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It goes without saying that no trip to the Cape is complete without a visit to one of its many (many!) wine estates. It’s probably quite possible to spend all year quaffing your way from one crisp Sauvignon Blanc to the next at a line-up of glorious vineyards – but for those who’re looking for a wine tasting experience with a bit of a twist – this list is for you.
Villiera Wines in Stellenbosch place a great deal of emphasis on sustainability and conservation, which is why they joined forces with their neighbouring farms in 2009 to set aside a tract of land to create a wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of antelope species as well as zebra and giraffe, while dams and marshlands attract an enormous diversity of birdlife. Plus, more than 100 000 indigenous trees have been reintroduced. Visitors can board a safari vehicle for a 2-hour drive where they will be treated to close encounters with the wildlife as well as sweeping views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains. The tour includes a visit to the Villiera cellars and a wine tasting. The cost is R220 per adult and R110 for children up to the age of 15. Bookings are essential.
* For those with a sweet tooth, it’s definitely also worth trying the Bubbly & Nougat pairing. Sample four of Villiera’s MCC sparkling wines paired with locally produced Sally Williams nougat. Bookings required. For more information, visit www.villiera.com
Book your Cape Winelands accommodation here.
Why not enjoy your wine while leisurely cruising on a river? Viljoensdrift in the heart of the Robertson Wine Valley offers just that with its setting on the banks of the Breede River. Enjoy your wine tasting experience on terra firma, before stocking up on a bottle or two to enjoy on their river boat. Pop in to the Deli to fill up a picnic basket with an assortment of goodies from freshly baked ciabatta to cheese, pate, olives, pesto and cold meats with nougat and traditional koeksisters to end off. Reservations are essential, and the boat departs at varying time daily depending on bookings. Cruise duration is approximately 50-minutes. For reservations, please email rivercruises@viljoensdrift.co.za
If you’d prefer to keep your feet on dry land, you can also enjoy your picnic basket on the deck or on the grassy riverbanks.
Book your Breede River Valley accommodation here.
There is wine and there is cheese ... and then there is the magical combination of the two.
Fairview near Paarl produces a wide variety of both with the added attraction of being home to a multitude of very cute goats. The iconic Goat Tower is extremely popular with children (and adults) and in September each year the ‘cuteness’ is taken to another level during kid season.
Goats aside, there are plenty of cheeses and wines to taste in the tasting room, plus over 50 varieties and other farm fare to purchase in the Fairview Deli. It’s also worth visiting the Goatshed restaurant for a farm inspired breakfast or lunch.
Bookings are advisable for both tastings and the restaurant. Visit www.fairview.co.za for more.
Book your Cape Winelands accommodation here.
The beautiful cellar at the family owned and run Haute Cabrière in Franschhoek is set into the mountainside with spectacular views across the Franschhoek valley from the outdoor patio. On Saturday mornings at 11am, visitors can join the Cellar Master’s tour with owner Achim von Arnim and his son, Takuan. Deep in the atmospheric cellar, visitors will be entertained with the story of Haute Cabrière’s history and wine philosophy. The dramatic ending to the tour is when Achim or Takuan use a famed French sabre to open bottle after bottle of Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique. For more, visit www.cabriere.co.za
Book your Franschhoek accommodation here.
The spectacular Creation wine estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley is worth a visit on so many levels. The food, the wine and the view are superb. However, parents will appreciate the way in which they welcome and include the kids with their special Kiddies Pairing Experience. So, while mum and dad are savouring a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay, the little ones can enjoy their own tasting experience with juices and flavoured milks paired with a selection of healthy nibbles to allow them to experiment. For more, visit Creation Wines
Book your Hermanus and Hemel-en-Aarde accommodation here.
If you like the idea of combining wine tasting with riding through vineyards on horseback, then look no further than Paradise Stables in Franschhoek. Both experienced and novice riders are welcome to enjoy this 4-hour experience which takes you through forests and vineyards with stop-offs at Rickety Bridge Winery and Mont Rochelle. The total riding time is about 2-hours and wine tastings are included. For more, visit Paradise Stables.
Book your Franschhoek accommodation here.
