Visiting the Cape Wine lands.

The Cape wine lands are an absolute must for any wine enthusiast. With wine farms dating all the way back to 1685, the Constantia area is steeped in History, scattered with traditional Cape Dutch Homesteads and rolling vineyards. Viticulture was first introduced to the area by Simon van der Stel, effectively the first Coloured Governor of the Cape Colony, after whom the towns of Stellenbosch and Simon’s Town were also named. His “Vin de Constance” wine soon acquired a good reputation, it was Hendrik Cloete however, who brought the Contantia name to the forefront. After purchasing the Groote Constantia homestead in 1778, his unfortified wine made mostly from Muscat de Frontignan (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains), Pontac, red and white Muscadel and Chenin Blanc was released to high acclaim.

Since then the farm has been sub divided into smaller units, each of which produce their own wines that are produced to the same exacting standards of Hendrik Cloete. The farm is however most famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.

Historically when referring to the cape wine lands it would include Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek. Stellenbosch is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike, situated about 25 minutes from Cape Town city center, it boasts unparalleled scenery and is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa. In its early years residents were encouraged to plant oaks, the very ones that today line the streets of the area known as “Eikestad”, which directly translated means “city of oaks”. Interestingly, some of these have even been named as national monuments.

There is also no shortage of quaint restaurants, coffee shops and delicatessens where one can relax and experience the town. When visiting these areas you have a wide variety of options for accommodation, be it self-catering holiday apartments or hotels, you’ll be able to find whatever suites your needs. I personally would recommend holiday apartments and plenty of time to take in the sights. Either way the Cape wine lands are a magical, once in a lifetime experience.