They say you can’t come to Cape Town and not take a trip to the Winelands, best known for its, er, wines. It’s basically a tourist rite of passage regardless of whether you like wine or not. It’s easy to see why. You just drive for an hour from the city and suddenly you’re in a vineyard, surrounded by scenic mountains.
But the Cape Winelands isn’t just about the wine. Okay, let’s be honest, wine is a huge part of it, but there’s also a whole lot more to see and enjoy here: from its oak-lined streets, stunning Cape Dutch architecture, and charming little towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Whether you’re in it for the wine tastings, cultural attractions, or luxurious pampering — let’s dive into the best experiences that Stellenbosch and the Franschhoek Valley have to offer!
1. Wine Tasting
Wine tasting in the Cape Winelands is basically the grownup version of a candy store visit, but classier and with more swirling. Whether you’re a wine snob or just here for the photos, you’ll find even greater appreciation for the vino here. Many estates produce a certain varieties of grapes, but most wine-tasting activities will allow you to try a wide range, from delicate whites to bold reds.
One of these is Anthonij Rupert Wines. Located on the L’Ormarins farm, this estate is just a short drive from Stellenbosch and offers an unforgettable tasting experience. Its roots can be traced back to the 1694 when much of L’Omarins was converted into vineyards. But it was in 1969 that the Rupert family purchased it, transforming it into one of South Africa’s most recognizable wine producers.
Today, it’s known for its premium wines, including their flagship Cape of Good Hope and Protea ranges.
Some wine-tasting sessions include a walk around vineyards and a tour of the facilities. But for most, including the Anthonij Rupert Wines, it’s exclusively a tasting session. At least, that’s what we booked. When we arrived, we were led to a room that we were to explore while waiting and were given a welcome glass of wine. We spent some minutes admiring and inspecting the photographs on the wall, depicting the history of the estate. I particularly like the window at the end of the hallway where I practiced saying, “Mmm, yes, I like the notes of berry in this.” Just kidding.
But seriously, I’m not a sommelier but I’ll try my best to describe each wine as I tasted it
When the…
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