Having sampled a glass of South Africa’s finest in Cape Town, it would be madness not to visit the nearby Winelands. A glamorous way to get there is by helicopter, but it’s also an exhilarating experience to drive over the four mountain passes. When you arrive on the historic wine estates, you can cogitate over every imaginable grape variety, surrounded by marvellous scenery.
The picturesque region of the Winelands is centred around three charming towns each with their own unique appeal. The French Huguenot town of Franschhoek is widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa with its highly acclaimed outdoor cafes and bistros. Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country, is the historic centre of the Winelands and is a bustling university town set in oak lined avenues, while Paarl has a beautiful setting beneath the imposing Helderberg mountains. These towns are surrounded by prestigious wine estates equally renowned for their award-winning wines. Be sure to try the Pinotage, a uniquely South African cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault varieties.
