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TRAVEL
READING ON THE WINELANDS:
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A
Wine Drenched Tour Along The Red Route of Paarl, South Africa
A Guide
to South Africa's Winelands by Kobus van der Merwe
In 1652
the Dutch East India company establishment a refreshment station at the
Cape of Good Hope aiming to provide fresh food to the company's fleet on
voyages to India and surrounding areas. As a result of this trading station
South Africa now boasts a flourishing wine industry and colourful, multi-cultural
nation.
The
fertile soil and Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape, makes the Cape
Winelands one of the most renowned wine producing areas in the world. The
Western Cape is also cooler than its position of 34º South of the
equator might suggest, making the area ideal for growing a wide range of
noble vine varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Shiraz and Pinot Noir. The traditional wine growing areas along the coastal
regions are seldom more than 50km from the ocean and are exposed to cool
breezes blowing in from the sea.
All
the wine grape varietals cultivated in South Africa, belong to the Vitis
vinifera species, originally brought from Europe. Unfortunately these European
vines were susceptible to phylloxera and as a result many South African
viticulturists these days often have to graft their vines onto American
rootstock in order to resist the insect.
Although
Cape Town and the nearby Boland basin is best-known for it's superb Bordeaux-style
red wines, the wine-producing regions of the province extends further north-
and eastwards and has established itself as producer of world-class red,
white, fortified and sparkling wines from a wide range of varietals.
Constantia
The
oldest and one of the most famous wine farms in the area is Groot Constantia,
which was granted to governor Simon van der Stel in 1685, by the Dutch
East India Company. The estate is located on the Southern Slopes of Table
Mountain and is still world-renowned for it's superb wines and breathtaking
location. It's beautiful Cape Dutch homestead also forms part of the Iziko
South African National Museums. The Constantia region also features such
formidable estates as Steenberg well know for it's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
and Semmilon while the nearby Buitenverwachting produces outstanding Chardonnay.
Both estates feature award-winning restaurants.
Boland
From
Cape Town, the Winelands spread north-east and eastwards to the beautiful
Boland basin with Stellenbosch,
Paarl,
Franschhoek
and
Wellington being the most
prominent producers. Some of the oldest wine farms in South Africa are
situated in and around this beautiful Cape Dutch village, which at over
300-years old, is the oldest town in the country. Although the area hosts
an endless amount of superior wine estates, well-known farms towards the
east include the Shiraz and Port producing Alto; the prolific Blaauwklippen
estate which produces one of the only Zinfandel's in the region; the red
wine producing Delheim; the famous Lanzerac estate and hotel; the prominent
Middelvlei; the international award-winning red wine producing Rust en
Vrede estate; Vriesenhof with it's outstanding white wines; the exclusive
Engelbrecht Els estate and the beautiful Tokara with it's adjoining restaurant
managed by famous local chef and saucier Etienne Bonthuys.
Towards
the west of the town there's the well-known Beyerskloof, famous for it's
award-winning Pinotage; the superior sparkling wine producing House of
JC Le Roux, the scenic Meerlust estate with it's legendary Rubicon blend;
the family-run Overgaauw; the "Cap Classique" producing Villiera and Zevenwacht
estate.
The
nearby Franschhoek, which translates as "French corner" also boasts some
of the country's oldest estates: The beautiful Boschendal with it's typical
Cape Dutch homestead; Cabriere Estate with it's flagship range of Pierre
Jourdan "Methode Cape Classique" sparkling wines; Graham Beck with it's
signature Brut Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine and Rhona Muscadel; and the
beautiful La Motte estate which produces outstanding Shiraz.
Overberg
On
the otherside of the Franschhoek and Hottentots Holland mountain ranges,
the Overberg region includes quaint
villages such as McGregor, Montagu and Robertson - the latter boasts the
De Wetshof estate, owned by the prolific Chardonnay producer Danie de Wet,
while the nearby Hemel-and-Aarde valley close to Hermanus is home to such
spectacular wineries as Hamilton Russel with it's well-known Pinot Noir
and the legendary Bouchard Finlayson.
Swartland
North
of Cape Town, the predominantly wheat producing Swartland region includes
the fructuous Riebeek valley, well-known for it's Shiraz wines and olive
farms. This region hosts such prestigious estates as Kloovenburg, Allesverloren
and Twee Jonge Gezellen, as well as the larger co-operative wineries such
as Riebeek Cellars, Swartland Cellars and Darling Cellars, extending further
east, towards the Hexrivier Valley at De Doorns and north towards the Olifants
River valley close to Citrusdal and the fruitful Orange River Valley near
Upington in the Northern Cape.
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the Author - To plan a hassle free trip to Cape Town, use CityGuideSA -
a comprehensive online travel resource with up-to-date information on where
to Eat, Stay and Play in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and the Garden
Route. |
CONSTANTIA
ACCOMMODATION - CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
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Constantia, Southern
Suburbs, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Upmarket and beautiful southern
suburb of Cape Town. Mountain views - some areas have magnificent
views across to False Bay. 20 minutes from the Cape Town City Centre,
and 25 minutes from the airport. Groot Constantia and the Constantia
winelands close by. 15 minutes from the nearest beaches at Hout Bay. |
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Constantia
Valley Lodge, Guesthouse, CONSTANTIA
Located in the centre of
Upper Constantia, this 4-star guest house features a lounge with a large
fireplace and a sub-tropical garden with a heated outdoor pool. Constantia
Valley Lodge offers spacious rooms and free internet. Each of the spacious
rooms in Constantia Valley Lodge is elegantly decorated with wooden furniture
and soft shades of blue and white. All rooms have a seating area, a flat-screen
satellite TV and a refrigerator. Guests can enjoy their breakfast in the
open-air sun room overlooking the patio and pool area. They can also have
a drink in the bar, use the barbecue facilities, or visit one of the nearby
restaurants. |
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Constantia
Vista Guest House, CONSTANTIA
Nestled
on a hill, with magnificent open views of vineyards, forests, mountains
and the sea, Constantia Vista offers luxurious self-catering accommodation
only 20 minutes from Cape Town city centre. Constantia Vista is an intimate
retreat with all the comforts and facilities you might wish for in its
beautifully appointed apartments. They include everything from modern,
fully equipped kitchens and spacious indoors and outdoors areas, to audio-visual
equipment and complimentary sets of golf clubs. Constantia Vista will cater
for all your needs. An up-market suburb of Cape Town, Constantia has a
number of sports centres, shops and restaurants. Easy access to all the
attractions of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. |
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Southern
Light Country House, CONSTANTIA
In
perfect composition of energy and tranquility, Southern Light Country House
is set in the elegant, lush surrounds of famous Constantia. Embedded
between magnificent golf courses, beautiful forests, horse riding stables
and renowned wine estates, this location offers the ultimate break away.
The
beautifully appointed two acre garden allows you to soak up its relaxed
energy and unwind from the rumble of the city and busy lifestyles. The
stylishly modern Guesthouse offers you a home away from home, giving a
professional impression with subtle personal touches. |
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browsing Constantia accommodation
FRANSCHHOEK
ACCOMMODATION - CAPE WINELANDS, SOUTH AFRICA
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 Considered
the food and wine heartland of South Africa, Franschhoek was settled
300 years ago by the Huguenots.
After
the Edict of Nantes was revoked in France in 1685, and Protestantism was
outlawed, hundreds of French Protestants fled their homeland, with some
275 of them arriving by ship at the Cape of Good Hope.
The
Dutch government gave them land in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant
Corner), so named because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the
area.
Soon
after they settled there, the valley become known as Franschhoek (French
Corner). The area is known for its vineyards, wineries and fine cuisine |
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Akademie
Street Boutique Hotel & Guesthouses,
FRANSCHHOEK
Akademie Street Guesthouses
offers five-star accommodation in five unique buildings all situated on
the same beautiful property in a quiet area of the village Franschhoek
in the heart of the Cape Winelands. There are four sun-kissed swimming
pools and shady, gardens where one can lie in privacy and listen to the
splashing of the fountains, the song of the cicadas, the cooing of the
Cape Doves … sounds so evocative of the Cape Winelands. From this retreat
one can stroll to the village centre and its famous restaurants.
Historic wine farms, great golf courses, hiking, fly-fishing and riding
are close by. |
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Auberge
Clermont, B&B, FRANSCHHOEK
This magnificent auberge
has been created in an old wine cellar set amid vineyards. Every room has
been individually and stylishly decorated. Underfloor heating and ceiling
fans ensure year round comfort. Superb bathrooms feature double basins,
separate showers and heated towel rails. Delicious breakfasts are served
on the terrace under 140-year old oak trees overlooking the plum orchards
or in the charming courtyard dining room. In addition, Clermont has an
historic self-catering two bedroomed villa, with private swimming pool,
large covered terrace, and stunning views of the Franschhoek mountains.
The villa also has a large loft room with ensuite shower - ideal for children. |
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Gable
Manor Guest House/Self catering, FRANSCHHOEK
Join us for great hospitality
in a stylish and modern guesthouse with luxurious fittings, furnishings
and spacious air-conditioned rooms with beds that sleep so well. Enjoy
the air of relaxation and understated elegance in this classic Cape Dutch
architecturally styled house set in the village of Franschhoek. The two
suites and four bedrooms have air conditioning, top class king size/twin
beds, crisp white percale linen, soft gowns, individual satellite TV, tea
& coffee trays, carpets, safes, UK wall plugs and hairdryers. The décor
follows the theme of understated elegance with each room having its own
distinctive character. The Balinese furniture perfectly matches the gentle
colours in each room. |
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La
Fontaine Guest House, B&B, FRANSCHHOEK
La Fontaine welcomes you
into Franschhoek in the heart of the winelands. Situated in peaceful surroundings
with spectacular mountain views, this gracious home offers you 8 spacious
double rooms with ensuite bathrooms, three garden rooms and one family
suite which open out into the secluded garden. Generous buffet breakfasts
indoors or under the vine covered pergola. Within safe walking distance
to
award-winning restaurants, shops and galleries. Golf, fly-fishing, horse
riding, wine tasting, hiking nearby. |
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La
Providence, Self-Catering, FRANSCHHOEK
Noted
for its wine production and luxurious guest accommodation, La Providence
offers visitors the opportunity to experience Franschhoek in regal style.
The estate is located behind the famous Huguenot monument and is only five
minutes’ walk to Franschhoek’s main road, which is home to several of the
widely-acclaimed restaurants. The valley also boasts over forty wine estates,
resulting in its title “Gourmet Capital of South Africa”. In addition
to some superb golf courses, the Franschhoek Winelands also provides a
wonderful location for other outdoor pursuits such as horse riding and
trout fishing. |
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Le
Quartier Francais, FRANSCHHOEK
A little French, a little
foreign, a little style they like to call Cape Provencal. Of course, some
call it an Auberge, others an exclusive country inn. In any language, Le
Quartier Français is a splash of style in the heart of the historic
village of Franschhoek, a quaint corner of the Cape wine lands that is
forever a little French. Set behind a delightful Provençal façade
lined with a charming rose and lavender border, Le Quartier Français
welcomes visitors from all over the globe who come here to dine in fine
style and spend the night in a room with a spectacular view. A mélange
of French, Malay and traditional South African dishes, Margot Janses’ menu
tempts with a modern twist of the old Cape and the new. |
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Maison
Chablis, Guest House, FRANSCHHOEK
White
washed walls, beautiful garden and a sparkling swimming pool surround this
elegant Georgian Guest House. Each of the beautifully decorated, spacious
en-suite bedrooms has its own unique décor and character.
Owners Bradley Tyler and Peter Hager have ensured your stay will be a memorable
one by welcoming you to their gracious guest house with a very special
brand or warm and caring Cape hospitality, the attention to detail, sumptuous
breakfast and friendly service, will make your stay with us a truly memorable
one! |
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La
Petite Ferme, Self-Catering, FRANSCHHOEK
La Petite Ferme is set high
on the northern slopes of the magnificent Franschhoek Mountains in a beautiful
garden that extends upwards into the Cape's unique Fynbos. Overlooking
a trout-filled lake and Franschhoek's charming village below, it is the
ideal setting for a relaxing weekend of leisure. For those who wish to
escape city life and experience the sheer joy of silence, beauty and unassuming
simplicity in a charming country retreat, MontMartre is the ideal destination.
Inside the Lodges you will find everything you will require to make your
stay comfortable and unforgettable. Cool in summer because of their higher
altitude and cosy in winter with ceramic fireplaces and logs at the door. |
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Plumwood
Inn, Guesthouse, FRANSCHHOEK
Lying in what was once a
plum orchard, on the edge of the old part of the village, Plumwood Inn
is a mere two-minute amble from the village centre. Peering over plum trees
and majestic mountains this is a place of timeless romance and peace. Soaking
up the African sun at one of the sparkling salt water pools in the peaceful,
cozy garden will make you feel rejuvenated. Plumwood Inn has been stylishly
and creatively designed and decorated to create a warm and most relaxed
ambiance. Roel & Lucienne from the Netherlands pride themselves in
effortless sophistication & personalized service. Plumwood Inn has
seven rooms, in both classic and contemporary style, in two adjacent properties. |
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PAARL
ACCOMMODATION, CAPE WINELANDS, SOUTH AFRICA
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 Paarl
(meaning "Pearl" in Dutch and called "Die Pêrel" in Afrikaans) is
the third oldest European settlement in the Republic of South Africa (after
Cape Town and Stellenbosch) and forms part of the Western Cape Province.
The 2001 census reports Paarl to have a population of approximately 108,000
which makes it the largest town in the Cape Winelands.
It is situated about 60 kilometers
northeast of Cape Town in the Western Cape Province and is renowned for
its illustrious past and haunting scenic beauty. Paarl is unusual in South
Africa in that the name of the place is pronounced differently in English
and Afrikaans: in English it is 'Paarl' (rhymes with marl) but in Afrikaans
it is 'Pêrel' ('Pair-uhl'), although still spelt Paarl. An unusual
feature of the name of the town is that Afrikaners customarily attach the
definite article to it: people say (in Afrikaans), "I live in the Pearl"
(in die Paarl), rather than "I live in Pearl". This idiosyncrasy has a
parallel in Australia: "I live in the Alice", meaning I live in Alice Springs.
The district is particularly
well known for its Pearl Mountain or "Paarl Rock". This huge granite rock
is formed by three rounded outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain and has
been compared in majesty to Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock) in Australia.
(However, they are not geologically similar. Paarl Rock consists of intrusive
igneous rock, while Uluru is a sedimentary remnant).
Like many towns in the Cape
Winelands, Paarl is home to a prosperous community, with many well maintained
and attractive Cape Dutch houses, beautiful gardens and streets lined with
old oak trees. |
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Grande
Roche Hotel, PAARL
Grande Roche is situated
on the site of the old De Nieuwe Plantatie in the Drakenstein valley of
Paarl, South Africa. Its heritage dates back to 1717 when a grant of land
was given to Hermanus Bosman. Over the years the homestead grew and changed
and, in 1876, it was renovated to reflect the then popular Victorian style.
The farm was bought and modernised by the Du Toit family in 1926 and after
a fire in 1953 it was rebuilt as a Victorian manor house. It was finally
restored to its original Cape Dutch splendour after careful research in
1991 and transformed into a luxury hotel. In 1993, the fastidious restoration
was acknowledged when the Grande Roche Estate was declared a national monument. |
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Mooi
Bly, Between PAARL & WELLINGTON
A 60 minutes drive from
Cape Town, somewhere between Paarl and Wellington, on the slopes of the
Du Toit Kloof Mountains, you'll find the beautiful estate called Mooi Bly
Landgoed. You will be able to enjoy four fully equipped cottages with all
comfort available. Each cottage has a kitchen that is situated next to
cozy lounge and a terrace to watch the sunset while having a barbeque (Afrikaans
word is "Braai"). Owned by the family Wouters consists of 4 members,
father Luc and mother Anne-Marie, daughter Liesbeth and son-in-law Erik
who originally come from Antwerp, Belgium. Are you looking for a nice and
peaceful holiday resort in the middle of the vineyards? |
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