at farms round Oudtshoorn,
Calitzdorp,
Swellendam,
Ladismith
and Montagu.
Don’t miss the export-quality flagship ports of Boplaas Estate.
- Franschhoek Wineland
The farms of the Vignerons de Franschhoek, as the producers along
this French-influenced wine route are properly known, lie in a beautiful
valley and many have historic homesteads, such as Boschendal, La Motte
and L’Ormarins. If time is short you can taste the
Franschhoek Vineyards Cooperative wines at the wine-tasting centre
in Franschhoek.
 Worcester
Wineland
This route covers a triangle that stretches from Villiersdorp
in the south to Woseley
and Worcester in the North. It included wineries such as the Brandvlei
and Merwida cooperatives.
Worcester it self has many other attractions in the form of museums
and galleries, and the Karoo National Botanic Garden, just four kilometres
outside the town.
- Robertson
Wineland
The lime-rich soils of the region play an important part in
producing its well-balanced wines, such as those of Van Loveren,
Weltevrede, Zandvliet and the Rooiberg Cooperative. This mountainous
region is traversed by hiking trails best enjoyed in spring. It’s
also famous fro being the birthplace of some of the country’s
greatest racehorses and a nursery for roses.
*Check first to see when the wine farms are open -
some are closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Accommodation in the Cape Winelands
- Amakhulu Central Reservations
Merl
offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation
in South Africa. She specializes in the Cape Winelands and a word
of warning this woman is overly enthusiastic about this region so dont
end up spending you whole South
Africa holiday in the Winelands.
- Accommodation
in the Cape Winelands
This website is the best I have yet come across for accommodation in
South Africa. You communicate directly with the accommodation establishment
and the entire booking is carried out online.
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