|
Province:Western Cape
region: Winelands
WINELANDS
Towns:
Franschhoek |
Paarl
|
Pniel
| Stellenbosch
|
Wellington
Whether it is its magnificent natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage
or its world-renowned wines, the Winelands Region is synonymous with
all the best that the Cape has to offer. A 45-minute drive from Cape
Town brings you to this area where splendid mountains form a dramatic
backdrop to lush vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped
in history. Come experience the hospitality and beauty of Stellenbosch,
Paarl, Wellington, Franschhoek and Pniel. The diversity of the Winelands
will capture every heart.
Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors as you stroll along the oak-lined
streets of Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country. Our
colourful history comes to life in the splendidly restored Cape Dutch,
Georgian and Victorian buildings in each town. Monuments such as the
Huguenot Memorial and Afrikaans Language Monument and the many outstanding
museums provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
The excellent wines produced in this area are world-renowned You will
be spoilt for choice between small, boutique wineries and the larger,
more commercial wine estates.
Taste the fruit of the vintner’s labour in the magnificent surrounds
that are so characteristic of the Winelands, or join the winemaker on
a tour of his cellar where the precious harvest is lovingly transformed
into every wine lover’s delight. To revive fatigued taste buds, the
Winelands boasts some of the finest restaurants in the Cape, offering
from traditional fare to the more exotic. And don’t miss out on other
culinary delights produced in the region such as cheese, olives, herbs,
berries and much more.
With its ragged mountains and fertile valleys, the Winelands is paradise
to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Invigorating hikes through
the many nature reserves in the area will have you marvelling at the
indigenous fynbos that flourishes here. Whether you enjoy the thrill
of tearing down the hillside on a mountain bike, or relaxing next to
a tranquil river catching trout, the exhilaration of a hot-air balloon-ride
over the granite outcrops of Paarl Mountain or savouring the beauty
of the setting sun on horseback, the Winelands will surpass your every
expectation.
Towns:
Franschhoek, first known as Die Oliphantshoek, was renamed after the
arrival of the French Huguenots. The Huguenot Monument was built in
1938 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of their arrival, and the
Huguenot Museum depicts the genealogical history of these families.
The Franschhoek Wine Route has about 20 members. Visitors can also enjoy
various hiking trails and historical walks.
Paarl lies between the second-largest granite rock in the world and
the Du Toit's Kloof Mountains, and is famous for its unique architectural
heritage confined to two square kilometres. The Afrikaanse Taalmonument
is situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain, and the Afrikaanse
Taalmuseum is in the centre of the town. Visitors can also go to Butterfly
World and the Arboretum with over 700 species of trees. There are also
various arts and crafts shops. The Paarl Mountain and Nature Reserve
is noted for its enormous 500-million-year-old granite rocks. The Paarl
Wine Route has some 24 members.
Stellenbosch is the second-oldest town in South Africa, and is also
known as the Eikestad (town of oaks). Visitors can go on various historical
walks. Dorp Street consists of one of the longest rows of old buildings
still existing in the country. The Stellenbosch Village Museum consists
of four homesteads and gardens ranging from the late 17th to the middle
19th centuries. The Simon van der Stel Festival takes place in October
each year to commemorate the birthday of the founder of Stellenbosch.
There are a number of nature reserves in the area. At the Oude Libertas
Amphitheatre, visitors can enjoy concerts, ballets and other entertainment
staged from December to March. The Stellenbosch Wine Route has more
than 40 members.
Wellington is the home of South Africa's dried fruit industry. Most
of South Africa's vine-cutting nurseries are found here. Strawberries,
raspberries, youngberries and Cape gooseberries can be picked by visitors
on Wellington's own berry farm. There are various hiking and horse trails,
as well as leather, fruit, historical, religious and educational tours.
The Wellington Wine Route comprises seven members.
The well-known Spier Wine Estate was established in 1679. Visitors to
the Estate can now enjoy a close encounter with Inca, Shadow and Spier,
three of the five tame cheetahs who live there. In keeping with an ongoing
pledge to conserve and preserve South Africa's natural heritage, Spier
has allocated land on the Estate to a group of hand-raised cheetahs
in the care of Cheetah Outreach. The Fund was created to save the cheetah
from becoming extinct. With just 12 000 cheetahs remaining, the cheetah
could be extinct within the next 15 years if the decline is not halted.
Each year, from November to March, the Spier Arts Trust brings summer
alive with the SAA Summer Festival. Already after only a few acclaimed
seasons of the Festival, the 1 155-seat Spier open-air amphitheatre,
on the banks of the Eerste River, is being dubbed as the premier Cape
venue for enchanting musical and other performances of exceptionally
rare quality
|
|
|
2010 Accommodation bookings and enquiries
|
|
