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

Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa is nestled in the foothills of the idyllic Jonkershoek Valley of Stellenbosch, the 327-year-old Lanzerac Wine Estate is syno...

Devon Valley Hotel
The Devon Valley Hotel is hidden away in a shady, green and peaceful corner of the Stellenbosch Winelands showcasing breathtaking views of the ol...

Eendracht Hotel
Situated at 161 Dorp Street, Eendracht Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of most of the major tourist attractions, shops, art galleries, ...

The Den Apartments
The Den Apartments offer accommodation only a 5 minute walk from the Stellenbosch University Campus. These Studio and Two Bedroom open plan units...

House of House
House of House is a unique guesthouse situated in Stellenbosch, offering accommodation of unparalleled style and quality in the heart of the Cape...

Jordan Wine Estate
Tucked away close to the winery, restaurant and bakery, the new luxury suites on Jordan Wine Estate enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the vineya...

Aan de Vliet Guest House
Nestled at the foothills of the Stellenbosch Mountain and offering a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Aan de Vliet has a count...

Aan-den-Weg
The warmest hospitality awaits you at this working wine and rose farm in the Stellenbosch District. From your private bed & breakfast accommodati...

Skyview Manor
Skyview Manor can be found on the mountainside near Stellenbosch, surrounded by fynbos, vineyards and beautiful gardens. Skyview Manor offers acc...
Things to do in the area

Eagle Encounters at Spier
Only minutes away from many of the Stellenbosch accommodation spots is the glorious Spier Wine Farm, which is home to Eagle Encounters. This mean...

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...

Cycle Tours with Cape Active Tours
Make the most of your time in South Africa by booking your accommodation in Cape Town to experience the unique and undeniable beauty of this part...

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...

Die Dorpstraat Gallery
Die Dorpstraat Galery is situated in the historic Dorp Street in Stellenbosch. Dorp Street was earlier referred to as “the wagon road to the Cape...
Accommodation convenient to Cape Wine Routes
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