Wine routes of Cape Town

With South African wines coming of age on the international stage and the country boasting some of the most glorious natural scenery in the world, the Cape Winelands have become a must travel destination for adventurous wine lovers.

Most of the country’s vineyards are found near the coast of the Western Cape, set amid a stunning landscape of lush green valleys, colonial farmsteads and dramatic mountain backdrops. There are currently 17 ‘official’ Cape wine routes registered in South Africa, with each claiming their own individual personality and history of wine making – many of which are easily accessible within an hour from the country’s most popular city, Cape Town.

These include traditional wine routes dating back centuries, as well as special interest routes such as the Cape Wine Route 62, said to be the longest wine route in the world, the Western Cape Brandy Route and the Green Mountain Eco Route – the world’s first biodiverse wine route.

Among other exclusive experiences from Cape Town is a private tour of the Cape peninsula, which passes through steep mountains, secluded coves and sweeping beaches as part of a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast.

While there isn’t a specific Cape Town wine route, there are several highly-respected regions surrounding the vibrant coastal town that feature their own routes:

- Stellenbosch is South Africa’s leading wine region where the first Cape wine route was established in 1971, providing a catalyst for the country’s burgeoning wine tourism industry. Almost 150 wine estates decorate the vine swept landscape, many featuring beautiful Dutch-Cape manors incorporating luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants.

- Constantia Valley is the nearest wine route to Cape Town and home to some of the country’s oldest and most prestigious vineyards. The relatively cool climate produces some world class Sauvignon Blancs, delightful reds and the eponymous sweet dessert wine that was once favoured by Napoleon Bonaparte.

- Franschhoek is an outrageously beautiful region sharing a French Huguenot heritage, which has come to be known as the ‘French Quarter’. Consequently, this Cape Town wine route features French influences such as the Cap Classique Route, a champagne-inspired sparkling wine sub-route, and the finest food anywhere.

- Helderberg wineries are all located in the Somerset West area, which is around a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. Here historic estates share space with state of the art modern cellars producing a wonderful diverse array of wines, which include internationally recognised Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay varieties.

- Durbanville is a Cape wine route that can be found only 20 minutes from the city. The unique slopes, with views back across the ocean towards the Table Mountain, produce intense, fruit-driven yet refined wines – while food and wine pairings are also popular with visitors.

south africa wine tasting - Wine Paths

Our  South African local experts can organise tailor-made tours of wine routes near Cape Town, which include private tastings, luxury stays and many other exclusive activities. For example, a wine tasting and cellar tour in Constantia Valley, a vineyard tour and tasting outside Stellenbosch and a viticulture tour of Franschhoek.

Among other exclusive experiences from Cape Town is a private tour of the Cape peninsula, which passes through steep mountains, secluded coves and sweeping beaches as part of a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast.

There is also wine tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain, which mixes wine tasting with visits to city landmarks and ends with scaling the heights of the famous peak via a revolving cable car – where, on a clear day, visitors can see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

Even more unique, is the opportunity to sample wines while relaxing in the style and elegance of a bygone area aboard an antique locomotive train dating from the 1980s and 1920s. The wine list on the Rovos Rail experience, which includes three-day trips from Cape Town to Pretoria, has been described as ‘legendary’.

 

If you're interested in one of our South Africa Wine Tours, please visit this link.

Discover our wine and spirits experiences around the world

Why book with Wine Paths?