Wine lovers will be happy to hear that the Western Cape is the main wine-producing region in South Africa that is located just a short drive from the heart of Cape Town. Whether you are after a glass of some fine Chardonnay or you wish to purchase a bottle of Pinot Noir, the Western Cape is home to hundreds of award-winning vineyards that offer everything from wine tasting to tours of the vineyards. Here is our list of the best wine regions in the Western Cape that are easily reachable from Cape Town.
1 Constantia
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Located just 20 minutes outside of Cape Town, Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine region and one of the most popular destinations for wine lovers. Dating back to the 17th century, this amazing wine region boasts eight award-winning wine estates, as well as dozens of boutique wineries. The climate of the area is ideal for the production of white wine, especially for Sauvignon Blanc. Travelers should definitely pay a visit to the Groot Constantia, the oldest wine farm in South Africa.
Best Wine Farms: Beau Constantia, Groot Constantia Estate, Eagle’s Nest, Klein Constantia
2 Franschhoek
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Franschhoek is a picturesque town that houses numerous incredible wine estates from which some are 300 years old. There are also many boutique wineries that boast their own on-site restaurants and offer guided tours of the estate and wine tastings. The vineyards here produce many unique blends, as well as classic wine varieties. The good news is that Franschhoek is located just an hour away from Cape Town. For an unforgettable experience, make sure to hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
Best Wine Farms: Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Boekenhoutskloof Winery, Babylonstoren
3 Stellenbosch
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One of the most popular wine regions in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch is home to some of the best wine farms in South Africa. For instance, the award-winning wine estate Tokara has been named as one of the World’s Top 50 Most Admired Wine Brands for 2018. The Stellenbosch district specializes in blended reds, but also produces wine from numerous grape varieties. The district is quite vast, so it comes as no surprise that the Stellenbosch wine route consists of 5 different sub-routes including Bottelary Hills, Greater Simonsberg, Helderberg, Stellenbosch Berg and Stellenbosch Valley. There are dozens of scenic wine tours available for tourists here and all you need to do is choose one.
Best Wine Farms: Ernie Els Wines, Kanonkop Wine Estate, Delaire Graff Estate
See Also: Top 10 Best Villas and Wine Estates for a Wedding in Cape Town
4 Durbanville
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Located just a 30-minute drive from the center of Cape Town and nestled among the lovely Tygerberg Hills, Durbanville is a charming wine valley that boasts a vibrant wine culture and boasts 12 excellent wine estates. Most of these wine estates have their own restaurants where you can pair a classic South African dish with a glass of one of the signature wines from the region like Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. During the summer season, Durbanville hosts dozens of spectacular wine festivals where visitors can enjoy premium wines and try local specialties with friends and family.
Best Wine Farms: Durbanville Hills, Meerendal Wine Estate, Diemersdal Wine Estate
See Also: 10 Best Wineries To Visit in Cape Town
5 Paarl
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Bordered by scenic mountain ranges and located just a 40-minute drive from the Mother City, Paarl is a charming little town that houses over 60 wine producers including large cellars and family-owned wine estates. Besides wineries, this town is also well-known for its olive producers, brandy cellars, and craft breweries. It is one of the most intimate wine regions in the Western Cape and an ideal destination for couples on vacation who wish to enjoy some fresh cheese and premium Shiraz.
Best Wine Farms: Nederburg Wines, Laborie, Avondale, Fairview, Landskroon
Get in touch with our team today to start planning your next getaway right now. We offer a wide range of affordable accommodation options and best tours in Cape Town at the best rates.
Want to enjoy a scenic drive through the Cape vineyards and learn more about their history? You can check out our Cape Winelands full day tour and spend your day visiting the various wine estates to enjoy wine tasting, delicious meals and have a good time. Contact us today with any booking related queries you may have, or to learn more about the tours and things you can do during the tours including Cape Winelands Hot Air Ballooning in Cape Town.
