As Cape Town was the first settler town in South Africa, farming in this area began in the 1600’s to supply the fort and citizens. By 1659, the first wine production started what has become a cultural heritage and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Today, visiting the Cape Winelands is not only about tasting the wealth of award winning wines, each unique to its region, but it also about taking a trip into South African history and culture, set in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world known for fertile green valleys, majestic mountain ranges, Cape Dutch architecture, orchards and enchanting towns and villages.

Most wine estates are within easy reach of Cape Town, and no matter which direction your trip, you will not be disappointed with the selection. Due to visitor numbers, many interesting attractions have developed around the wine industry, rounding out your experience of the area.

The winelands are divided into various different regions, each offering their own ‘wine route’. The most popular and well-known are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Paarl Wine Routes.

Magnificent Franschhoek was the chosen home of the French Huguenot refugees of 1688. Wine making was one of their key skills which helped forge Franschhoek into one of the premier wine destinations in the world. The town still has the charming atmosphere of the early settlers, with the wonderfully preserved 17th century Cape Dutch architecture. The are more than 40 extraordinary wine cellars in the area and the Franschhoek Wine Route is fit for a connoisseur. The Cape Winelands also has an excellent Brandy Route, for those who are not wine fans.

With the successful wine industry as a base, Franschhoek evolved into the gourmet capital of South Africa, with many of the country’s five star chefs running more award-winning restaurants in Franschhoek than anywhere else in South Africa. The main street is a great spot to sit at side walk restaurants and watch the world go by, or browse the excellent antique shops, unusual boutiques and well-known art galleries and studios. The Franschhoek Valley offers a variety of outdoor activities and a number of interesting museums and other entertainment.

Stellenbosch is one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa. Majestic mountains and bountiful vineyards surround the town with magnificent views. The Stellenbosch Wine Route is world famous, and not to be missed.

Stellenbosch is also known for its prestigious university adding to the vibrant atmosphere in town. The town is full of history, heritage, music, art and students, giving a feeling of warmth and excitement that’s almost tangible. The mix of modern and historical architecture is evident all around you, with the legendary Dorp Street   boasting some of the oldest and best preserved buildings in South Africa.

Paarl, with its Cape Dutch heritage, Paarl Rock Nature Reserve and Paarl Wine Route offers great sundowner watering holes as well as many top notch restaurants. Many renowned wine farms provide the visitor with a choice of wine tasting and fine dining. Local shopping has a wide variety of beautiful hand made arts, crafts and sculpture, unusual clothing and much more.

Paarl has two excellent golfing facilities Boschenmeer and Pearl Valley, and from Paarl you can easily have a round of golf in nearby Wellington or Stellenbosch.

Wellington, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, lies in a beautiful valley on the banks of the Kromme River, at the foot of the Groenberg Mountains. Only 45 minutes from Cape Town, this fertile farming area was settled as early as 1688 by French Huguenot refugees. They left a legacy of splendid Cape Dutch architecture and the foundation of the fruit and wine industry, the economic mainstay of the town to this day. Although viticulture dates back to the time of the French Huguenots of the late 1600s, the Wellington Wine Route is one of the youngest, but has quickly been recognised.

The Wellington region is famous for its fruit, particularly apricots, and in early summer, one can see wooden frames drying apricot halves throughout the region. In addition, almost 90% of the country’s vines grow in vine-cutting nurseries, before they are transported elsewhere for planting.