Cape Winelands - Home to Award Winning
Wines and More...
The South African wine country and surrounding Cape winelands,
situated in the range of mountain valleys to the east of Cape
Town were settled by immigrants from European countries in the
1600's. Many of these early settlers were French Huguenots and
their legacy can still be found in the names of the estates, La
Motte, La Provence, Haute Provence and L'Ormarins are some of
the better known producers of fine wines founded by those early
pioneers.
Tours
The wine country is popular for day tours from
Cape Town, most of the estates offer wine tasting and sales. Many
of the wine estates include top quality restaurants, while others
provide picnic baskets which can be enjoyed on the lawns under
shady oaks.
The pocket sized town of Franschhoek boasts
more than 20 restaurants at last count with a wide variety of
choice, from gourmet breakfasts to top quality dinners including
smoked trout from the clear and unpolluted local rivers and lakes.
Towns
Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South
Africa and the wine capital of the region, is very popular for
its oak-lined streets, beautiful Cape-Dutch architecture and fine
restaurants.
A worthwhile trip is a drive over Franschhoek
Pass to the Elgin Valley, the foremost region in the country for
the growing of apples. The pass follows the route originally taken
by elephants on their travels, although it is now well maintained
asphalt.
