Wine regions

While Cape Town has South Africa's oldest wine region, Constantia, virtually on its doorstep, the actual wine regions begin around 30 minutes' drive east of the Mother City at Stellenbosch and stretch along the coast to Hermanus and inland to the Little Karoo semi-desert. Wine enthusiasts should plan two overnight stays here, but the region also has a lot to offer in terms of landscape and culture, so at least one night should be spent here. To get to know the special features of the various wine-growing regions in depth, stays of up to two weeks are also possible as part of special wine tours.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the second oldest city in the country and offers a beautiful historic city center with many renovated buildings in the Cape Dutch architectural style. Thanks to the local university, the city is also very lively and modern. There are many cafés, restaurants, boutiques and a movie theater. The small botanical garden is home to the largest bonsai collection in the southern hemisphere, including its own varieties such as a bonsai baobab. Outside Stellenbosch, countless wine producers offer wine tastings, some of which are among the best in the country and are home to top restaurants. Some wine estates offer a very classic ambience with Cape Dutch-style buildings and extravagant parklands. Other wineries boast ultra-modern architecture and transform their vineyards and tasting rooms into half art galleries. Hiking and mountain biking in the vineyards and neighboring nature reserves are popular activities.

Franschhoek

Things are much more tranquil in Franschhoek, which has always remained true to its French tradition. The main street through the town is lined with restaurants, cafés and stores. At the end of the town is the famous Huguenot Monument, a memorial to the Huguenot founders. Around 40 wine estates are located outside the town in the valley of the mighty Franschhoek Mountains, which produce much more classic wines than their big brother Stellenbosch. Some wineries can be explored on the Wine Tram. The "French Corner", as the town is called, was South Africa's undisputed number one in terms of top restaurants for a long time. In recent years, however, Cape Town and Stellenbosch have not only caught up with Franschhoek, they have also overtaken it. But there are currently a few rays of hope for the former gourmet capital.

Paarl and Wellington

Paarl is more interesting for wine and nature lovers, as there is no really nice town center to stroll through. The restaurants are also not as upmarket as in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. However, there are always great wine estates and the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve offers great hiking opportunities with unique views. Another eye-catcher is the Taal Monument, a monument to the Afrikaans language. To the north is the Wellington wine region. The town, which is not overrun by tourists, is an architectural gem with many historic buildings in the Cape Dutch and later Victorian style. Wellington is known for its first-class white Chenin Blancs and red Shiraz.

Swartland and Tulbagh

In the Swartland around the villages of Malmesbury and Riebeek-Kasteel, the young and wild have conquered the wine cellars. Unconventionally and full of enthusiasm, sensational Chenin Blancs and Shiraz' have been produced here in recent years, making many a traditional winegrower in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek envious. Tulbagh is picturesquely surrounded by dramatically beautiful mountain ranges with altitudes of over 2000 meters. The historic town center is home to one of the oldest churches in the country. All 32 buildings on Church Street are listed and form a unique open-air museum. The very special climate favors light white wines and sparkling wines in particular.

Coastal Region to Robertson

The Hemel-En-Aarde wine region on the outskirts of Hermanus has long since ceased to be an insider tip. The cooler coastal climate allows first-class white wines and lighter red wines to thrive. Some of South Africa's best wine estates can now be found here. In the Breede River Valley and in the Little Karoo semi-desert from Worcester to Robertson, the many hours of sunshine tend to produce full-bodied wines. Here too, secluded nature reserves invite you to go hiking, while the Breede River offers tranquil boat trips.