The Cape Winelands

South Africa is today one of the major producers and exporters of wines worldwide.

The Cape Winelands

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia, Paarl and Wellington

Wines have been produced in the Cape Winelands since the middle of the 17th century, making South Africa the oldest wine producing region outside of Europe and the Mediterranean. The first vineyard was planted by Jan van Riebeeck at the Cape in 1655, and in early 1659, the first wine was pressed. South Africa has now become one of the major producers and exporters of wines worldwide.

The Cape Winelands The climate here is ideal for the cultivation of vines - cool winters with plenty of rain, followed by long summer days to help ripen the grapes. The mountain slopes and valleys not only provide a dramatic background, but also form the ideal habitat for the wine grape.

The major wine producing areas in the region are around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington and Constantia, with literally scores of vineyards and wine estates. There are well established wine routes in each of the major areas which take in a wide range of wine estates, many of which have daily wine tastings, cellar tours, and restaurants serving lunches which are open daily to anyone passing by - but do check first, as some of the smaller wine estates are open by appointment only.

Slightly further afield, but still only a 2 hour drive from Cape Town, you will find Swellendam and the wineries of the Robertson Wine Valley. Although not 'strictly' in the Cape Winelands, the Robertson Wine Valley is home to many fine wineries, and is fast becoming the new hero of South African wines.

Cape Dutch architecture in the Winelands Whichever wine region you choose to visit, staying a couple of nights here will give you the chance to either search out the labels you are familiar with from home or to go on a voyage of discovery and find new favourites, as well as taking time to explore the many other attractions on offer.

The classic Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian style architecture around the area are some of the oldest surviving in South Africa, in particular in Stellenbosch, which has some of the best examples of Cape Dutch architecture in the country.

Being so close to Cape Town, the Winelands really are a wonderful place to spend your last few nights in South Africa, if flying home from Cape Town International Airport.

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Properties 1 to 5 of 29

Caledon Villa, Stellenbosch

Guest House / B&B

Guest Rating: 4.0

A listed National Monument, Caledon Villa is a lovely Edwardian era villa which offers comfortable accommodation and hospitality in the heart of Stellenbosch.All the rooms are classically furnished, and each room also has satellite TV.

From GBP £ 22 US$ 33 ZAR 300 EUR 26 per person.

Kleine Zalze, Stellenbosch

Lodge / Inn

Tucked away under centuries old oak trees, Kleine Zalze offers panoramic mountain views, overlooking vineyards and a world class golf course. This 4* lodge forms part of the Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, which offers award-winning wines, as well as the magnificent Terroir restaurant featuring Provencal classics blended with some local influence and traditionsChildren are welcome and they will find lots of things to do in the extensive gardens and playground.

From GBP £ 36 US$ 55 ZAR 490 EUR 42 per person.

Summerwood Guest House, Stellenbosch

Guest House / B&B

Guest Rating: 5.0

This unique mansion, originally built in 1904, was designed by an Italian architect and has been lovingly restored and furnished to make your stay here extremely comfortable and enjoyable. If you are looking for peace and quiet, then Summerwood is the place to come.

From GBP £ 36 US$ 56 ZAR 500 EUR 43 per person.

La Fontaine, Franschhoek

Guest House / B&B

Guest Rating: 4.3

Situated in a quiet street just a few minutes stroll to the many excellent restaurants in the village centre, La Fontaine offers guests comfortable and individually decorated en-suite rooms. The suites, which are set in the peaceful garden, are ideal for families.

From GBP £ 40 US$ 61 ZAR 550 EUR 47 per person.

Auberge Bligny, Franschhoek

Guest House / B&B

Guest Rating: 3.4

Auberge Bligny was built in 1861, and is situated only a short walk from the centre of Franschhoek, with its excellent restaurants.4 of the en-suite bedrooms have interleading doors, making this an ideal place to stay for families, and the secluded Honeymoon Room has a freestanding Victorian bath, with its own private veranda overlooking the gardens.

From GBP £ 42 US$ 64 ZAR 575 EUR 49 per person.

Properties 1 to 5 of 29