WINELANDS

The Winelands

The Winelands of the Cape, including the quaint and historic towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, are without doubt the most picturesque viticultural areas in the world. Surrounded by ragged mountain ranges with names like Helshoogte, Drakenstein, Hottentots Holland and Constantia Hills are sun-filled valleys overflowing with a rich basket of fruit from the Cape. Apart from the Chardonnays, Sauvignons, Rieslings, Merlots and our very own Pinotage grapes, you will find apples, pears, apricots, plums, peaches, cherries, strawberries, Cape gooseberries and even citrus fruit of all descriptions.

Like anywhere else in the world where grapes are grown and wine is made, the Winelands have created a deep cultural heritage, based on the contributions of the early settlers of the 17th and 18th centuries. Of particular note is the role of the French Huguenots who fled their native France after the 30-year war and came to the Dutch settlement at the Cape of Good Hope, bringing with them their viti- and vinicultural expertise. The Dutch on their part, introduced the typical gable-architecture, which – in the spacious African environment – created the exquisite Cape-Dutch style of buildings which litter the streets of Stellenbosch and other villages and towns of the Western Cape. Most wine estates have such manor houses and may be visited for tastings and al fresco lunches or piqueniques. The wines are most excellent, both red, white and sparkling.

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