Contact Cape Town Tourism for a horse-drawn carriage tour through the Constantia winelands. You can stop en-route for refreshments, tours, or tastings at wineries such as Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia or Buitenverwachting. Don’t forget to shop at the Old Cape Farm Stall for fresh goods and gourmet foods.
Stellenbosch
WinelandSince this is the oldest and largest route, having the most estates, wineries and cooperatives as well as wine and cultural museums, allow plenty of time to explore it – probably a whole week or several weekends. You can buy a map of the farms on the route from the Information Centre in Stellenbosch.
For a satisfying experience on the country’s second-oldest wine-route, try historic Backsberg Estate’s self-conducted tour of its cellars and brandy pot stills (you’re watched on camera). Or take a guided tour of the sprawling KWV cellars. Also along the route are Zandwijk, where South Africa’s only kosher wines are made, and Fairview farm, known for its cheeses.
Wellington
WinelandHistoric Wellington with its museums and old churches, is the centre of this off-the-beat-en-track route, typified by small, family-run wineries. At Bovlei you can have your own wine label designed and made for you. North of Wellington’ is the lovely Brian’s Kloof Pass.
Where else can you see ostriches and vines side by side? Viticulture has boosted the economy of this hot, arid region between the Langeberg and Swartberg mountains, and is practised at farms round Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Swellendam, Ladismith and Montagu. Don’t miss the export-quality flagship ports of Boplaas Estate.
The farms of the Vignerons de Franschhoek, as the producers along this French-influenced wine route are properly known, lie in a beautiful valley and many have historic homesteads, such as Boschendal, La Motte and L’Ormarins. If time is short you can taste the Franschhoek Vineyards Cooperative wines at the wine-tasting centre in Franschhoek.
Worcester
WinelandThis route covers a triangle that stretches from Villiersdorp in the south to Woseley and Worcester in the North. It included wineries such as the Brandvlei and Merwida cooperatives. Worcester it self has many other attractions in the form of museums and galleries, and the Karoo National Botanic Garden, just four kilometres outside the town.
The lime-rich soils of the region play an important part in producing its well-balanced wines, such as those of Van Loveren, Weltevrede, Zandvliet and the Rooiberg Cooperative. This mountainous region is traversed by hiking trails best enjoyed in spring. It’s also famous fro being the birthplace of some of the country’s greatest racehorses and a nursery for roses.