South Africa Wine Estates
South African Wine Estates - The Cape Winelands are, undoubtedly, one of South Africa�s most treasured attractions. They represent the heart of the wine-making industry in South Africa, which is now recognised all over the world for its top quality wines and its sheer variety.
The region is situated to the east of Cape Town, South Africa, which remains one of the world�s favourite destinations. The first wine ever produced here was by Dutch explorer Jan van Riebeeck in 1659. At least, this is the first time a wine production was recorded in the area. Less than 20 years later saw the first wine farm being established in modern Constantia. The first formal wine route was established in Stellenbosch in 1971.
The best known South African wine estates are members of the Cape Winelands include Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington, Constantia, Robertson, the Swartland, the Breede River Valley, and Durbanville. The wine farms in these areas produce a vast array of wines, from red and white wines, to sparkling, dessert and ros� varieties. Cellar tours and wine tastings are essential during one�s time in the Winelands.
Due to the natural magnificence of this area as well as its proximity to oceans, mountains and the big city, the Cape Winelands continue to be popular amongst local travellers and international tourists alike. There are myriad options for adventure-lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and connoisseurs with a discerning palate for fine dining (and drinking!) throughout the Winelands. There is also plenty of accommodation in the Cape Winelands, due to the regions popularity.
Western Cape Winelands Map
Click on the wine route's name on the Western Cape map or select from the full list below, to view additional information about the route and for listings of all wine estates listed in the relevant area.
Wine Estates and Vineyards
Wine Estates by Region
Cape Agulhas Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Cape Agulhas Accommodation
The official wine route of Cape Agulhas transports tourists to a charming part of the country and includes the area of Montagu. Although this is a relatively new wine route, its close proximity to other, better-established ... more information
Bottelary Hills Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Stellenbosch Accommodation
Nestled amidst the idyllic beauty of the Cape Winelands is the Bottelary Hills region, home to a number of acclaimed wine farms as well as to the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy. This area... more information
Breedekloof Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Rawsonville Accommodation
The Western Cape region of the Breedekloof is renowned for its picturesque wine farms, of which there are more than 25. Worcester, the Breede River and Rawsonville are all part of the appeal of this mountainous region... more information
Constantia Valley Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Constantia Accommodation
The wines produced in Constantia are recognised worldwide for being of the highest quality. For this reason, wine tastings and tours of the cellars are a must. These provide the opportunity to sample and purchase some of the... more information
Darling Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Darling Accommodation
The Darling Wine Route continues to delight more and more tourists every year. The wines produced here are of a fabulous quality, thanks to the beautiful weather and soils. Local labels include Tukulu, Darling Cellars... more information
Durbanville Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Durbanville Accommodation
Durbanville is in the heart of Wine Country, and does not fail to impress with its own range of renowned wines. This area is home to the Cape�s two coolest wine regions due to the icy breezes off the ocean and the mists that... more information
Elgin Valley Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Elgin Accommodation
The Elgin Valley is home to a number of wine farms, which do so well as a result of the cool climate, low pH of the soil and plentiful rainfall. Some of the farms include well known labels like Arumdale, Beaumont, Elgin... more information
Franschhoek Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Franschhoek Accommodation
Franschhoek has been one of South Africa�s chief wine-making regions for centuries, and this history permeates every element of the town. Historical architecture adds to the experience of sampling some of the world�s finest... more information
Garden Route Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Garden Route Accommodation
The Garden Route produces some fantastic wines. The cool, wet winters and temperate summers (with their own fair share of rains) make for the perfect conditions in which to cultivate a range of red, white and ros� wines... more information
Greater Simonsberg Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Stellenbosch Accommodation
Greater Simonsberg is a wine region within Stellenbosch, which remains one of the world�s top wine producing destinations. Being situated within the idyllic beauty of the Western Cape and its Winelands, Greater... more information
Helderberg Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Helderberg Accommodation
The Helderberg Region is part of the wine-producing hub of the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape. It comprises the Strand, Somerset West and Gordon�s Bay, along with a few of the other small surrounding towns. Therefore... more information
Klein Karoo Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Klein Karoo Accommodation
The dry, harsh conditions of the Klein Karoo are actually ideal for the production of excellent wines. The summers are very hot and dry, while winters can hit major lows. The range of wines produced here is extremely varied as... more information
Northern Cape Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Northern Cape Accommodation
With a completely different climate to the Cape Winelands, the Northern Cape produces a number of ranges of wines that boast unique flavours. The wine farms in the east have soils with a higher natural acid content and a... more information
Olifants River Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Cederberg Accommodation
This wine route extends between Citrusdal, along the river, to Lutzville Vineyards. With its exquisite combination of river and ocean views, set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards that seem to go on for miles, Olifants River Wine Route... more information
Paarl Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Paarl Accommodation
This route combines world-class wines with breath-taking scenery to create an idyllic destination for just about anybody. The sweltering, dry summers and chilly winters give Paarl the perfect climate for an array of wine varieties. Whether... more information
Robertson Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Robertson Accommodation
There are almost 50 million vines in the Robertson Valley Wine Route, which produce more than 200 000 tons of wine grapes every year. The most common wines found along this wine route are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon... more information
Stellenbosch Berg Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Stellenbosch Accommodation
Stellenbosch is an integral part of the Cape Winelands, being the home of a vast array of the wines that have earned this region such acclaim amongst wine connoisseurs. It has a mountainous topography, with a number of the exquisite... more information
Stellenbosch Valley Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Stellenbosch Accommodation
Well-known wine labels along the Stellenbosch Valley Wine Route include Zevenwacht, JC Le Roux, Amani, Bottelary Hills, Meerlust, Bergkelder, Oude Libertas, Spier, Neethlingshof, and Welmoed. However, there... more information
Swartland Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Swartland Accommodation
The Santam Swartland Wine & Olive Route is the official name of the route established in the Swartland in 1986, and describes the taste bud phenomenon of this scenic paradise. Set against the magnificent backdrop... more information
Tulbagh Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Tulbagh Accommodation
The wineries of Tulbagh range from intimate homely cellars that produce honest wines to boutique estates known for their award-winning labels. Twee Jongen Gezellen is known for being the first night harvesting... more information
Walker Bay Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Hermanus Accommodation
The Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley is one of the most productive regions in terms of the production of wines. It has the ideal climate, as the icy wind from the Atlantic Ocean cools it down. In addition, the mountains... more information
Wellington Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Wellington Accommodation
This area is an ideal wine-growing region owing mainly to its soils and the suitability of its climate. Grapevines are known to flourish under tough conditions, and Wellington has just the right combination of sunshine... more information
Worcester Wine Estates
Where to Stay: Worcester Accommodation
The area of Worcester has been producing wines for generations, and is nationally acclaimed for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc, as well as the lesser known Columbar. In fact, the Worcester Wine Route contributes... more information
Did you know?
There are over 560 wineries in the Cape, divided into 4 main regions: The Breede River Valley, The Little Karoo, Coastal and Olifants River.
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