| Cape Town is well know
for it’s wine and wine estates but the wine industry
can be confusing for a visitor. Wine lover or not, a
visit to the Cape Winelands is an absolute must as the
region has beautiful vistas against majestic mountain
backdrops, rolling vineyards and quaint Cape Dutch homesteads
coupled with award-winning wines.
The winelands are divided into various different region,
each offering their own ”wine route”. The
most popular and well know are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek,
Constantia, Paarl and Wellington. The estates in Franschhoek,
Paarl and Stellenbosch can be reached via a scenic coastal
route, which takes approximately 45 minutes by car from
Afton Grove. Your hosts will assist with planning a
wine route to suit your individual taste over a wholesome
farm breakfast.
Constantia Vineyards:
The oldest of all Cape wine estates are situated
in the beautiful Constantia Valley, some 15 minutes
drive from Afton Grove. Early Cape Dutch architecture
from the era of the VOC is very much in evidence with
mature oak trees & sweeping views completing the
scene. Many offer fine restaurants as well as wine tasting
in a setting which is breathtakingly beautiful with
the backdrop of the Contantiaberg on one side &
sweeping views across False Bay in the other.
Constantia Valley Wine Farms:
Groot Constantia
Klein Constantia
Buitenverwachting
Constantia Uitsig
Steenberg
Cape Town Wine Routes:
1. Paarl Wine Route
2. Franschoek Wine Route
3. Stellenbosch Wine Route
4. Durbanville Wine Route
GROOT CONSTANTIA - Less than 20 minutes drive
Tel. 021 794 5128
Situated in the Constantia Valley off the M41. This
is the oldest wine estate in the country & this
is where the roots of the South African wine industry
lie. Developed by Simon van der Stel in 1685. Wine tasting,
cellar tours, Manor house museum, Cloete cellar museum,
restaurants & fine examples of early Cape architecture.
Open 7 days a week. Cellar tours every hour on the hour.
KLEIN CONSTANTIA - Less than 20 minutes drive.
Tel 021 794 5188
Against the slopes of the Constantia mountain lies this
well maintained private estate which has been described
as one of the worlds most beautiful vineyard locations.
Part of the original land grant made to Simon van der
Stel in 1685. Produces a range of wines of which their
vin de Constance is world renown. Open Mon. - Sat. for
wine tasting.
BUITENVERWACHTING - Less than 20 minutes drive
Tel 021 794 5190
Situated in the Constantia valley. Another portion of
the original estate owned by van der Stel. The farm
has been lovingly restored and in 1985 produced a maiden
harvest of 98 tons, the first in 30 years which lived
up to the name "Buitenverwachting" - beyond
expectation. Wine tasting 7 days a week. The restaurant
at this estate is rated among the top 10 in the country.
CONSTANTIA UITSIG - Less than 15 minutes drive
Tel. 021 794 1810
Situated adjacent to Buitenverwachting this private
estate was the first to begin with the export of table
grapes from the region. In 1988 the farm was aquired
by the current owners & has been developed to a
fine country estate with hotel, 3 restaurants, a specialist
wine sales & tasting as well as one of only 2 private
cricket ovals in the country. La Colombe restaurant
is currently rated as one of the top 5 restaurants in
the country. Open Mon - Fri.
STEENBERG - Less than 15 minutes drive.
Tel. 021 713 2211
This was the first land grant made in the Constantia
valley in 1682. Today, some 300 years later, the original
"werf" has been restored to its former glory
and the estate boasts a magnificent golf course as well
as some of the finest wines in this valley. A restaurant
& wine tasting compliment this old charmer. Open
Mon - Fri.
1. PAARL WINE ROUTE
Paarl Tourism Bureau at: 021 872-3829
The Paarl Wine Route is renowned for it's exquisite
red wines, which is why it's also known as the "Red
Route". They have established themselves on the
world wine map with their range of internationally acclaimed
Cabernet Sauvignon, port and Shiraz wines.
2. FRANSCHOEK WINE ROUTE
Franschhoek Valley Tourism at: 021 876 3603
Franschhoek is regarded by many wine critics as one
of the premier destinations in the winemaking world.
This should come as no surprise, as this land was first
used for wine production some 300 years ago by the French
Huguenots. The Franschoek Wine Route is home to twenty-one
wine farms, including some of South Africa's most respected
names.
3. STELLENBOSCH WINE ROUTE
Stellenbosch Tourism and Information Bureau: 021 883
3584
The Stellenbosch Wine Route is justifiably known as
one of the finest that South Africa has to offer. The
region’s climate and fertile soils combined with
careful selection of the correct grape varieties have
produced a winemaking industry that has survived and
indeed thrived for over 300 years. The Stellenbosch
Wine Region is today synonymous with award winning wines.
For more information call the
4. DURBANVILLE WINE ROUTE
For more information go to www.durbanville.info
In terms of white wines, Durbanville Wine Valley is
best known for its frequently awarded Sauvignon Blanc,
with its Semillon wines starting to attract attention.
On the red side, the valley’s wines are characterised
by intense full black and red berry flavours in the
grapes, as well as complex herbaceous characteristics
and elegant tannins. The Durbanville Wine Valley is
especially noted for its Merlot and Shiraz.
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