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.
Famous for its historic buildings and oak line streets, Stellenbosch is an ideal point to start exploring the area. The Stellenbosch wine route is the oldest route in the country and incorporates the wine farms surrounding this historic university town. Today the route is divided into five sub-routes: the Helderberg, the Valley, Berg, Greater Simonsberg and Bottelary Hills routes.
Daily wine tastings, cellar tours and sales are offered at cellars on all the different routes. Apart from a wide choice of top-class wines, some vineyards offer cheese tastings in addition to the wine. Wine tasting fees vary from estate to estate. One usually buys a glass in the tasting room to taste the wines. Tutored tastings and customized tours are available at some estates.
Many of the estates have their own restaurants. At these restaurants one can taste a variety of local dishes, including venison, bobotie and snoek. International cuisine is offered too. Day tours usually include a leisurely lunch on one of the estates. Other items like olives, berries, baked goods and organic produce are often available for purchase.
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 route also offers historical charm, culture and breathtaking scenery as well as many wine estates. There are numerous cycling and nature trails for the more active. One does not have to go further than the main street to enjoy looking at the old historic buildings, such as the old Thatched Roof Church, one of the oldest in the country. Another attraction is the Afrikaans Language Monument.
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 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.
Famous for its historic buildings and oak line streets, Stellenbosch is an ideal point to start exploring the area. The Stellenbosch wine route is the oldest route in the country and incorporates the wine farms surrounding this historic university town. Today the route is divided into five sub-routes: the Helderberg, the Valley, Berg, Greater Simonsberg and Bottelary Hills routes.
Daily wine tastings, cellar tours and sales are offered at cellars on all the different routes. Apart from a wide choice of top-class wines, some vineyards offer cheese tastings in addition to the wine. Wine tasting fees vary from estate to estate. One usually buys a glass in the tasting room to taste the wines. Tutored tastings and customized tours are available at some estates.
Many of the estates have their own restaurants. At these restaurants one can taste a variety of local dishes, including venison, bobotie and snoek. International cuisine is offered too. Day tours usually include a leisurely lunch on one of the estates. Other items like olives, berries, baked goods and organic produce are often available for purchase.
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 route also offers historical charm, culture and breathtaking scenery as well as many wine estates. There are numerous cycling and nature trails for the more active. One does not have to go further than the main street to enjoy looking at the old historic buildings, such as the old Thatched Roof Church, one of the oldest in the country. Another attraction is the Afrikaans Language Monument.
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 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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