ACTIVITIES | Cape Attractions | Cape Winelands
Cape Attractions - Cape Winelands
- luxury accommodation
- Winelands hotels
- World-class wine estates
- Wine tasting
- Quaint towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl
An hour's drive from Cape Town lies the magnificent region of the Cape Winelands. The area comprises of rugged mountains, fertile valleys, orchards and vineyards dotted with historic villages and gracious houses, built in typical Cape Dutch style. The wines produced in this region have become world-famous and wine tasting at the numerous award-winning wine estates has become a popular activity for locals and tourists alike.
The towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Welllington and Tulbagh began as farms built by the early white colonists. As the farms prospered in the fertile valley, towns were established, all which boast impressive homesteads, historical attractions and incredible scenic beauty.
As well as being the centre of a major wine route, Stellenbosch boasts a leading centre of education, Stellenbosch University, and includes more than 20 wine estates within a 12 km radius. Other points of interest include Oom Samie se Winkel, a charming general dealer from a bygone era, the Van Ryn Brandy Cellar and the cellars of the Bergkelder, which have been carved out of the hillside.
The quaint town of Franschhoek was founded in 1688 on land granted to the French Huguenot refugees who has escaped religious persecution in Europe. Franschhoek is best known for its first-class restaurants.
The Cape winelands can also be explored by the many scenic hiking trails, on horseback, mountain bike, by hot air balloon or helicopter.