Cape Winelands Destinations & Attractions
The Cape Winelands continue to be one of the world’s top tourist attractions. However, more than just being a place to see, it is also the home of a selection of the best wines to be found anywhere on the planet.
The Winelands are spectacularly beautiful. They are defined by lush valleys, towering mountains and mile after mile of exquisite vineyards. All year round, the area is green and abundant, creating the ideal backdrop to eat, drink and explore the wonders of South Africa and its people. Due to the surrounding mountains, which tend to block the wind, the summer months are very hot in the Cape Winelands. Winters are chilly and wet, but no less magnificent.
The wine routes are, without a doubt, the most significant of industries and attractions to the area. These are situated in Stellenbosch, the Breede River Valley, Franschhoek, and other similar areas. There are literally hundreds of wine farms in the area. Some of the best known are Alto, Arabella, Backsberg, Lanzerac, Le Bonheur, Meerendal, Vergelegen, Villiera, and Zevenwacht. The weather conditions and excellent soils yield grapes that are ideal for the production of a huge variety of wines; including reds, whites, rosés, sparklings and dessert wines. Touring the wine farms and their cellars, and participating in fabulous wine tastings is the only way to have a real Cape Winelands experience.
Franschhoek is one of the Cape Winelands towns and is, as its name implies, like a little piece of France. It enjoys one of the most beautiful situations imaginable and is known, not only for its wines, but also for its excellent cuisine. Visitors to Franschhoek are encouraged to be adventurous, sampling delicious sweet and savoury treats that are sure to excite the taste buds and inspire the creativity.
The Afrikaans Taal Museum is situated in the Winelands town of Paarl, and pays homage to Afrikaans as a language and a culture in South Africa, recognising the integral role of it in the identities of many in this country. Paarl itself is a charming, old-world town that is distinguished by its elegant architecture and magnificent scenery.
For visitors to the Cape Winelands that have a particular passion for culture and the outdoors, there is plenty to see and do. Attractions that are ideal for families include Butterfly World, the Burgerhuis Museum, the Franschhoek Motor Museum, and the Huguenot Memorial. There are also a number of nature reserves and parks in this natural Mecca. These are the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve, Limietberg Nature Reserve, and Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.
Keen golfers are invited to spend a day on the De Zalze Golf Course and Devonvale Golf Course greens.
