South Africa Winelands Vacations by Kayla Reid
South Africa’s major wine producing areas are situated in the Cape, a region of dramatic beauty fanned by the sea breezes of the adjacent Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Fertile valleys bristling with vineyards are only occasionally interrupted by authentic Cape Dutch homesteads and charming historical towns, creating a natural playground only 45 minutes away from the popular tourist city of Cape Town.
Tastings & Cellar Tours
With many of the wine cellars offering tastings and cellar tours, wine aficionados are more than welcome to savour the export quality new world vintages currently causing a stir all over the world.
Fine dining at winery restaurants and delis or al fresco on the sweeping lawns of the estates is a necessary respite for aspirant vintners.
Wine Routes
Historically, the main wine producing area in the Cape was restricted to farms around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.
Today, the Cape Winelands comprises a host of popular wine routes which stretch from the Constantia Valley in Cape Town all the way to Citrusdal in the west and the semi-arid Klein Karoo in the east. At last count there were over 550 wineries producing outstanding vintages throughout the region.
Fashionable wine routes which should feature on any wine lover’s itinerary include:
- The Constantia Wine Route – situated minutes away from Cape Town’s CBD.
- The Franschhoek Wine Route – located only 45 minutes away from the Mother City in the so-called ‘Culinary Capital of South Africa’.
- The Walker Bay Wine Route – traverses the spectacular Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near South Africa’s premier whale-watching centre, Hermanus.
- The Tulbagh Wine Route – features the lovingly restored village of Tulbagh and a number of South Africa’s best known estates.
- The Little Karoo Wine Route – offers the largest variety of fine wines in the land!
Accommodation
As one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country, the quaint villages and towns of the region boast a consummate collection of top-end boutique hotels, stylish French Provencal country houses, family run bed & breakfasts and budget backpackers.
Many of the wine estates offer lodgings on site which vary from luxurious 5-star rooms in stunning surroundings to rustic self catering Cottages.
When to visit the Cape Winelands
With a temperate Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, the Cape Winelands can be visited at any time of the year.
Spring is defined by colourful wild flowers and the new, bright green shoots on the vines, whereas autumn is quite spectacular with the vineyards slowly changing colour into rich hues of yellow, gold and red.
Winter is characterised by snow capped mountain peaks, clear fresh air and roaring log fires, all ideal accompaniments to South Africa’s bold red wines, while summer is light and breezy, synonymous with fruity sauvignon blancs and woody chardonnays!
How to Book a South Africa Winelands Vacation
South African Vacation reservation websites provide comprehensive access to a wide range of accommodation in the Cape Winelands as well as half and full day guided tours of the popular wine producing areas in South Africa.
Accommodation listings often include guest ratings and reviews as well as recent photographs of each guest establishment. Secure online booking facilities enable live availability checks and a swift online booking process.
Visit a reputable site today to book a wonderful vacation in South Africa’s Winelands with the click of a mouse!
About the Author
e-southafrica.com is a comprehensive South African vacation reservation website listing a variety of Cape Winelands accommodation, together with ratings and recent pictures, as well as day tours of popular wine routes. Browse and book an unforgettable vacation in the Winelands via the site today!
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