Cape Winelands Route

With lush green valleys, rugged mountains, streams of plenty and blue skies, the Cape Winelands is a magical place with a flourishing viticulture and restored Cape Dutch farmsteads holding interesting histories. Wine tourism is one of South Africa’s fastest growing industries, specifically within the Cape Winelands district, known as one of the most scenic areas in the world. South Africa’s wineries are proud to be the largest Fairtrade certified wineries in the world where community and sustainability are of utter importance. 

The Cape Winelands traditionally refers to cellars located in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Worcester, Wellington and Franschhoek. This however has changed over the years as South African wine has evolved and entered a new global era, competing with world-class wines. It is therefore fundamental to include the many wine routes of the Cape, most of which are located in the Western Cape near the coast. The mild Mediterranean weather and rough, sandy geological conditions are ideal for growing grapes with annual rainfall measuring up to 40 inches. 

The various Cape Winelands routes stretch from the Western Cape Coast to the plains of the Little Karoo, covering a vast range of land. The Cape Wine routes are divided into 4 main regions: The Breede River Valley, The Little Karoo, Coastal and Olifants River; currently there are approximately 560 wineries and 4400 primary producers of vineyards in the Cape. There are also wine farms in the Free State, Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng, although the Cape Winelands is the most well-known and include the Route 62 wine route which is considered to be the longest wine route in the world. 

You can expect classic Cape Dutch-style wine estates with picturesque views and a distinct European influence when visiting the Cape Winelands. The French Huguenot, Dutch and German settlers of the 18th century set the tone for this region with Spier Wine Estate being one of the oldest wine cellars in the Cape, dating back to 1767, and remains producing world-class wines to this day. There is a ripe history to be explored here.  

For a getaway, the Cape Winelands is ideal; a versatile area where more than wine is on the agenda. Not only can you explore the many wine farms by cycling or horseback riding, but you can visit galleries of all kinds, go berry picking at berry farms along the winelands route and hike along the valleys and mountain trails. There are an array of restaurants that will suit the palettes of all kinds of travellers along the wine routes at the wine estates and within the towns that the route travels through.  This region is suitable for everyone and caters for travellers from all walks of life, with numerous accommodation options and excellent cuisines to on offer.