It was Martin Luther who said “beer is made by men, wine by God,” and the Greeks had a whole deity devoted to the art and love of making wine. Its popularity is undisputed, but those who denote themselves as connoisseurs are particularly passionate about the topic, and in their never-ending quest for the best the world has to offer, South Africa is a wine stop that must be made.
Historically, South Africa’s wine regions are centred close to the city of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula; but today incorporates much of the Western Cape, while areas in the Northern and Eastern Cape, as well as KwaZulu-Natal, are coming to the fore.
Regions in close proximity to Cape Town remain some of the most popular, and if you are going to be tapping into your inner sommelier then mornings are the best time to visit. This is particularly true on weekends, as many of the estates and farms will close after lunchtime and not open on Sundays.
Wine tastings cost little to nothing, and there are sometimes options to pair your experience with cheese and olives. Several wine farms are also reputed for their on-site restaurants, inviting your palate to indulge in both the best cuisine and the most wonderful wine the country has to offer.
Breede River Valley
Route 62 is the longest wine route in the world and is found in South Africa. Along this scenic meander you will find two significant wine regions in the Breede River Valley, namely: Robertson, the Valley of Vines and Roses, and Worcester, the largest wine-growing district in South Africa and home to the largest brandy cellar in the world at KWV. A not-to-be-missed event in the former is the Robertson Hands-on Harvest Festival, where you can pick, stomp, blend and taste, all for the love of wine.
Tasting tip: Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
Constantia
The oldest wine estate in South Africa, Groot Constantia, was established in the Constantia Valley in the 17th century when wine-enthusiast and Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, Simon van der Stel, was granted the grounds. Situated close to the city, the valley initially had nine farms, and today eight are still active including Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting and Steenberg Vineyards.
Tasting tip: Sauvignon Blanc
Darling
Home to Pieter Dirk-Uys, one of South Africa’s most celebrated actors and activists, Darling is also well known for its wine. The quaint little town has its own wine route; but one of the best places to enjoy a glass of vino is Evita Se Perron, Darling’s old railway station that Dirk-Uys had converted into a cabaret venue.
Tasting tip: Sauvignon Blanc
Durbanville
Located within a stone’s throw from Cape Town, Durbanville is a splendid wine region that is popular with city folk due to its easy driving distance from the city, as well as the Northern Suburbs. At De Grendel you can go wine tasting with panoramic vistas of Table Mountain, the ocean and the city bowl as your backdrop; while the ultra-modern Durbanville Hills is a firm favourite, and the charm of the ultra-rustic Nitida is secret favourite many are starting to uncover.
Tasting tip: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Elgin
Like a fairytale forest, the Elgin valley beckons visitors with its lush surroundings and fresh mountain air. Renowned as an apple-growing region, they are fast developing as a wine region too. In addition to trying their wines you can enjoy summer concerts at the eco-friendly Paul Cluver Wines, go mountain-biking through Oak Valley or enjoy country fare at South Hill.
Tasting tip: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz
Franschhoek
Gourmands will fall in love with Franschhoek, the culinary capital of the Cape. Wine estates such as Haute Cabriere, La Motte and Grand Provence will make you realise just why Franschhoek is famous for both food and wine. It is also home to Reuben Riffel, one of South Africa’s most famous chefs, and his restaurants give you even more reason to visit this beautiful town. Another great way to explore the town and get familiar with its wine is by hopping onto the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
Tasting tip: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Klein Karoo
It may be a semi-arid desert, but it’s a region bursting with life, producing some of the best lamb you’ll ever eat. Amongst the valleys and riverine sites, wine is also produced and the area is much-loved for its sweet wines. It also lies on Route 62 and if you’re a lover of pudding and port, then you’ll want to stock up on the latter in Calitzdorp, the port wine hub of South Africa.
Tasting tip: Muscat varieties and Merlot
Paarl
If it’s wine and cheese you’re after then you will love Fairview, where you can sample both to your heart’s content and even wave a friendly hello to their resident goats. Backsberg, meanwhile, is leading the way when it comes to eco-friendly and sustainable wine production. The estate has gone carbon neutral and they continuously plant trees to offset their carbon footprint. Other famed estates include Glen Carlou and Nederburg Wine Estate.
Tasting tip: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc
Stellenbosch
The oak-lined university town of Stellenbosch, and the expansive winelands that surround it, make it one of the Cape’s hottest travel destinations. The town is the second oldest in the country, and the epicentre of wine making, research and viticulture. The winelands give you the option of enjoying picnics, cellar tours and an amble through a rose garden at Vergelegen; wine, olive and olive oil tasting at Morgenster; game drives at Villiera, and fine dining at Rust en Vrede. The Stellenbosch wine route, the second oldest in the country, is home to more than 140 wine farms and estates, and just a few more of the many noteworthy names include Meerlust, Warwick Wine Estate, Waterford, Beyerskloof, Dornier and Delheim. Within Stellenbosch itself you can also enjoy a wine experience – one of the best being the relaxed vibes and easy drinking at Brampton Wine Studio.
Tasting tip: Blended reds
Tulbagh
Old towns and wine go hand in hand in the Cape, and between the bowers of orchards and fields of wheat lies Tulbagh, also on Route 62. You can go wine-tasting at Drostdy-Hof Wines in the De Oude Drostdy Manor; visit the first white-wine estate, Theuniskraal, or pair an elegant meal with your wine at Rijk’s Private Cellar.
Tasting tip: Shiraz and Méthode cap classique
Walker Bay
When you’ve finished watching the whales, you can take an easy drive to Hemel en Aarde Valley in Walker Bay, an area renowned for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Just before Walker Bay you will drive through Bot River, which is well known for its handcrafted wineries.
Tasting tip: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage and Shiraz
Wellington
Also located on Route 62 is Wellington, a wine region which supplies over 85% of the South African wine industry with cuttings. Forming the centre of the Cape winelands it is situated between the foot of the Groenberg and the banks of the Kromme Rivier. Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate and Bosman Family Vineyards are two fantastic options placing you in the heart of the Western Cape’s natural beauty.
Tasting tip: Chardonnay
