If you and your friends plan on visiting Cape Town, holidays to the city must include a visit to the famous vineyards of the surrounding region. The established wine routes are the favourite, well-trodden paths taken by many visitors. However, these excursions are not simple wine tastings.
Following the wine trail does not mean simply a long, slow drive through the countryside - in Cape Town a wine trip can take several days. You can stay on site in some of the country's most luxurious hotels. Cape Town holidays that include the wine route on their itinerary can mean golf, fine dining, even finer wining and a relaxing day at a spa. One of the advantages of the Winelands is their close proximity to Cape Town. You can visit famous producers close to the city - there is no need to travel long distances unless you so desire.
South African wines have begun to come into their own. They have stopped mimicking the French and accepted their own unique New World flavours. A number of local winemakers have achieved international recognition and, in South Africa, the oldest and most rewarding wine-producing region began as the Constantia Estates.
Groot Constantia
This is the oldest continuously working winery in the entire Cape. Established in 1685, it did not become famous for its wine production until a century later, in 1778. This state-owned winery has on site a landmark building - the Manor House. This is the former home of Simon van der Stel, and stands as one of the finest examples of a Cape Dutch Building. It now acts as a museum complete with period furniture. There is also a carriage museum on site.
The Cloete Cellar, named after Hendrik Cloete who bought the estate in 1778, provides visitors on Cape Town holidays with an in-depth understanding of the wine-making methods of two centuries past. Known for its Gouveneur's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a subtle red, this noble winery is one of Cape Town's major attractions and, to a certain extent, it is geared towards tourists on their Cape Town holidays - although this does not lessen its appeal.
Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate
The Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate sits in the shadow of Cape Town's Table Mountain, a mere 20 minutes from the town's centre. Formerly part of Simon van der Stel's original estate, this fabulous winery caters perfectly to guests on Cape Town holidays.
There is the winery, the luxurious accommodations, the landscaped surroundings, the spa and three top-class restaurants. Dine at the incomparable La Colombe, the Spaanschmat River Café or the Constantia Uitsig. You can stay in one of the garden rooms featuring spectacular views of the Constantia Valley and, in the evening, take a short walk through the gardens to the Wine Shop. Fine wines produced here include Méthode Cap Classique.
Klein Constantia
This beautifully hilly estate has been producing wine since 1689. While there is no restaurant on the premises, the winery does boast a marvellous tasting centre. Klein Constantia is famed for its Vin de Constance, a delicious dessert wine. A persistent rumour has it that Napoleon preferred this above all others, as did Bismarck and Frederick the Great. It also has a number of excellent white wines.
Buitenverwachting
The setting of this winery is truly unique - located in the middle of a suburb! Buitenverwachting is another portion of der Stel's original estate and produces some very highly regarded whites and reds. It also has a fine pink Blanc Noir. You can dine in the restaurant on site or ask them to prepare you a picnic lunch to eat al fresco - a perfect way for visitors to end their delightful Cape Town holidays.
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