Cape Winelands! Top must see places

Vineyard in South African Western Cape

 

A world of unique destinations, each with its own beauty and charm is what you can expect from spending a few days in the Cape Winelands.  This  world-renowned ruote offers any keen visitor a chance to explore a mix of old colonial charm and modernity, while also getting a good enough taste of nature.  The Cape Winelands Route ,  known for its serenity and tranquility, also boasts a wealth of picturesque vineyards lying against rugged mountains and enjoying a beautiful country feel. Here are some of the best towns not to miss during your winelands route vacation.

Stellenbosch

This lovely and quaint town boasts a glorious and quiet location 50 Km outside of Cape Town while lying on the banks of the Eerste River. Stellenbosch makes a perfect weekend getaway destination for Capetonians.  Like any other winelands town, Stellenbosch is known for unrivalled viticulture where an endless list of award winning wines are produced. If you are not going to Stellenbosch for the wine experience, then you are definitely looking to enjoy some sightseeing and  exciting events that always set the town abuzz.

Franschhoek

Amidst a majestic range of mountains, 75 km from Cape Town is Franschhoek, a small town we like to identify as  a” dynamite in a small package.” For any town in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is praised for it’s quaint old charm  of Cape Dutch architecture – most of which still retain its original form. Although some houses have been meticulously restored, there is no doubt that this little town’s most enjoyed activity is sightseeing, beside the wine culture of course! The town also offers aplenty restaurants and places to dine that will just make a perfect getaway.

Wellington

Not too far from from Paarl, is Wellington, a small town the oozes  an abundance of wine and brandy, altogether with deciduous fruit. Wellington boasts an incredible position at the centre on of the Cape Winelands and at the base of the Bain’s Kloof Pass, the oldest mountain pass in the country. Surely, you ought to know that a visit to the winelands is not complete until you have wandered through the streets of the town and absorbing the simplicity of a lifestyle the town offers.

Hermanus

With its own little wine route coming along and showing potential, Hermanus also falls under the glorious Cape Wineland and offers a fantastic range of wineries worth a visit. This coastal town not only boasts locally produced wines, it s also notorious for the presence of the Southern Right Whale in winter and spring. In September, there is an annual Whale Festival, so taking some time to celebrate the beginning of their mating season is time well spent in the town.

Robertson

Situated in the  heart of the rustic and scenic Route62, Robertson is just a perfect retreat for romance. The  wine industry  in Robertson has grown significantly with up to 50 wine cellars now registered and for wine tasting venues, you are spoilt for choice. With the town’s tourism growing too, you are sure to enjoy romantic star- gazing under the African night sky, hiking and skydiving.

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Revving Up Rosé Festival

Its summer time and love is in the air. There aren’t many things that spell out romance like a picnic, a glass of Rosé and a spectacular view.

Franschhoek Festival

If you haven’t booked accommodation in the Cape Winelands yet for this Valentine’s Day weekend, you should be getting on it. The Revving Up Rosé Festival, on Saturday, 13th February 2016 at Rickety Bridge Winery, is just around the corner and is the perfect Valentine’s Day date for family, friends, lovers – young and old, and for those seeking a little romance.

Ever wondered where the Valentine’s Day tradition originated? It is believed to have stemmed from the pagan fertility festival, Lupercalia, which celebrated the Roman god of agriculture. With the death of St. Valentine and the advent of the Middle Ages, in an attempt to consecrate this celebration, it became a day associated with love and romance. In addition, the French and British commonly believed that the beginning of birds’ mating season was February 14th, and thus, the date was set.

Accommodation in Franschhoek
Of course this all makes a little more sense after a chilled glass of Rosé at the Rickety Bridge Winery in Franschhoek, a wine farm that is currently showcasing just how diverse and versatile the world of Rosé is. Believed to be the oldest style of wine in the world, Rosé’s global stellar reputation has developed into a summer craze of sorts. Crisp, dry, sweet and modest, it is enchantingly pink in colour.

The Revving Up Rosé festival is also great for those seeking a fun and adventurous weekend, with a 5km, 10km or 20km Rosé Run to be held, and a 20km, 40km or 60km MTB Ride. Whether you are an experienced trail runner or cyclist, new to the scene or just seeking something different to do with loved ones, this Franschhoek festival is for everyone. To clean up afterwards, there will be showers provided for those partaking in these events.

Franschhoek Accommodation
This is an idyllic setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend, where wine tastings, Rosé-friendly food stalls, pre-booked picnics, Paulina’s Restaurant, live music and a picturesque sunset will keep your pallets busy, souls dancing and eyes mesmerised.

There is a competition running where a pair of tickets, lunch and a bottle of Foundation Stone Rosé are up for grabs. Entry to the competition is free when you take part in the MTB race or trail run.

Franschhoek Competition

Alternatively, you can buy them from Webtickets, or pick them up upon arrival for R120 per person, including a wine glass and R150 per person for a pre-booked picnic. The festival takes place from 10am – 6pm on Saturday 13th February 2016. Those partaking in the events receive a complimentary ticket to the festival upon their Rosé Run or Rosé MTB Ride ticket purchase.

Don’t forget to book your Cape Winelands Accommodation at Venues4Africa!

For more information on the festival, please visit this link and for further information on the events taking place at the festival, please visit this link.