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WINE ROUTES
South Africa is fast becoming one of the world's top producers and exporters of award-winning wines and it's not hard to see why. Blessed with the perfect Mediterranean climate, winter rains, rich, fertile soil and volumes of land, numerous wine estates producing top quality wines have sprung up all around the country, but predominantly in the Cape. Nestled in valleys or creeping up the slopes of majestic mountain ranges, you will find row upon green or gold or red row, depending on the season, of beautiful vines of grapes. No trip to the Cape is complete without at least one trip along a wine route whether self-driven or guided. Even better would be to spend a night or two on a wine estate - they offer excellent accommodation options from self catering cottages, guest houses and even 5-star luxury hotels.
Listed below are some of our favourite routes, but there are others, so don't hesitate to contact us for more information!
Stellenbosch
The heart of South Africa's wine industry, Stellenbosch is a place of great beauty and culture that's steeped in South African tradition. The Stellenbosch Wine Route is arguably the country's most famous and the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes 106 cellars, most of which are open to the public. Amongst the most well known are Blaauwklippen, Spier, Kanonkop, Neethlingshof and Thelema amongst many others!
Franschhoek
Nestled in a fertile valley and ringed by majestic mountains, Franschhoek may appear to be merely a picturesque rural village, yet this is the food and wine heartland of South Africa and one of the premier destinations in the world of wine. The spectacular scenery of this beautiful valley, where vineyards stretch across the mountain slopes and mighty oaks tower over original Cape Dutch farmhouses, nurtures this peaceful settlement that tells a colourful history. Our favourite estates here include Boschendal, Haute Cabriere and L'Ormarins.
Overberg
If you are heading to the Hermanus area, just 2 hours from Cape Town, a must is a meander along its wine route, particularly the exquisite Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley. The cool maritime climate and the right soil composition combine to make this valley the ideal location for the fussy Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay cultivars. Cellars here include Bouchard Finlayson and Hamilton Russel. Beyond Stanford, a village 20 minutes from Hermanus, lies a personal favourite, Raka - you have to try their Biography Shiraz, a delight on anyone.s palate, wine connoisseur or not!
Robertson
A hidden gem is that around Robertson near Route 62. Nestled between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountain ranges, this wine route offers a landscape of roads fringed by flowers and trees, majestic mountains and a river running through the valley - you will think you have landed in paradise! Just 90 minutes from Cape Town, it's an easy day-trip and one not to be missed. Some of the most famous wine estates are found here including Springfield, Van Loveren, Zandvliet, Graham Beck and Excelsior.
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