Having long been a teetotaler, I usually avoid these kinds of places. However, in the case of the vineyards on the Cape, an exception must be made. A visit to Cape Town, South Africa would be incomplete without this experience which reveals the heart of the culture. The Cape Winelands and particularly the Stellenbosch Region are among the country’s most famous wine producing areas. With over 200 wine cellars to choose from you are certain to have a unique experience. Not only is the area famous for wine, but is also home to many of the top Cape Town hotels. Authentic examples of Cape Dutch architecture are featured on some of the hotels.
The Stellenbosh region produces a variety of red or white wine. For those who prefer white, there is Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc. For those with a preference for red wine you can choose from Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. Whether or not you’re a wine aficionado, anyone is welcome to go wine tasting. Another wine growing area can be found in the historical region of the southern suburbs of Cape Town. This is where some of the first vineyards were located. Nowadays these vineyards are being revitalized by a younger, more savvy group of winegrowers. Klein- Constantia vineyards was first to reintroduce the Vin de Constance, using grape vines from three hundred year old heirloom plantings. Many of the vineyards are located on the slopes of Constantia Mountain, where they are strategically cool at night and warm during the day, ideal conditions for grape growing. Constantia’s wines were distributed worldwide up to the late 19th century, at which time the crops became infested with a type of beetle. Described as a golden, honeyed wine, a rare bottle of 1821 Grand Constance sold recently for 2,990 pounds ($5,918) at a Sotheby’s auction in London. The cultivation and distribution of this prominent wine is contributing to a resurgence of South African wine popularity worldwide.
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