South African Wineries
Wine in South Africa
South African wineries produce their world wide renowned wines foremost in the Western Cape, where you find many excellent Cape wine estates producing first class wines. Other major wine growing areas are in the Northern Cape, along the Orange River and in the Amatola Mountain range in the Eastern Cape. Also KwaZulu Natal has some newer wine estates, but the climate is less favourable to growing grapes in most parts of this region.
Typical South African wines? Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah... You name it, here you will find it here. And the world famous and unique South African Pinotage wines makes many wine lovers heart beat faster…
The Western Cape wine estates are located in some of the most scenic wine regions in the world. Mountain ranges and the sea form a breathtaking backdrop for the beautiful wine valleys in this South Western region of South Africa. In the Cape region you can also visit the oldest vineyards in the new world.
The first wine production in South Africa was started in 1659 long before wine was cultivated in the Americas, Australia or New Zealand.
The most popular wine regions in the Western Cape
The main wine regions around Cape Town are: Constantia Valley Vineyards, Durbanville Wine Route, Stellenbosch Wine Region, Franschhoek Wine estates, Paarl Wineries and the Helderberg Wine Estates. These wine regions can all be traveled to during day trips. A bit further from Cape Town, these regions make for great weekend trips: Worcester wine region and the Robertson wine valley as well as the Breede River valley and Overberg wine estates.
The Cape winelands are known for the historic, but modern and family friendly wine estates that are major tourist attractions in the area. Throughout the year, there are many wine festivals and food festivals that are worth a visit and you can be sure there is a festival somewhere in the region celebrating the local harvest.
ExpatCapeTown Tip: Go on a wine tour with Cape Fusion Tours
South African Wineries
Overview of the wine regions near Cape Town
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The Constantia Valley is know for its proximity to Cape Town city centre. A mere 20 minute drive and you find yourself in lush green vineyards, the oldest in South Africa. Here are the famous wine estates of Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting among several other smaller ones. |
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The Durbanville Wine Route starts only 20 minutes north of Cape Town’s city center and is a peaceful heaven on the slopes of the Tygerberg Hills in the northern suburbs of the Mother City. Here you can visit the renowned Durbanville Hills Wine Estate, Nitida, Bloemendal and the great Poplars Restaurant at the D’Aria Wine Estate. But many others await you there too such as the Hillcrest Wine Estate which also organises many popular concerts and movies in a fantastic quarry setting. |
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The Stellenbosch wineries are the most famous South African wineries. These Cape wine estates are all located around the second oldest town in South Africa and not only the lively streets of the university city will entice you but many of the countries best wine estates offer an allround experience. Here you will find the popular wine estate Oude Libertas, Waterford, Spier Wine Estate and many others.
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Franschhoek is not only famous for its great French wine estates, but also for its French village atmosphere. Bastille Day is celebrated in this town every July. Franschhoek means "French Corner" (from the Afrikaans) as French immigrants were settling predominantly here when they first arrived and starting their first vineyards in this area. So you will find many great wines at all these great South African wineries. |
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Paarl and the Berg River Wineries are located at the slopes of the Paarl Mountain Reserve. The wineries all offer great tastings of wine and of deli food such as the Fairview Estate which offers cheese tastings and kids especially will love their goat tower and the goats. Nearby Nederburg is known for the annual wine auction, Spice Route is a destination on its own with a variety of activities on offer. And KWV has the largest wine cellar in the world covering more than 20 hectares. Many other South African wineries in the area are worth a visit. Our family especially loves the gardens at Rhebokskloof, the beautiful setting of Val de Vie.... |
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The Helderberg Wine estates are some of the gems near the False Bay towns of Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay. The climate is mild and the vines enjoy plenty of sunshine in this area. There are some great South African wineries and Cape estates you just have to visit. |
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