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Cape Winelands
Published: 31/01/2011 by Carrie Hampton
A Cape Winelands Tour will reveal how Cape Town's wine industry has come of age! It is better equipped than ever to compete confidently on the world wine stage. This is demonstrated by the increasing collection of medals and trophies from each subsequent International Wine Challenge.
Cape Winelands Tour 1: Constantia Wine Route
Just 15 minutes south of central Cape Town is the oldest wine region in the country, with just a few estates forming a close-knit community. A bottle of 1791 Constantia wine was discovered in the UK some years ago, and was returned to South Africa for a ceremonial tasting. The sweet amber liquid scored an incredible 18.7 points out of 20, by the tasting panel!
Cape Winelands Tour 2: Durbanville Wine Route
Just north of Cape Town, in the rolling Durbanville hills are some of the Cape's oldest farmlands under vines. Cooled by night mists they are particularly recognised for sauvignon blanc and merlot. Fine solo estates have emerged from a region previously known for bulk production.
Cape Winelands Tour 3: Franschhoek Wine Route
Franschhoek is an enchanting village and millionaires playground is hemmed in by spectacular mountains. Literally translated to 'French Corner', this is where many Huguenots fled to in 1688. For a taste of France in Africa, you only have to visit such wine estates and restaruants as; Chamonix, Cabriere, La Petite Ferme, La Couronne, Le Quartier Francais and Haute Cabriere (to name a few of the best).
Cape Winelands Tour 4: Stellenbosch Wine Route
Perhaps the best known wine area in South Africa, the Stellenbosch wine route has intensively cultivated undulating farmland between imposing mountain ranges. Known for its a red wines; cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinotage and shiraz, it also turns out some premier league whites and bubbly.
Cape Winelands Tour 5: Best Wine Guide
Another award winner is the Platter South African Wine Guide - a bible to SA wine that is updated every year. This ever-enlarging pocket guide book tells you all you need to know about every wine estate in South Africa. Website: This is no mean feat as there are more than 300 wine estates in the Western Cape, most of which you can visit personally as part of our suggested cape winelands tour.
