The South African wine industry started in 1659 when the first Governor of the Cape Jan van Riebeeck had planted a vineyard (in 1655), and on 2 February 1659, the first wine was made from Cape grapes. This date is considered the birth of the South African wine industry. It wasn’t until the late 1980s and 1990s when Apartheid was ended and the world’s export market opened up that South African wines began to experience a renaissance. Today South Africa is among the top 10 wine-producing countries in the world. 

The Cape winelands stretch from the coast to the plains of the Little Karoo and are some of the most breathtakingly winelands in the world. Experience the most reputable wine districts in the Western Cape. Visit carefully selected wineries where the wines are absolutely world-class. Meet passionate winemakers and share with them their love for the perfection of winemaking. The perfect destination for those who want to experience the ultimate wine treat in a fabulously beautiful environment.

The most visited wine districts in the Cape Winelands

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the wine capital of South Africa. With its Victorian and Dutch architecture and historic buildings Stellenbosch stand out as a vibrant university town with many restaurants, bars, clubs and accommodation in different price categories. The area’s rich soil is essential for the production of fruits, vegetables and good wine. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, it is the most traditional and famous wine region in South Africa and the climate makes it ideal for wine production. Stellenbosch was first to establish a wine route 1971 and this is where many of the country’s most popular wineries are located and they are well worth visiting. For wine lovers with an interest in hiking – take part in a hike among vineyards, through beautiful wine valleys with stunning views of the entire Stellenbosch Mountain Range.

Franschhoek

The town of Franschhoek – which in Afrikaans means the French hook – is well known for three quality things, you should be able to: eat well, drink well and sleep well. The town definitely lives up to its reputation, located in one of the world’s most beautiful wine valleys. For more than 300 years ago settled by the French Huguenots in the region, bringing with them their winemaking and food knowledge, which has today resulted in South Africa’s gastronomic capital. It was only when the French Huguenots arrived in South Africa, that the wine culture took off and with their knowledge they laid the foundation for today’s South African wine industry. There are many options of accommodation in different price categories. Around the picturesque town of Franschhoek you will find some of the absolute best vineyards in South Africa.

The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop off tour is one of the best ways to discover the beautiful valley of Franschhoek. Visit the beautiful wineries and taste the fine wine and world class cuisine. The journey takes you through the wineries stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates. A combination of an open-side tram and tram-bus transport you around a loop of stops allowing you to hop-off at each stop and experience the activites on offer, wine tasting, cellar tour, lunch etc. and when you are ready, hop-on to continue the tour.

Paarl

Paarl takes its name from the huge granite outcrop that stands proudly on the crest of Paarl Mountain. The town was founded in 1687, is the third oldest settlement in South Africa and has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The birth of Afrikaans as the world’s youngest language is celebrated by the iconic Afrikaans Language Monument that stands prominently on the southern slopes of Paarl Mountain. The town has many fine examples of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Cape Dutch buildings and a wide variety of fine restaurants and coffee shops spread out along the main street. Just outside Paarl is the Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela spent his last years of captivity and from which he completed his “long walk to freedom”. Paarl boasts true country hospitality, award winning wine farms and estates, and many accommodation to suit both your requirements and budget. Revel in beautiful fynbos-rich walks and hiking trails, cycle along superb mountain-biking trails or take a relaxing drive through the countryside to enjoy the spectacular scenery, followed by a leisurely lunch and fine wines from the region.

Cape Town

Close to one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town, you will find the green and lush Constantia Winelands with the oldest and most magnificent vineyards in the country. The fertile slopes and the mild Mediterranean climate create perfect conditions for growing quality wine. Constantia is home to several famous wineries, including Klein Constantia, which is described as one of the world’s most beautiful wineries. It also produces one of the world’s most famous dessert wines, Vin de Constance, appreciated by leaders and aristocracy throughout 18th-century Europe, including Napoleon’s favorite wine.

Hermanus

Fewer people have discovered the more genuine and less commercial wine districts around the scenic coastal town of Hermanus. You can experience a fantastic wine tour through the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde (heaven and earth), the second southernmost wine district in South Africa. The variety of wine is great and its award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are world class.

In the Botriver area (20 minutes by car from Hermanus) are several of South Africa’s highly respected wineries located and all are well worth a visit. If you’re lucky, you can get a few sips straight out of the barrel.

Suggested travel that includes the Cape Winelands

Proposed itinerary Unique Wine Tour

10-DAYS UNIQUE WINE TOUR IN WESTERN CAPE

A return trip with a start in the gastronomic capital town, Franschheok and the traditional wine capital, Stellenbosch. A visit to vineyards around Botriver and then onwards to the scenic coastal town of Hermanus. End the trip in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town. During the trip you will visit Upplev Sydafrika’s specially selected vineyards – some of South Africa’s finest!

Proposed itinerary The Gourmet Treat

12-DAYS THE GOURMET TREAT IN WESTERN CAPE

A return trip with a start in the gastronomic town, Franschhoek followed by a visit to the traditional wine district around the wine capital, Stellenbosch. A visit to vineyards around Botriver and then onwards to the scenic coastal town of Hermanus and end the trip in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town. During the trip you will visit Upplev Sydafrika’s specially selected restaurants and vineyards – some of South Africa’s finest!