VINEYARDS – IN AND AROUND CAPE TOWN
The area called Winelands is a 45-minute drive from the center of Cape Town and is located around the oldest towns in South Africa - Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.
The Dutch colonial heritage is evident at every turn, and as you drive through this stunning and diverse landscape, you will come across hundreds of vineyards, from those that have managed to retain their original character, to the ultra-modern ones, from the smallest that will impress you with their intimate atmosphere, to those adapted for mass tourism.
During the trip, we will visit two to three different vineyards where you can taste local red and white wines for a reasonable fee, which are considered to be among the best in the world. The offer is often complemented by local production of cheeses and chocolates.
In the Winelands region, there are more than 250 different vineyards. We tailor the selection of vineyards to the personal requirements and preferences of our clients. Of course, we will assist you with the selection.
The town of Paarl is located in a fertile valley where, in addition to wine, olives, oranges, and corn are cultivated. The town's landmark is Pearl Mountain, after which the town was named. Near this town, founded in 1657, is a prison from which Nelson Mandela was released in 1990. Worth visiting here is the Taal monument, a significant Afrikaans pilgrimage site located at the foot of Pearl Mountain. The monument is dedicated to Afrikaans, a language spoken by almost 15% of South Africa's population.
Possible wine estate visits: Spice Route, Fairview, Laborie, Backsberg.
The town of Franschhoek is the culinary center not only of the Western Cape but of all South Africa. The tradition of French cuisine has been preserved here since the early 17th century when French Huguenots (Protestants) settled here, fleeing religious persecution in their homeland.
We definitely recommend visiting some of the many restaurants that are considered the best in the entire country.
Possible wine estate visits: Haute Cabriere, Le Lude, Mont Rochelle, Chamonix, La Motte, Boschendal.
The town of Stellenbosch, founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, is undoubtedly the heart of the Winelands. It is home to one of the two universities of the Western Cape - Stellenbosch University, which was declared the best university in all of South Africa this year. Thanks to it, the town maintains a fresh and youthful spirit. There is an abundance of cafes, galleries, and charming shops. A visit to the Village Museum is worth it, giving you an idea of how life used to be here.
Possible wine estate visits: Tokara, Delaire Graff, Simonsig, Blaauwklippen, Thelema, Jordan, Neethlingshof.
The trip may be adjusted to your individual needs.
Price on demand.