With green rolling hills and grand old manor houses, the region produces award-winning wines. Nestled amidst green rolling hills adorned with vineyards and stately manor houses, the Cape Winelands stand as a true testament to the art of winemaking. This region consistently produces a bounty of internationally acclaimed and award-winning wines, cementing its status as one of South Africa’s most sought-after highlights. The Cape Winelands offer a sensory journey like no other, where the gentle rustle of grapevines in the breeze, the rich aroma of aged oak barrels, and the taste of exquisite wines converge to create an unforgettable experience. As you traverse the vineyard-laden landscape, you’ll find yourself immersed in a symphony of flavors, where each sip of wine tells a unique story of terroir and craftsmanship.
This region is not only a haven for wine enthusiasts but also a feast for the eyes with its grand old manor houses exuding timeless elegance and colonial charm. Steeped in history, these architectural gems serve as reminders of a bygone era, adding to the allure of the Winelands. Beyond the wine and estates, the Cape Winelands offer a wealth of experiences for every traveler. From gourmet culinary delights that perfectly complement the wines to leisurely strolls through vineyards with breathtaking vistas, there is something to enchant every soul.
Cape Winelands Regions
Divided into six regions (Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington) the ‘heart of the Winelands’ is a term commonly used to refer to the region of Stellenbosch, one of the better-known areas in the Winelands. The first official wine route was founded in 1971 by Frans Marala (Simonstig Wine Farm), Spratz Sterling (Delheim Wine Farm) and Neil Joubert (Spier Wine Farm), and the popularity of wine tastings at wine farms has grown in leaps and bounds ever since. However, in 1659 the best wines were recorded coming from the Constantia Winelands area! On the 2nd February 1659 the first wine was produced by Jan van Riebeeck – who was the founder of the Cape. The Winelands don’t only offer their old, precious wines and farms to the traveller on a South Africa safari, they offer much more. The entire region is also of historic significance, boasting some of the oldest buildings in the Cape and still featuring the Cape Dutch architecture with thatch roofs, cobbled stone paths and magnificent white entrances.
Boland
The Cape Winelands are sometimes referred to as the “Boland” which is an Afrikaans word that means ‘upper land’ .The Cape Winelands are located just outside of Cape Town (on higher ground) in the Western Cape and is a firm favourite holiday destination for safari travellers! The Cape Winelands are a firm favourite holiday destination when it comes to South African safaris to Cape Town. The best times for visiting the Winelands are in the summer months that correspond with Cape Town – late November to early March. Visiting the area during this time allows you to take in all the beauty that the region has to offers alongside its wine offerings and activity.
Have a look at our South African safaris that include the Cape Winelands, or read about other attractions that South Africa has to offer.