© Delaire Graff Estate

Cape Wine Touring

 

The Cape is famous for its superb wine and host of beautiful estates and farms. Cape Classics Africa was born from an association with Cape Classics Inc. wine importers to the USA. For this reason, we have a special affiliation to the farms and the wine industry as a whole.  With so many different areas to explore and such a variety of wines to taste, one cannot have too many days spent in this most enjoyable pursuit. In addition to this, the Cape is a mecca for lovers of good food.  Without a doubt, we are top in the world for innovation and creativity by our great chefs. If food and wine is your passion, you are in the right place. Designing fabulous wine tour experiences is our passion and this can be done to suit your individual style and tastes.

Constantia Valley

The Constantia Valley is home to Groot Constantia, the oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa dating back to 1685. The valley has more than a dozen beautiful and historic farms, most with incredible views. The Constantia Valley lies behind Table Mountain and therefore receives significant rainfall as well as cool breezes from the sea. This cooler climate results in fresh white wines and elegant reds. There are a number of superb fine dining restaurants as well as smaller eateries in the area to complete your day of touring.

Stellenbosch and Surrounds

Stellenbosch, named after Simon van der Stel who established Groot Constantia, is South Africa’s second oldest settlement. Today, it has more hectares under vine than any other of South Africa’s wine-growing areas and is arguably the country’s most famous wine producing area. The rolling hills and valleys allow for great variation in wine styles. This area is particularly famous for its premium red wines  but the whites and Methode Cape Classiques are also world-class. The town of Stellenbosch is a very popular university and tourist town which buzzes with eateries, shops, and galleries.

Franschhoek Valley

In 1688, settlers from France (known as the Huguenots) began populating the valley and establishing farms. Originally known as Olifantshoek (Elephants Corner) the area soon became known as Le Coin Francais (the French corner) and later Franschhoek  (Dutch for French Corner). Franschhoek has a range of superb accommodation and restaurants and with its strong wine culture, it is widely regarded to be the “food and wine capital” of South Africa.

The Hemel en Aarde Valley

Hemel en Aarde (which means “Heaven and Earth”) is situated in the Walker Bay wine region close to the coastal town of Hermanus. There are over 15 wineries in this area, all small and owner-managed. The complex soils and cooling sea breezes make for the production of excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. The farms together with their superb restaurants and beautiful scenery, make for perfect touring from Cape Town. Hermanus is also the whale watching capital of the world, and this makes a wonderful addition to the winery visits.

The Elgin Valley

The Elgin Valley is a high rainfall area and this and its altitude make it a lot cooler than other wine-growing areas. The vineyards are nestled between orchards of apple and pears within an amphitheater of the Kogelberg and Hottentots Holland Mountain ranges. These elements ensure the slow ripening of the fruit, resulting in more balanced wines with depth and complexity of flavor. The area produces aromatic varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.  There are a number of eateries in the valley to enjoy as well as the Elgin Railway Market.

The Swartland

The Swartland lies approximately 50 km (31 miles) north of Cape Town. It is a hot and dry traditionally wheat-producing area and has always been known for its robust reds and fortified wines. In recent years the wine farmers in the area have used their passion and individual style to expand the range and now  produce excellent rich, fruit-driven table wines, in particular, Shiraz, Chenin, and Pinotage. The town of Riebeek Kasteel is very popular for weekend getaways where, in addition to the wineries, one can enjoy the variety of eateries, shops, and wine bars.  

Durbanville  Wine Route

The Durbanville Wine Route is perfectly situated just north of Cape Town. Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the cooling mists that roll into the valley, it is one of the Cape’s coolest wine regions. Best known for its elegant Sauvignon Blancs, it also produces some excellent reds and Methode Cape Classiques. Most of the more than a dozen farms have restaurants that serve cheese platters with seasonal fare to be enjoyed with the tastings.

Robertson Wine Valley

The Robertson Wine Valley Route situated 1 and a half hours from Cape Town is a section of Route 62 that includes the towns of Ashton, Montagu, Bonnievale, and Mc Gregor. This makes it the longest wine route in the country.  These towns are home to small, family-owned vineyards, successful wine farms, and huge commercial estates. Dubbed the “valley of vines and roses”, the Robertson area is best known for its Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Methode Cape Classique.

Cape Agulhas Wine Region

Cape Agulhas, situated nearly 3 hours drive from Cape Town is the southernmost tip of Africa and the official meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.  The vineyards are located around the town of Elim approximately 16 km (10 miles) from the coast.  The strong salt-laden winds that blow off the sea together with the area’s uniquely diverse soil types produce distinctive mineral and flinty flavors in the fruit. The area is best known for its excellent Sauvignon Blanc.

Talk to us about your travel plans

Take the stress out of planning. Free yourself up to look forward to your adventure. We at Cape Classics strive to understand your personal style in creating itineraries that will feed your soul.