south African wine routes are a great way to get a taste of the country. Whether you’re just passing through, or spending the entire weekend, there’s a lot to enjoy. Among them are the Orange River, Durbanville, Stellenbosch, Klein Karoo, and the Franschhoek Valley.
Stellenbosch
If you’re planning to visit Cape Town, South Africa, you may want to consider taking a tour of the town’s wine routes. The area is home to dozens of wineries, including some of the country’s most well-known vineyards.
Stellenbosch, or Eikestad as it’s affectionately called, is a charming and historic town that’s only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town. There are a number of accommodation options here, from budget hostels to five-star boutique hotels.
It’s no wonder that the town is a popular destination for wine lovers. Stellenbosch’s soils and climate provide the ideal conditions for grape growing. You’ll have a variety of wine to choose from, whether you’re looking for reds or whites.
Durbanville
Durbanville is one of the northern suburbs of Cape Town. The region is a world away from the rat race, offering breathtaking views and high-quality food. This area is known for its wines.
One of the best known vineyards in the region is the Durbanville Hills Wine Estate. It is a historic wine estate that produces a range of high quality wines. They produce Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot. These wines are exported to the US and Asia.
A trip to the Durbanville wine region is a perfect family day out. It offers a variety of restaurants and a scenic mountain biking route. Several trails are suitable for all levels.
Franschhoek Valley
Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. It was founded in 1688 by French Huguenots who fled religious persecution in France and came to South Africa. They brought with them their wine-making expertise. Their descendants continue to produce top-notch wine today.
Franschhoek is also known as the food and wine capital of South Africa. There are a variety of restaurants that serve high-end gourmet dishes, which is why the town is such a tourist magnet.
There are a number of different places to stay in the area, including the Royal Hotel in Riebeek Kasteel and the La Residence, which is set among vineyards and mountains. Both are located in the Constantia Valley, which is the oldest wine-making region in South Africa.
Paarl
If you are looking for great wines, Paarl is a place to visit. The wine-growing region is situated in the Western Cape, about 40 miles from Cape Town.
Visitors to the town can enjoy many activities. Museums, galleries, and attractions transport you back in time. It is a historic town with plenty of places to stay, such as boutique hotels and township homestays.
The Cape Winelands are home to some of the world’s most acclaimed wines. These include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Viognier. This area also produces sweet dessert wines, such as port and sherry.
Aside from the fine wines, there are several outdoor activities that you can take part in. For instance, you can enjoy a picnic at Richardson Family Vineyards. You can also visit the Roodeberg wine auction and OmmiBerg festival.
Orange River
Orange River is one of the largest wineries in the world. It is located in the northern part of the Northern Cape Province in South Africa. This region of the country is renowned for producing great wines.
The Orange River Wine Route is located in the Green Kalahari, a semi-desert area in the Northern Cape region. This area is known for its diverse soils that produce a wide variety of wines. Most of the grapes in the region are white and semi-sweet.
A few of the famous Orange River Wines include Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and Merlot. Orange River is home to five wineries. Some of the wineries in the region offer tours.
Klein Karoo
The Klein Karoo wine route is a vast expanse of open spaces and unspoilt nature. It is situated in the southern part of South Africa. This region is known for its award winning brandies and fortified wines.
A drive along the wine route is worth the trip. You will experience majestic mountains and blue skies. While you are on the road you may spot herds of Springbok grazing. During the evenings the climate becomes considerably cooler.
Some of the best fortified wines in the country can be found in the Klein Karoo. These have an intense flavour with a hint of black cherry and leathery spices.
