The extensive and verdant beauty of the Winelands region is one
of the Cape's most alluring attractions. No visit to Cape Town
would be complete without having taken the time to explore at least
one of the 13 wine routes in what is the largest wine-producing
area in the Western Cape.
Rugged, blue-tinged mountains surround the green valleys where
charming, historic towns rest among vineyards and olive groves,
where visitors can admire traditional Cape Dutch architecture, sip
world-class wines and soak up the rich cultural and historical
heritage. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are the most well
known wine producing valleys in the region, situated within easy
reach of each other, while the oldest wine farm in South Africa,
Groot Constantia, is located within the Mother City itself, and is
part of the tiny Constantia wine route, which was developed by
Simon van der Stel in the late 1600s. Other smaller wine routes
include Worcester, Tulbagh, Wellington and Somerset West. With a
selection of more than 200 cellars to choose from, the Cape
Winelands boasts some of the finest wines in the world.
In addition to savouring the fruits of the vine, visitors can
sample superb culinary fare at some of the finest restaurants in
the country, browse the art galleries and local craft shops, visit
historic monuments and museums, and partake in an array of
activities from walking, horse riding and fly-fishing to golf and
paragliding. Food and wine festivals take place throughout the year
and are a great introduction to the bewitching charms of the
region.
