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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 794 5128 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 794 5188 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 794 5190 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 794 1810 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 713 2211 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 872-3829 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 876 3603 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 021 883 3584 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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
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.
Source: Cape Town Wine Estates | Noorhoek Hotels
