Amarula

Franschhoek

STELLENBOSCH

Stellenbosch is an experience unto itself. It is literally like stepping back in time. While English is perfectly acceptable, you’ll really fit in if you can roll Afrikaans off the tongue. It’s a university town and, in term time, the energy is as high as 60,000 students who keep the place abuzz, but don’t be put off by a potential frat house atmosphere, it’s far from that. There are art galleries, antique shops, great restaurants and constant reminders of the Dutch migrants who settled in this area. Located not far from the coast of South Africa’s Western Cape, its vineyards cover gently rolling hills, and it tends towards a maritime climate. Cabernet sauvignon is the region’s most widely planted grape variety. More often than not, it’s combined with merlot to create Bordeaux blend wines.

DIE BERGKELDER

On the outskirts of the town itself, Die Bergkelder is one of South Africa’s most famous wine cellars. Die Bergkelder was launched in 1968 and is known to many as the home of Fleur du Cap Wines. The Wine Centre offers all day tastings, with experts on hand to detail interesting facts about the history of wines. Die Bergkelder is also well known for its informative tours that move through the maturation cellar to the bottling plant.

George Blake St, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa T: +27 21 809 8025 W: www.bergkelder.co.za Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm Sat: 9am – 2pm

FRANSCHHOEK

Nestled between towering mountains in the Cape wine lands is the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley. It was settled more than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their wine and food culture. Today, the region specialises in white wine styles such as sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and semillon, as well as full-bodied reds like shiraz, pinot noir and merlot. The town itself is worth allocating some time to – don’t just drive through this one. Walk to the top of the town and visit the memorial to the Huguenots with the mountains behind, and stop half way back down the street at the craft brewery. The tourism facilities are excellent and located on the main street.

BOSCHENDAL

Boschendal is the standout winery in Franschhoek, which itself is a standout region and the natural beauty is breathtaking. Boschendal is one of the oldest wine farms in Franschhoek, founded in 1685; the farm has grown with the passing centuries and the owners have since mastered the art of producing classic, fruity wines. For those interested in a farm stay holiday, you may look forward to historic tours, vineyard walks and fruit picking. If you would rather stop in for the day, there is plenty of food and wine to be enjoyed and tours of the winery extensive grounds.

10 Park Drive, 99 Helshoogte Rd, Milton Park, Franshhoek, 7690 South Africa T: +27 21 870 4200 W: www.boschendal.com Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 4:30pm Sat – Sun: 9:30am – 4pm

Paarl View to Cape Town from Durbanville Wine Valley

Durbanville Hills Winery

Nederburg

PAARL

Paarl is located just north of Stellenbosch. Its vineyards are situated on the lower slopes of Paarl Rock, between two mountains. This provides granite and shale soils for the vines, and the relatively hot climate allows for the production of many different varieties. The red wines, namely shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, are rich and robust, whilst the white wines, chenin blanc and chardonnay, are fruit driven and tropical.

NEDERBURG

Phillipus Wolvaart established Nederberg in 1791. He was granted 49 hectares of land by the Dutch East India Company and developed a flourishing farm and homestead. Today, it is one of South Africa’s most awarded wineries, producing a hallmark combination of both Old and New World blends. Visitors are welcome to tour the state-of-the-art cellar and Old Cellar Museum and take part in various wine and cheese tastings.

Sonstraal Rd, Paarl, 7646 South Africa T: +27 21 862 3104 W: www.nederberg.com Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm Sat – Sun: 10am – 4pm

DURBANVILLE WINE VALLEY

Located north of Cape Town, Durbanville Wine Valley is home to 12 wineries. Here the vines are exposed to moisturising seasonal coastal mists that combine with cooling sea breezes to slow the pace at which the grapes grow. The community is united in their passion for producing elegant, intense, fruit driven wines, with a focus on sauvignon blanc.

DURBANVILLE HILLS WINERY

The Durbanville Hills Cellar is approximately 20 minutes from Cape Town. With picturesque views overlooking Table Mountain, Table Bay and Robben Island. The wines produced here are made from healthy grapes and include sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz varieties. Cellar visits are encouraged, with a chic lounge area reserved for wine, cheese, bread and meat tastings. The restaurant and services standards are exceptional.

Tygerberg Valley Road, Cape Farms, Cape Town, 7550 South Africa T: +27 21 558 1300 W: www.durbanvillehills.co.za Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm Sat: 10am – 3pm Sun: 11am – 3pm