South African wine country is deservedly regarded as one of the most beautiful places on earth for wine enthusiasts to explore their favourite pursuit.
The country’s most renowned wine regions are scattered across a breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain slopes, valleys and plateaus that produce a diverse variety of wines including South Africa’s signature Pinotage, a blend of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut that is almost exclusive to the area.
Oenologists are attracted to the wine country in South Africa by not only the quality of produce but the lure of an African adventure – where wine tours can be accompanied by wildlife safaris and a genuine feel of the great outdoors. Consequently, wine and travel tourists have been flocking to South Africa wine country to visit leading wine producing regions including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia and Paarl.
Accommodation has experienced a surge in choice and quality to meet the needs of its international visitors, with many renowned wineries offering luxury accommodation, fine dining with elaborate wine pairings and tastings.
One of our favourites is the Marianne wine estate, which has taken a French approach to vinification by pampering its grapes to produce Bordeaux-influenced blends with more age than its neighbouring farms. The Marianne Guest House offers the epitome of relaxed rural stay in South Africa wine country, featuring eight unique en-suite rooms; four in the owner’s villa and another four so-called ‘lofts’ in a separate building settled in the beautiful countryside with stunning views of the manicured gardens. Rooms in the owner’s villa include a luxurious Master Suite occupying the entire first floor with a fantastic outdoor balcony shower overlooking the nearby mountain ranges and swimming pool. For families or groups travelling together, the main villa is available to book in its entirety. Each of the lofts have recently been upgraded to include all mod cons such as air-conditioning, satellite television, Wifi internet access and refrigerators. And, completing the estate, is an excellent tasting room and restaurant.
Luxury accommodation is, of course, also available in the other main regions of South African wine country. The offer is varied and exquisite ranging from five-star accommodation in Stellenbosch with luxury spas and art galleries to complement the winery’s state-of-the-art wine making, to boutique establishments in Paarl that boast a range of magnificent suites overlooking the Cape’s vineyards and mountains – providing the perfect location to explore South African wine country or the close award-winning golf courses. If you choose to stay in Franschhoek, which is renowned as the culinary capital of South Africa wine country, be sure that the high-end hotels and lodges in the area will cater to your gourmet needs for an indulgent retreat.
If choosing is difficult, you can always rely on our local experts to arrange exclusive accommodation during your stay in South African wine country as well as to organise bespoke tours across the different regions.
Visit our South Africa destination page for more information before deciding on where to stay for the perfect combination of modern luxury surrounded by natural wilderness.