Rolling vineyards amidst majestic mountains: a visit to the Cape wine country ensures a breathtaking experience. This is where the Cape wines originate. The Mediterranean climate is ideal for various types of grape such as chenin blanc, chardonnay and of course, pinotage, the national grape. You can sample these delicious Cape wines in characteristic Dutch estates near Cape Town.
There are various routes to the most famous wine regions: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Constantia. A tour through Wynland is a journey through the rich history of the Cape. On 2 February 1659, Jan van Riebeeck wrote: ‘Today – God be praised – wine pressed for the first time from Cape Grapes!’ As the founder of the Cape trade post, he planted the first vines to provide exhausted sailors with wine. What’s more, the wine turned out to be an excellent remedy for scabies as well! Nowadays, Cape wine production is flourishing with some 400 million litres of wine bottled each year.
“Napoleon ordered the legendary Vin de Constance when he was exiled on the island of St. Helena.”