WINE ROUTE

South Africa is a perfect destination to explore, a place full of natural beauty and romantic landscapes – in evidence the “Cape Winelands” region, close to Cape Town, which features a collection of historic cities, valleys full of vineyards, including the legendary farms with wine tasting and excellent gastronomic options in addition to a typical European architectural style – a world unlike anything in South Africa!

 

 

 

 

The mountains at Cape Winelands create an incredible scenic scenario with thousands of grapevines. The Mediterranean weather combined with the rich soil favor the planting of the vineyards, with enough attributes to compete with the vineyards of California, France and Italy.

 

In this region there are more than 200 wineries, and it is possible to taste some of the best wines in the world, taste the delicious local cuisine and still appreciate the beauty of Dutch architecture. A place to be explored for several days!

 

The most famous cities on the wine route are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Constantia, which enchant everyone with their exuberant beauty. The favorite wines for visitors are Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Among the most popular red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cinsault, in addition to Pinot Noir and the Hermitage line, all made with the local hybrid grape (Pinotage) and considered a symbol of the southern african wine industry.

 

 

 

Stellenbosch

 

 

 Little Stellenbosch is surrounded by mountains and the sea. The university city is one of the most picturesque places on the Cape. Its streets are lined with old oak trees and lined with Georgian and Victorian architecture. It has the oldest wine route in the country, with more than 170 producing farms, and is undoubtedly the most famous, housing one of the most modern experimental wineries in the world.

 

 

 

Franschhoek

 

 

Franschhoek – is in one of the most beautiful valleys on the planet, just 45 minutes away from Cape Town and half an hour from Stellenbosch. In the 17th century the first inhabitants of this region were French Protestants. Franschhoek offers a range of wines, of course to accompany delicious French food – eight of the 100 best restaurants in the country are found in Franschhoek, there are more than 30 wineries and more than 28 restaurants. Unmissable!

 

 

 

Paarl

 

 

Just a half hour drive from Cape Town is the city of Paarl, its vineyards grow between residential neighborhoods. A wide variety of grapes are grown in Paarl, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc and the Paarl Wine Route is also known as the ‘red route’ because of this. More than 25 wineries include Backsberg Estate, KWV, Nederburg, Nelsons Creek, Simonsvlei and Avondale that compose the wine route.

 

 

 

Constantia

 

 

Constantia – just 15 km away from Cape Town, the region is home to incredible wineries, small and charming boutique hotels, several awardwinning restaurants and unparalleled beauty as a whole. The Constantia Valley is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious farms in the country. All of its wineries have excellent attention to detail in the manufacture of noble wines, such as: Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Steenberg Vineyards, Constantia Glen Wine Estate, Beau Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsige Silvermist.

 

 

 

Cape Town

 

 

 To end the trip, stay in Cape Town – one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa, which offers many attractions, such as an unusual picnic atop Table Mountain or a delicious dinner in one of the trendy Camps Bay restaurants – where fresh seafood and tasty meats are featured on the menus.

 

A trip that provides unforgettable enogastronomy experiences!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Hotels

 Cape Grace, On Cape Town´s Waterfront – Cape Town

 

 

Small and luxurious hotel in the heart of the Waterfront, sophistication and elegance in European style, several times voted the best hotel in town, is the perfect starting point for an intoxicating experience in Cape Town.

 

Staying in one of the best hotels in Cape Town is an experience in itself, blending the modern comfort of a luxury hotel with traditional African culture. Its location is perfect, in the quiet and secluded area of V & A Waterfront, yet very close to the shops, restaurants, bars and all the hustle and bustle of Cape Town.

 

It’s a mix of tempting experiences, which makes staying at Cape Grace something to remember forever.

 

 

 

 

 

La Residence – Franschhoek

 

 

 Perfectly maintained garden, an inspiring and sophisticated place!

 

Situated in the heart of a 30 hectare farm, close to the mountains, surrounded by vineyards and plum orchards, La Residence reflects an atmosphere of tranquility.

 

The 12 hectare property is a haven of elegance, supported by discreet service, nothing presumptuous, and always willing to offer guests unique experiences. The boutique hotel has only 11 suites and 5 villas (3 with a private pool), all decorated by the owner, the South African Liz Biden. Each accommodation is uniquely decorated, boasting Indian chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, mirrors, Persian rugs and an impressive amount of South African artwork.

 

Voted in 2013 as the best hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveler magazine, La Residence offers a unique experience for couples in love in a scenario that is beyond stunning.

 

 

 

 

Grande Roche Hotel –Paarl

 

 

A small Dutch style luxury hotel, like no other, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World chain. It has since been declared a National Monument of South Africa. It is a place where history interacts with modern comfort … where the atmosphere of a bygone era brings a graceful feeling, of being unhurried in time.

 

At Grande Roche, the couple can enjoy impeccable service and the award winning Bosman’s Restaurant, which serves divine meals. The hotel has just 29 luxury suites and 6 rooms, all with heated floors and Molton Brown amenities. The property offers wonderful views of the vineyards and mountains, it is the ideal base for exploring the wineries, and also, relax by the pool and have a good wine.

 

 

 

 

Lanzerac Hotel – Stellenbosch 

 

 

One of the best accommodations that Cape Winelands has to offer, the luxurious Lanzerac Hotel is situated on a 300 year old property in the heart of the country’s wine producing region. This little haven is the ideal place for a honeymoon trip. The couple will be able to enjoy the welcoming service, the cozy rooms and suites decorated with a lot of refinement and elegance. Massages and wellness treatments for two, intimate dinners and other pampering are part of the hotel’s menu. The Lanzerac Hotel is everything a romantic couple could wish for in a beautiful scenario in South Africa.

 

 

 

The Cellars-Hohenort – Constantia

 

 

This luxurious hotel is located in the historic Constantia Valley, part of the luxurious The Collection Liz McGrath. The Hotel offers incredible views of Table Mountain. It houses 52 rooms, ranging from luxury, suites and the glamorous Madiba Villa.

 

It houses two award winning restaurants with memorable cuisine performed by Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef, Peter Tempelhoff. The Wellness Spa offers rejuvenating and wellness treatments and also has a heated swimming pool, tennis courts and of course, the best winery in the region!