In South Africa, the wine is simply as engaging because the wildlife, notably within the vineyards and valleys of the Western Cape. Solely 25 miles east of Cape City, the Winelands is the most important winemaking area in Africa, and its numerous terroir accommodates all kinds of grapes—a bottle of purple or a bottle of white; all of it depends upon your urge for food. The preferred purple within the space is the cabernet sauvignon, whereas probably the most planted white is a chenin blanc. South Africa’s signature grape is a pinotage: a singular, full-bodied purple that’s a bit bolder than pinot noir. Bordeaux blends are additionally well-liked within the area, with vintners creating their very own hybrids mixing Previous World methods with New World fruit.
However sufficient about its signature fruit—there’s much more to discover within the Cape Winelands past simply the vino. From climbing the breathtaking Boland Mountain Vary to biking the winding, bougainvillea-lined lanes of historic Franschhoek to perusing South Africa’s largest modern artwork collections, there are many actions to partake in when not imbibing. Between the sweeping vistas and pure great thing about the mountains and valleys to the elegant Cape Dutch structure, world-class culinary choices and creative artwork scene, there’s greater than sufficient to entice each the journey and cultural traveler. That is unsurprising, given its dimension—the Winelands encompasses 8,606 sq. miles of mountains and valleys, with Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Paarl as the preferred cities within the area.
Exploring the colourful artwork and culinary scene in these native communities is a pleasant method to expertise South Africa past simply safari or a metropolis journey to Cape City. The drive from Stellenbosch to Cape City Worldwide Airport is roughly a half hour, making this area the proper place to wine, dine and unwind after your adventures within the bush, however earlier than your flight dwelling. Learn on for an insider’s information on the place to eat, keep and play within the Cape Winelands, one of many chicest and most subtle areas in South Africa.
