Cape Wine Country:
a Beginners Guide

Franschoek

Afrikaans for “French Corner”, Franschoek is a small town version of Stellenbosch, but with a French flair. In the late 17^th century, religious refugees from France began populating this spectacular valley, bringing their experience in wines and agriculture with them.

A valley or two over from Stellenbosch, and only 45 minutes by car from Cape Town, Franschoek has become well known for its concentration of world-class restaurants and award-winning chefs. Combine this with the region’s magnificent vineyards and heavenly wine-tastings, and you’ll quickly see why the town has earned the unofficial title of “food and wine capital” of South Africa.

Spend the day in the sun visiting wineries and sipping chilled Sauvignon Blanc while admiring the surrounding valley. In the evenings, stroll the quaint main street lined with Cape Dutch architecture and French street names. Pop into some art galleries, and maybe treat yourself to the famous Belgian Pâtisserie for pralines, or sneak in some dark chocolate paired with dessert wines.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is probably the most well-known of South Africa’s wineland towns. Settled by the Dutch in the late 1600s and valued for its rich and fertile soil, it’s one of the oldest cities in the country and only an hour and a half drive from Cape Town.

With the Stellenbosch Mountains creating a lovely valley, the conditions are ideal for winemaking. Best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, with Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Chenin Blanc also grown in impressive quantities. The region is home to over 200 vineyards, and you’ll find these wineries laid out all over Stellebosch’s gentle rolling hills.

There’s an almost endless variety of wine tours and tastings, from casual to five-star. And its proximity to Cape Town has helped Stellenbosch become home to top notch cuisine, attracting talent from around the country. A visit to Stellenbosch is guaranteed to spoil your senses silly.

The town itself offers more than your usual wine region resort. With a population of nearly 100,000 and a prestigious university, this elegant, historical town is no tourist trap. Lined with magnificent oak trees and stately Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture, Stellenbosch offers it all. Top-notch hotels and restaurants, quality shopping, and because of the university, a laid-back, youthful atmosphere with hip cafes and bars. Stellenbosch certainly earns its reputation as a world-class wine destination. Settle in and enjoy.

Rooted in Tradition

The first vines were brought to Cape Town by the Dutch in 1655, setting in motion South Africa’s lucrative industry. The country is classified as a “New World” wine producer, since the region’s warmer climate sets it apart from the likes of European and Middle Eastern countries, which are considered “Old World” wine producers. The difference? Grapes that are generally riper, slightly more alcoholic, and fruitier than those of their Old World counterparts.