The Cape winelands is known for its many historic wine estates with massive vineyards that date back centuries. This wine country is found not far from Cape Town and is an area of great beauty with its lush vineyards surrounded by mountains. Tours are not only enjoyed by serious wine enthusiasts but by many other tourists too, from nature lovers to history buffs. There are plenty of opportunities for great wining and dining as well as enjoying culture and history.
The town of Stellenbosch with its oak lined streets and historic buildings provides a good starting point from which to explore the surrounding wine estates. The Stellenbosch wine route was first established in 1971 and is the oldest one in the country. It is still going strong today and has grown to include five sub-routes, representing numerous grape and wine producers.
Daily wine tastings, cellar tours and sales are offered at cellars on all the different routes. Apart from a wide choice of top-class wines, some vineyards offer cheese tastings in addition to the wine. Wine tasting fees vary from estate to estate. One usually buys a glass in the tasting room to taste the wines. Tutored tastings and customized tours are available at some estates.
Many wine estates have fine restaurants, offering both international and more traditional cuisine. One can sit inside or outside at many of these restaurants, enjoying the scenery and indulging in a delicious, long luncheon. It is hard to resist buying other products for sale such as olives, olive oils, herbs, berries and baked goods.
The Franschhoek route is very popular due to its spectacular scenery and excellent restaurants. The village itself has a strong French influence and it is worth visiting the Huguenot Memorial Museum to find out about its history. It offers top accommodation establishments and staying at one of these provides a great way of exploring the wine estates surrounding the town. Many coffee shops and restaurants line the main street and one can browse through arts-and-craft shops, galleries and antique stores.
Tourists wanting to experience history or culture have plenty of opportunity to do so. Stroll along the oak lined Main Road of Paarl and see the old Thatched Roof Church - one of the oldest and most historic churches in the country. Visit museums, art galleries and craft shops scattered throughout the area and appreciate the unique architecture.
The wine estates arrange events throughout the year and regional wine festivals are also held. Horse-and-carriage rides through vineyards, shows at amphitheaters, picnics and musical evenings are just some activities that can be enjoyed. There is also plenty to do for the active types with walking, hiking and biking trails abounding. Golfers have the opportunity of playing at world-class golf courses.
The variety of experiences offered on a visit to the Cape Winelands is extensive. One needs to explore all the different options available before booking. It is possible to hire a car but many tourists prefer to use a tour operator or to make use one of the shuttle services or hop-on-hop-off buses provided. A visit to this area will not disappoint, no matter how you choose to experience it.
The town of Stellenbosch with its oak lined streets and historic buildings provides a good starting point from which to explore the surrounding wine estates. The Stellenbosch wine route was first established in 1971 and is the oldest one in the country. It is still going strong today and has grown to include five sub-routes, representing numerous grape and wine producers.
Daily wine tastings, cellar tours and sales are offered at cellars on all the different routes. Apart from a wide choice of top-class wines, some vineyards offer cheese tastings in addition to the wine. Wine tasting fees vary from estate to estate. One usually buys a glass in the tasting room to taste the wines. Tutored tastings and customized tours are available at some estates.
Many wine estates have fine restaurants, offering both international and more traditional cuisine. One can sit inside or outside at many of these restaurants, enjoying the scenery and indulging in a delicious, long luncheon. It is hard to resist buying other products for sale such as olives, olive oils, herbs, berries and baked goods.
The Franschhoek route is very popular due to its spectacular scenery and excellent restaurants. The village itself has a strong French influence and it is worth visiting the Huguenot Memorial Museum to find out about its history. It offers top accommodation establishments and staying at one of these provides a great way of exploring the wine estates surrounding the town. Many coffee shops and restaurants line the main street and one can browse through arts-and-craft shops, galleries and antique stores.
Tourists wanting to experience history or culture have plenty of opportunity to do so. Stroll along the oak lined Main Road of Paarl and see the old Thatched Roof Church - one of the oldest and most historic churches in the country. Visit museums, art galleries and craft shops scattered throughout the area and appreciate the unique architecture.
The wine estates arrange events throughout the year and regional wine festivals are also held. Horse-and-carriage rides through vineyards, shows at amphitheaters, picnics and musical evenings are just some activities that can be enjoyed. There is also plenty to do for the active types with walking, hiking and biking trails abounding. Golfers have the opportunity of playing at world-class golf courses.
The variety of experiences offered on a visit to the Cape Winelands is extensive. One needs to explore all the different options available before booking. It is possible to hire a car but many tourists prefer to use a tour operator or to make use one of the shuttle services or hop-on-hop-off buses provided. A visit to this area will not disappoint, no matter how you choose to experience it.
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