About Cape Wine Routes
When one reflects on the splendours of the Cape - lush green valleys, rugged mountains, azure seas and sky - then the Cape Winelands are usually top of the list. Visitors pour into the Western Cape to experience our viticulture, restored Cape Dutch farmsteads with their distinctive gables and thatched roofs, and the mountains that form the dramatic backdrop to all of this.
Did you know? There are vineyards in smaller densities in KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape, the Eastern Cape, and Limpopo, but nothing like the production in the Cape, where the winelands are easily amongst the most beautiful in the world.
The Cape winelands are some of the most scenic in the world and wine tourism is one of South Africa's fastest growing industries. South Africa also has the largest number of Fairtrade certified wineries in the world and the biggest single Fairtrade accredited project worldwide was recently launched at Du Toitskloof Cellar in Rawsonville in the Western Cape.
Traditionally, when referring to the Cape Winelands, one called to mind the cellars around Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek. However, South African wine has undergone a whole new momentum. An emerging ethos has taken the local wine industry into the global arena. South African wine has come of age and is now competing on the world wine stage. A whole new generation of winemakers has appeared and there has been a shift from grape farming to wine growing.
One would thus be remiss if one did not include the many wine routes of the Cape, some of which are an easy drive from Cape Town, such as the Constantia, Durbanville, Darling and Walker Bay winelands. Most of South Africa's vineyards are found in the Western Cape near the coast. The weather is perfect for growing grapes - rainfall measures up to 40 inches a year, the mild Mediterranean weather provides the perfect climate and the ground is mainly sandy and rough.
The Cape's winelands stretch from the coast to the plains of the Little Karoo, where grapes are also grown in the riverine valleys. There are currently some 560 wineries and 4 400 primary producers of vineyards in the Cape, divided by the Wine of Origin Scheme into 4 main regions: The Breede River Valley, The Little Karoo, Coastal and Olifants River.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inPopular Wine Routes of the Western Cape
For information about the most popular wine producing regions in the Western Cape visit the routes below, or for information about each wine estate, see Wine Estates (sorted by regions and viewable on maps).
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Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Winelands

Weltevreden Retief Residence
Set at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, the historical Weltevreden Retief Residence offers elegant accommodation and a restau...

Winelands Golf Lodges 35
De Zalze Golf Lodges 35 has one bedroom furnished with two single beds, which can easily be converted into a double bed. A modern, neutral enviro...

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa
Built in 1713 as one of the first grand residences in Stellenbosch, the iconic Coopmanhuijs at 33 Church Street offers 16 guest rooms which are a...

Hawksmoor House
Located on a 220-hectare wine farm, Matjieskuil, near Stellenbosch, Hawksmoor House is a meticulously restored Cape Dutch country retreat offerin...

Winelands Golf Lodges 13
De Zalze Winelands Golf Lodges provides its guests with an intimate getaway tucked within the Helderberg wine route. Nestled on an up-market golf...

Val de Vine
Val De Vine is located on Drie Lande Guest Farm. The guest farm offers luxurious and cosy accommodation, close to the historic centre of one of t...

Eikelower Guesthouse
Eikelower Guesthouse offers affordable upmarket accommodation in a relaxed, friendly and cosy environment. Whether on holiday or business, guests...

Winelands Golf Lodges 17
De Zalze Winelands Golf Lodges 17 is a three bedroom home with a modern interior. The kitchen area is fully equipped with all the essentials to e...

The Little Hideaway Guesthouse
The Little Hideaway Guesthouse is located in Stellenbosch, in the Cape Winelands. The guesthouse offers accommodation close to the town and unive...
Things to do in the area

Delaire Graff Estate
Situated on Botmaskop Peak along the Helshoogte Pass and once served as a lookout point for ships sailing into Table Bay Harbour. Farmers could s...

Old Nectar Gardens
Old Nectar's famous gardens in Stellenbosch are spectacular for the variety of trees, the abundance of colours, and the sheer tranquillity that i...

Stellenbosch Scootours
Scootours are non-motorized scooters that are eco-friendly, quiet, easy and so fun. Because these tours start high up and take you through gorgeo...

Winelands Exclusive E-Bike Experience
The electric bike tours with E-lectric Ventures promise an unforgettable way to experience the Winelands of the Western Cape with the fresh air o...

Mobile Wine Tastings
Cape Wine Tasting specializes in Wine Experiences for corporate and private clients. Our team of sommeliers conducts fun and professional tasting...

Vergenoegd Low Wine Estate
The allure of this exquisite wine estate is multi-faceted. It's about the magnificent natural surrounds that include mountains, fynbos, rivers an...

Do a Private Wine Tour
You will be personally escorted on your exclusive wine tour by Richard Hilton, a Cape wine producer (Pax ‘Verbatim' Vineyards) and lover of all t...

Bubbly and Sweet Treats
'Remember gentlemen, it's not just France we are fighting for, it's Champagne!' ~ Winston Churchill, WWI .Imagine what Winston Chruchill would ha...

Do a Tour of the Cape Winelands
Join Gary Flynn of Cape Discovery Tours for a full day of Wine tasting and touring the beatiful Cape Winelands. Cape Town Discovery is an owner m...
Accommodation convenient to Cape Wine Routes
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Cape Winelands as a destination











































