The Cape Winelands area is known for its unsurpassed natural beauty with its mountains, massive vineyards and historic wine estates. The Western Cape is the wine capital of South Africa and is found less than an hour away from Cape Town. Anyone from serious wine buffs to absolute novices will enjoy visiting wine estates, eating at top restaurants and experiencing the culture, history and scenic beauty.
In 1971 the first wine route in South Africa was established, consisting of an organized network of wineries surrounding the old, historic town of Stellenbosch. Today the Stellenbosch Wine Route has five sub-routes and represents many wine producers. The town of Stellenbosch with its streets lined with oak trees and historic buildings is a good place from which to start exploring these routes.
Wine tastings are held on a daily basis at estates on all the different routes and cellar tours are also offered. Customized tours and special tutored tastings are available but these need to be booked in advance. Charges for tasting are usually minimal and are often discounted if wines are purchased. Some estates, like Fairview, found on the Paarl route, offer cheese tastings as well.
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 Wine Route is characterized by French flair. The town itself is rich with Huguenot history and is the unofficial food and wine capital of South Africa. There are a number of award-winning restaurants in this charming town. Many different accommodation options are available for those wanting to use this town as a base for exploring the surrounding estates.
Tourists wanting to experience history or culture have plenty of opportunity to do so. Stroll along the oak lined Main Road of Paarl and see the old Thatched Roof Church - one of the oldest and most historic churches in the country. Visit museums, art galleries and craft shops scattered throughout the area and appreciate the unique architecture.
Any time of the year is a good time to visit. There are regional wine festivals throughout the year, as well as special events and activities organized by wine estates. Take a donkey or horse-and-carriage ride through the vineyards or picnic next to a dam. Enjoy a show at an outdoor amphitheater or a massage at a spa and wellness center. The more active tourist has not been forgotten either with world-class golf courses and numerous cycling, walking and hiking routes.
As the Cape Winelands is an extensive area offering many different experiences, it is important to explore all the options available before making any bookings. It is possible to hire a car or to use a professional tour operator. Alternatively some of the wine routes use shuttle services or hop-on-hop off buses. Whatever means you choose to explore, this stunningly beautiful area is a must see.
In 1971 the first wine route in South Africa was established, consisting of an organized network of wineries surrounding the old, historic town of Stellenbosch. Today the Stellenbosch Wine Route has five sub-routes and represents many wine producers. The town of Stellenbosch with its streets lined with oak trees and historic buildings is a good place from which to start exploring these routes.
Wine tastings are held on a daily basis at estates on all the different routes and cellar tours are also offered. Customized tours and special tutored tastings are available but these need to be booked in advance. Charges for tasting are usually minimal and are often discounted if wines are purchased. Some estates, like Fairview, found on the Paarl route, offer cheese tastings as well.
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 Wine Route is characterized by French flair. The town itself is rich with Huguenot history and is the unofficial food and wine capital of South Africa. There are a number of award-winning restaurants in this charming town. Many different accommodation options are available for those wanting to use this town as a base for exploring the surrounding estates.
Tourists wanting to experience history or culture have plenty of opportunity to do so. Stroll along the oak lined Main Road of Paarl and see the old Thatched Roof Church - one of the oldest and most historic churches in the country. Visit museums, art galleries and craft shops scattered throughout the area and appreciate the unique architecture.
Any time of the year is a good time to visit. There are regional wine festivals throughout the year, as well as special events and activities organized by wine estates. Take a donkey or horse-and-carriage ride through the vineyards or picnic next to a dam. Enjoy a show at an outdoor amphitheater or a massage at a spa and wellness center. The more active tourist has not been forgotten either with world-class golf courses and numerous cycling, walking and hiking routes.
As the Cape Winelands is an extensive area offering many different experiences, it is important to explore all the options available before making any bookings. It is possible to hire a car or to use a professional tour operator. Alternatively some of the wine routes use shuttle services or hop-on-hop off buses. Whatever means you choose to explore, this stunningly beautiful area is a must see.
About the Author:
If you want to find interesting Cape winelands adventures, pay a visit to our web pages online today. You can see details about Cape tours here at http://www.capetours.co.uk now.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire