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| A short distance from the city, the winelands
region is one of the most picturesque areas of the Western Cape.
The three major wine routes, most passing through the quaint and historical
towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, offer an opportunity to
appreciate the Cape's history and traditions while being surrounded by
spectacular landscapes of vineyards hugging hills and valleys. The best way to discover the winelands is by car, where you can stop of your own accord at the wine estates' traditional Cape Dutch homesteads. Take time to sample the farms' offerings, tour the cellars or enjoy a leisurely lunch on the spacious grounds. Wine tastings, offered by age-old estates, are a popular means of sampling one of the Cape's greatest exports. At most wine estates it is possible to purchase bottles or cases of the estate's wines. Below is our top selection of wine estates to visit during your Cape Town holiday: |
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| Constantia Winelands |
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| Buitenverwachting |
| This estate is most famous for its pleasant and spacious grounds, excellent wines (Buiten Blanc and Rhine Riesling among the more well-known) and one of Cape Town's best restaurants. On a gorgeous summer's day, order a picnic basket from the restaurant and relax on the estate lawns. |
| Klein Constantia Road, Tel. (021) 794 5190/1 |
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| Cellars Hohenort |
| This estate unites two great Cape traditions: the magnificently restored cellars of 18th century Klaasenbosch wine estate and the Hohenort Manor House, previously owned by the Spilhaus family. Besides wine tasting, the estate offers grape picking in its vineyard. |
| 93 Brommersvlei Rd., Tel (021) 794 2137 |
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| Constantia Uitsig |
| This is a 200-acre wine farm which, besides its cellar tours and wine tasting, offers luxury Cape cottage accommodation set in the lush grounds. Escape here for a peaceful and romantic getaway. |
| Spaanschemat River Rd, Tel (021) 794 1810 |
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| Groot Constantia |
| The biggest and grandest of the Constantia wine estates, Groot Constantia offers guests wine tastings surrounded by traditional buildings, beautiful gardens and traditional Cape food at the Jonkershuis Restaurant. Cellar tours are available on request. |
| Groot Constantia Road, High Constantia Tel. (021) 794 5128 |
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| Klein Constantia |
| This estate's flagship wine is the Vin de Constance, a dessert wine that was once enjoyed by Napoleon, Bismarck and Frederick the Great, as well as being mentioned in novels of Austen and Dickens. It's a small estate but worth visiting for its excellent tasting room and informative displays. |
| Klein Constantia Road, Tel. (021) 794 5188 |
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| Franschhoek Winelands |
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| Boschendal |
| One of the oldest estates in the country, Boschendal is a classic Franschhoek estate with its oak-lined avenues and traditional Cape Dutch buildings. The estate produces an impressive range of red and white wines which can be enjoyed over lunch in the stylish restaurant. |
| Pniel Road, Groote Drakenstein, Tel (021) 870 4210 |
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| Chamonix |
| The Chamonix wine farm contains a wine tasting centre and offers cellar tours by appointment. The farm is open to the public daily from 9:30 until 17:00. The estate contains a traditional family bistro where lunch can be enjoyed before or after wine tasting. |
| Uitkyk St, Tel. (021) 876 2498 |
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| Cabriere Estate |
| Cabriere produces an excellent range of brandies, white, red and dessert wines that can be enjoyed every weekday and on Saturday mornings. Cellar tours are led by proprietor Achim von Arnim, and the estate's Haute Cabriere restaurant is highly recommended. |
| Berg St, Tel (021) 876 2630 |
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| La Motte |
| La Motte wines have won a host of international awards and are highly sought-after. Their fine wines, including some exceptional reds, can be sampled in the stylish tasting room. The estate is open on weekdays and on Saturday mornings. |
| Tel (021) 876 3114/9 |
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| Mont Rochelle |
| This estate, with its beautiful view of the valley, offers wine tastings as well as picnic baskets in summer and soup and bread next to the log fire in winter. Cellar tours are conducted Monday to Friday and tours of the estate can even be done on horseback. |
| Dassenberg Road, Tel (021) 876 3000 |
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| Paarl Winelands |
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| Simonsvlei |
| Simonsvlei is well-known for its exquisite wines that are recognised across the world, thus attracting international visitors. Wine tasting is offered daily except on Sundays, and cellar tours can be arranged by appointment. |
| Tel. (021) 863-3040 |
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| KWV |
| The internationally renowned KWV cellar complex is the biggest in the world, resting on 22 hectares. Over 100 various natural wines, a range of fortified wines and brandies are produced for the global market, and the estate is also home to the five biggest vats in the world under one roof. |
| Kohler St, Tel. (021) 807 3007 |
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| Fairview Wine Estate |
| Nestled on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, this estate produces a range of wines as well as cheeses made from sheep's milk, goat's milk and cow's milk. These can be purchased at the farm stall, and wine and cheese tasting is available weekdays, Saturday mornings and on public holidays. |
| Tel. (021) 863 2450 |
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| Nederberg |
| Nederburg Estate is famous for its internationally acclaimed wines, which have won over 1100 local and international awards. The estate offers informal wine tastings, guided cellar tours in a choice of languages, and summer picnics by appointment from November to February. |
| Tel. (021) 862 3104 |
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| Rhebokskloof |
| This is one of very few wine estates that is open 365 days a year. The estate adjoins the Paarl Nature Reserve, and takes its name from the indigenous buck found in the area. Formal wine tastings and cellar tours are available. |
| Tel. (021) 863 8386 |
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| Stellenbosch Winelands |
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| Spier Cellars |
| Spier Cellars has received a list of prestigious awards and offers wine tasting, cellar tours and a choice of restaurants for lunch and dinners. In summertime, enjoy a picnic on the estate's spacious grounds prepared by the Spier Farm Stall. |
| Tel. (021) 809 1100 |
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| Morgenhof |
| Morgenhof Farm boasts a rich heritage dating back to grape growers in the 1200s. Enjoy daily wine tasting and cellar tours followed by an a la carte garden lunch in summer or in the glass gazebo with fireplace during winter. |
| Tel. (021) 889 5510 |
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| Blaauwklippen |
| Blaauwklippen captures the flavour of almost 300 years of traditional Cape wine making. The estate offers award-winning wines, wine tasting, cellar tours, year-round lunches, elegant coach rides, an extensive museum and a function centre for weddings and birthdays. |
| Tel. (021) 880 0133 |
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| Delaire |
| Delaire - 'Vineyards in the Sky' - is a small yet ideally located vineyard on Helshoogte with breathtaking views. It offers wine tasting, cellar tours, picnics, a function venue and two self-catering mountain lodges for the winelover's ideal getaway. |
| Contact Tel. (021) 885 1756 |
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| Neetlingshof |
| A unique, kilometre-long pine tree-lined avenue leads you to Neetlingshof, a wine estate dating back to 1692. A complete estate tour is offered where guests tour the cellars and vineyards on a tractor-drawn trailer. A private wine tasting is conducted outside, and lunch is a typical South African barbeque enjoyed on the sprawling grounds. |
| Polkadraai Road, Tel. (021) 883 8988 |