The diversity of the Winelands will capture
every heart. Just 45 minutes from Cape Town and its
international airport, the Winelands is the ideal base from
which to explore Cape Town and its surrounds. History
comes to life in the splendidly restored Cape Dutch, Georgian
and Victorian buildings in each town where splendid mountains
form a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards. Experience the
hospitality and beauty of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and
Franschhoek, where many wine farms offer a variety of
tranquil and secure accommodation options.
Enjoy the hospitality of one of the many
guesthouses and bed & breakfast establishments throughout the
area, or indulge yourself with a pampered weekend of luxury
at one of the exclusive boutique hotels. For those on a
smaller budget, the backpacker facilities in the towns will
not be a disappointment.
The excellent wines produced in this
area are world-renowned. You will be spoilt for choice
between small, boutique wineries and the larger, more
commercial wine estates. Taste the fruit of the winemaker's
labour on a tour of his cellar where the precious harvest is
lovingly transformed into every wine lover's delight.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc,
Chardonnay, Pinotage (South Africa's unique, flagship
cultivar), Merlot and Shiraz compliment a menu of locally
produced cheese, Olives, herbs, Berries and much more. The
Winelands also boasts some of the finest restaurants in
the Cape, offering from traditional fare to the more exotic.
The Winelands boasts 4 wine routes,
namely Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek.
Franschhoek
Franschhoek, the charming village and
beautiful wine valley, was originally known as Olifants Hoek,
after Elephants took to calving in the sheltered valley of
plentiful food and water. In 1694, nine farms were apportioned
to Huguenots fleeing persecution in France. Finding the
climate similar to that of France, the settlers planted
vines. Today members of the Vignerons produce wines consumed
throughout the world.
Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum and Monument in the
town. Franschhoek is well known for its excellent restaurants
and top accommodation establishments. Other activities include
fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseriding. There are
also numerous specialty art and craft shops situated in
this quaint village.
Paarl
The only monument ever built to
immortalise a language stands proudly on top of Paarl
Mountain. The Taal Monument stands alongside 3 enormous
granite rocks known as Paarl, Bretagne and Gordon Rocks. Their
age is estimated at 500 million years and what is visible
today has been exposed by erosion. The Klipkershout Trail is a
popular circular route that starts at the Language Monument
and takes roughly 2 hours.
A network of paths makes it an ideal
area in which to walk, within a few minutes of the bustle
of everyday life. The Clementina van der Walt Ceramic Studio
outside Paarl is well known for its brightly coloured
ceramics, and at the Ikhwezi Centre in Paarl many crafts and
woven carpets are produced by the local community.
Wellington
The town of Wellington is situated amidst
lush vineyards; vine cutting nurseries, Olive and fruit
orchards at the foot of the Hawekwa Mountains. The Wine Route
leads to prestigious wineries where wine tasting and light
lunches can be offered. For the adventurous there is the
Wellington Mountain Bike Trail, which runs through the
foothills of the Hawequa Mountains and offers spectacular
views over the Berg River Valley. The 26km (16.1 miles)
course tests mountain bikers' skills with a good combination
of cross-country and down hill cycling.
Stellenbosch
Well worth a visit is the Stellenbosch
Museum, which consists of 4 perfectly restored houses
that reflect the architecture and furniture of specific
periods. Dorp Street boasts the longest rows of old buildings
and is a historical monument. The Braak is the historical
village green and parade ground. Outside Stellenbosch, Dombeya
Farm has a hand spinning and dyeing workshop where a
variety of hand-knitted products can be bought.
