| Wine & Wineland | ||
| Wine Regions | ||
| Stellenbosch Wine | ||
| The Stellenbosch Winelands offers probably the most wonderful variety of history, scenery and wine styles. The region produces 11% of the total national wine production, and boasts 70% of the accolades. The wines benefit considerably from the rolling hills, mountains and the sea, creating the important combination of slope, altitude and aspect which is so critical to the success of award-winning wines. Best known for its full-bodied reds, there are also many vineyards where grapes for top quality, full-flavoured white wines are grown. South Africa´s oldest wine route consists of five sub-routes, which represent more than 300 wine and grape producers within the boundaries of the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin classification: the Greater Simonsberg, Helderberg, Stellenbosch Hills, Stellenbosch Mountain, and Bottelary Hills. | ||
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| Franschhoek Wine | ||
| Franschhoek, the Valley of the Huguenots, is one of the premier destinations in the World of Wine. On this fertile ground the French first made wine in South Africa 300 years ago. Today, that noble tradition is carried forward by the 30 members of the Vignerons de Franschhoek, including some of South Africa's most respected names, who produce many of South Africa's top wines. All the noble cultivars and classic styles are on show here. From superb whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc to the rich reds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Not to mention the valley's renowned methode Cap Classique Sparkling wines and Ports. Most farms readily welcome visitors for tastings and sell their wines by the bottle or case. | ||
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| Paarl Wine | ||
| The Paarl Wine Route, also called the 'Red Route' for its legendary red wines, invites you to discover the diversity of this beautiful wine valley. Large international wine companies to small micro-producers produce a wide range of wines and styles, so whether you are looking for fresh and fruity or dark and brooding you'll be sure to find a wine perfectly suited to your palate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Port and Shiraz wines have established Paarl's place on the global wine map and the region has repeatedly received international awards for these wines. Besides tastings and cellar tours, many of the Paarl Vintners offer added attractions, so be sure to bring plenty of time. | ||
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| Constantia Wine | ||
| Constantia Valley is the birthplace of the wine farming industry in South Africa. In 1865, the first Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, chose this beautiful valley with its moderate climate and rich soil for his farm, Constantia, where he started viticulture and made Constantia wines world famous. Until today, Constantia is acknowledged to be the most perfect wine-growing area in South Africa. Due to prime conditions, superb red and white wines, and wonderful dessert wines such as fine Cap Classiques are produced. Constantia’s world-class wines win accolade upon accolade for their excellent quality. All of the 5 Constantia estates are also well-worth a visit for their beautiful setting and surroundings. | ||
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| Overberg Wine | ||
| Most of the Overberg wine estates lie in the triangle of land between Grabouw and Villiersdorp and the Hemel-en-Aarde valley near Hermanus. Newer viticultural areas have opened up in this cool southerly district. The high-lying Elgin ward, cradled in the sandstone Hottentots Holland mountains, was traditionally an apple-growing region. Now wines showing exceptional fruit are produced here with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz doing particularly well in this late-ripening cooler zone. Award-winning wines are also emerging from the Kleinrivier ward near Stanford, and Walker Bay near the coastal town of Hermanus has become another of the Cape’s most fashionable regions. | ||
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| Worcester Wine | ||
| The Worcester Winelands amid spectacular scenery, is in terms of volume the largest and one of the most important wine-making areas in the country, producing close to 25% of South Africa´s total volume of wine and spirits. Apart from dessert wines – for which the area is renowned and has received many awards – the Worcester Winelands has emerged as a quality white and red wine producing area. Classic varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Chenin Blanc and Colombar have won many a medal at national shows. The region is also the country’s most important brandy producing area, with Worcester being the home of the world’s largest brandy cellar, KWV. In total there are 10 cellars of which most are open to the public for wine sales, wine tasting and cellar tours. |
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| Helderberg Wine | ||
| The Helderberg has established itself as a premium wine-producing area. Cooled by summer sea breezes, the vineyards on the slopes of the Helderberg share a mountain and maritime climate, producing wines with a distinct and unique character. Numerous awards, world class wines and site-specific vineyards have ensured that the producers of this area gain both local and international recognition. The 23 members of the Helderberg Wine Route range from a 300-year old historical property to state of the art boutique wineries. The visitor will be enchanted by boutique cellars still using the traditional basket press method, original family-owned estates and magnificent manor houses. | ||
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| Devon Valley Wine | ||
| Devon Valley is one of the Cape Winelands’ best-kept secrets. Vines have flourished here since the 18th Century and the grapes from the 700 ha of vineyards have long been amongst the Cape’s most sought after. Today, thanks to scores of prestigious awards, it is rapidly becoming recognized as one of the world’s premium red wine sites and the area also boasts enviable success with its premium white and sparkling wines. But it is not the world-class wine alone that makes the valley special. The valley´s picture-postcard serenity, heritage and country hospitality will enchant you as well. | ||
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