Cape Winelands, South Africa

Just 40 minutes from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are possibly the most beautiful winelands in the world as well as being a glorious array of food, wine and tradition. Visit the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch, the heart of the wine industry and one of South Africa’s oldest towns.

Experience the French heritage of Franschhoek and the roses and thoroughbred horses of Robertson. Closer to the city, Constantia is a residential suburb set amongst the vineyards.

Mountain passes cross through rugged terrain and bring you to fertile valleys below where centuries-old vineyards and scented orchards produce world famous wines and tasty fresh fruit. Gracious homes built in the typical Cape Dutch style are seen throughout the region. So as not to have to drive yourself, contact us to arrange a privately guided tour and to set up tastings and cellar tours at award-winning wine estates.

Franschhoek, the Valley of the Huguenots, is where the French first made wine in South Africa 300 years ago. Soak up the French heritage of this historic village. The buzzing main street is at the heart and is lined with shops, galleries, cafes and specialist stores. Known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, it has some of the country"s most acclaimed restaurants. It is essential to book in advance. Our favourite vineyards are Moreson, Haute Cabrire and Grande Provence.

Oak-lined Dorp Street is the main thoroughfare of this vibrant student town. The university has produced many of the SA's sporting heroes, modern student life sits side by side with a rich history and architectural heritage. There are many galleries and museums housing national and international art collections. The Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes over 100 cellars. Warwick and Tokara are some of our favourite estates. Accommodation includes River Manor and Spier.

Leafy Constantia is one of Cape Towns oldest residential suburbs. Famed for its wine, it's a few kilometres south of Table Mountain and the City Bowl (central business district of Cape Town). The estate of Groot Constantia was established in 1684 by the Dutch Colonial Governor of Cape Town, Simon van der Stel. Other notable wine farms in the area include Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia and Constantia Uitsig. Our preferred accommodation is The Constantia.

An easy 1.5 hours from Cape Town, the Robertson Wine Route is the Cape's largest wine producing region under irrigation. It is in the heart of Route 62, the longest wine route in the country. Known as the valley of vines and roses, it is surrounded by the majestic Langeberg mountains of the Breede River Valley. Local farm stalls overflow with fresh produce from the orchards. Brilliant mauve jacarandas shade the streets. Our favourite wine farms are Springfield, Van Loveren and De Wetshof

Besides tastings, there's lots to do in the  Winelands. The wine and chocolate experience at Waterford Wine Estate in Stellenbosch pairs custom-made chocolates with red and dessert wines. Close by, visit the Cheetah Outreach Programme and Eagle Encounters at Spier Wine Estate. Fairview Wine Estate near Paarl is known for delicious goat's milk cheeses. The estate has a resident herd of 600 goats, some of whom you can view on the Goat Tower in front of the winery.

There is no shortage of places to eat while enjoying a day out in the Cape Winelands. Franschhoek's restaurants include La Petite Ferme, Bread and Wine, Le Quartier Francais and Reubens. The restaurants at Tokara, Spier and Rust en Vrede estates in Stellenbosch are recommended. Superb restaurants at Constantia's estates include La Colombe and River Cafe at Uitsig, Buitenverwachting's restaurant, and Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia.