South Africa Wine Tasting - Western Cape Vineyards
Cape Town and surrounds has a rich culture of wine tasting and
viticulture, boasting many wine farms, vineyards and wine routes which make up
a perfect trip from Cape Town where you have ample time to drive and visit all
the wine establishments and experience the tasting opportunities within its
estates and farms.
When Jan van Riebeek arrived in what is now known as the Cape in 1652, he
brought with him Dutch settlers, European culture, and consequently – wine.
Just under four hundred years later, the Cape has become one of the world’s
favourite destinations for wine production.
Discovering the Cape Wine Routes
There are many wine routes in the Cape to explore. Stellenbosch has four
main routes: the Bottlary Hills, Devon Valley, Helderberg and Simonsberg
routes. It is also one of the most popular routes to explore by car, not only
because of the scenery, but because all the wine farms are in relatively close
proximity, thus you are able to squeeze in more travel in a day.
A Typical Trip
An example of a vineyards road trip could be started in Cape Town in the
suburb of Durbanville, home of the Durbanville Wine Valley and vineyards. The
accommodation is always of a high standard at any point on the trip and
Durbanville has hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and much more to
offer.
Explore the 9 wine farms, taste their produce, eat a wonderful lunch at one
of the farms delectable restaurants and relax in the evening at the theatre,
shopping mall or just having an early night as your next day’s trip kicks off
with exploring Wellington.
Wellington is a quiet mountainside town, a figure of history and is situated
next to the Kromme River in the Boland area of the Western Cape. Begin the day
with the hour drive from Cape Town to Wellington. After checking into a local
bed and breakfast, hotel, guest house or back packers, the Wellington Wine
routes are yours to explore! Wellington has over 20 wine farms to offer and a
brandy route. Explore wine farms, restaurants, beautiful scenery and outdoor
activities for two days and two nights. On day 4, the journey moves on to
Worcester.
Worcester is situated in the Breede River Valley, a picturesque town with
historic buildings and sweeping parks with bright flora and fauna. After
checking into one of the town’s guest houses, bed and breakfasts or camp sites,
the tour of the Worcester wine route begins. Many famous wine farms are
situated in Worcester, offering wine tasting, restaurants and shops. White
water rafting is highly recommended as one of the best things to do in the
town. After spending the night, the wine tour extends to the seaside whale
spot, Hermanus, for two days of wineries and fun activities.
Hermanus has many hotels and accommodation options such as guest houses, bed
and breakfasts and back packers. The town looks over the Indian Ocean where
Whales venture in spring to mate and calve and provide the jolly atmosphere for
the Hermanus Whale Festival. The Hermanus wine farms are situated in the
Hermanus “Wine Wander” known as “Hemel en Aarde” (heaven and earth in
Afrikaans). Hermanus offers many other activities to wine farming so if you
feel like whale spotting, visiting a spa or nature reserve or even paintball,
you can find all of these activities in this lively seaside town. After taking
days 5 and 6 to explore Hermanus, it is time to relocate the tour to Somerset
West for days 7 and 8.
Somerset West has many options in terms of accommodation: hotels, guest
houses, bed and breakfasts. After checking into your accommodation, it is time
to explore this lovely town. Somerset West is home to the Helderberg Wine
Route: an exploration of over 30 wine farms and estates. The route boasts many
famous cellars and farms: Vergelegen, Alto, Eikendal and Rust en Vrede to name
a few. The town also has a shopping mall, Monkeytown, golf and a nature
reserve. The trip stays in Somerset West for two days giving plenty of time to
explore the activities and wine farms on offer.
On day 9 the trip departs for Cape Town to spend the last day and night
visiting wine farms in Constantia, an area which boast the famous and oldest
winery in South Africa: Groot Constantia. The area of Constantia boasts 5 top
class wine farms, including Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig and Klein
Constantia. The area has the usual options for accommodation set in a charming
suburb of Cape Town.
Road trips through the Cape winelands really do offer a great getaway and
tour opportunity for all ages and cultures. The wines are first class and
international standard yet even if you are not a fan of viticulture, the area
has so much more to offer.
About the Author:
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