Walker Bay Wine Route

Walker Bay, a 45 minute drive from Cape Town, has become a fashionable region to visit, particularly with the establishment of over a dozen wineries in and around Hermanus, already popular for its whale spotting between June and November. The Hemel-en-Aarde (heaven and earth) Valley, just behind Hermanus, has become part of a popular wine farm meander and is definitely worth a visit.

Grapes grown in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley are influenced by the cold Atlantic Ocean and the temperate conditions and clayey soil produce wines similar to those of Northern France. The valley, which stretches some 6km from Hermanus to Caledon, is surrounded and sheltered by mountains on all sides - Galpin Peak and the Glen Varloch range to the south and the Babylonstoring mountain range to the north - which trap cloud cover and retain moisture throughout the valley.

The Onrust River winds its way through the valley where one of the youngest but fastest growing wine routes in South Africa is already establishing a name with its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cultivars. The Bouchard Finlayson estate, Whalehaven Wines, Hamilton Russel Vineyards, Cape Bay and Sumaridge are open to the public for wine tastings. 

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Wellington wine route

Only 45 minutes outside of Cape Town, the Wellington wine route is one of the youngest wine routes in the Cape, although the viticulture heritage dates back to the French Huguenots of the late 1600s. Officially launched in the mid-1990s, the predominantly working but charming farms produce some top quality red and white wines.

The town of Wellington lies at the foot of the Groenberg Mountain with the majestic Hawequa Mountains to the east. This truly beautiful valley is home of the vines, quite literally - almost 90% of the country’s vines are grown in the nurseries (called ‘stokkieskwekerve’) here, before being transported for planting. The soils here are excellent as is the climate - hot, dry summers with a winter rainfall. The farms lie on the banks of the Kromme River in the heart of the valley.

The Wellington Wine Walk is a 3-day hike through vineyards, orchards and indigenous fynbos, which includes wine tasting and samplings of cheeses and olives with stay-overs at one of the four historic Huguenot farms.

The Wellington Wine Route, consisting of 26 wineries including five pot still brandy producers, is small and compact, with the cellars within easy driving distance from each other.

Make personal acquaintance with the winemakers on these working wine farms, and learn more about their wines, and the many medals they've achieved both nationally and internationally.

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Kanoneiland

Kanoneiland is a beautiful settlement situated in the Northern Cape in South Africa. What makes this settlement stand out from the rest is that it is situated on the largest inland island in the gorgeous Orange River Valley. It is, in fact, the biggest river settlement in the country.

Kanoneiland gets its name from the days when Koranna river pirates under the leadership of Klaas Pofadder lived on the island and hid in the dense foliage. In 1879 the island was attacked by a small cannon for a number of days by a force of 80 policemen under Captain Dyason. In response, the Korannas built their own cannon from a hollow aloe stem. They loaded this with gunpowder and when they fired, it exploded and killed 6 Koranna. The cannon used by the Cape Field Artillery can still be seen today in front of the old school building.

In 1928, a group of 52 private settlers began to clear this beautiful island for cultivation. The irrigation scheme in the area supports the lush vineyards that are truly glorious to look at. In winter, the island can hardly be seen and looks like a series of vineyards on dry land. However, when it is rainy season, the water levels rise quite considerably and the islanders often have to put up barrages to prevent the water from flooding the island. Fortunately the residential parts have been built on the highest parts of the island and the islanders' homes are generally safe.

Guided tours of the island are an experience not to be missed! It is a truly beautiful island boasting an abundance of lush foliage and fields. Groups of up to 20 people at a time can be catered for. One can enjoy the traditional meals of the islanders as well as the delicious locally produced wines. The people here are friendly and hospitable and the accommodation is superb! The tranquillity and beauty of this area attracts many people here yearly.

Kanoneiland is one not to be missed!

Mountain Shadows Guest House

Mountain Shadows Guesthouse is situated on a working wine and olive farm at the foot of the picturesque Drakenstein mountains in the heart of the Cape Winelands, a few minutes away from Paarl. The historic Cape Dutch manor house dates back to 1823 and has been declared a national monument.

Within easy reach of Cape Town and Cape Town International Airport, the guesthouse is an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful Cape and its many scenic and tourist attractions. Visit the surrounding wine-estates, play a round of golf on their own 6-hole golf course or on one of the many world-class golf courses nearby. Take a stroll amongst the vineyards or along the river that borders the estate, view the abundant bird-life, try your hand at fly-fishing in their bass dam or lounge by the poolside and soak up the peace of the estate. Great food prepared daily using only the freshest local ingredients, combined with fine wines from neighbouring cellars will ensure that your stay at Mountain Shadows will be an unforgettable experience.

Mountain Shadows is more than a guesthouse - it is a celebration of life, family, friends, food and wine. Come and visit them in the shadow of the mountain…and rejuvenate your soul.

The following languages are spoken at Mountain Shadows: English, Afrikaans, German, French, Finnish and Swedish.

Facilities and Services

A stay at Mountain Shadows Guesthouse is a rewarding experience in luxury, style and comfort.

The spacious, en-suite rooms feature exquisite interiors each with its own individual decor and antique furnishings. Equipped with satellite television, telephone, hair-dryer, safe and fridge, if required, the rooms offer the discerning traveller every comfort to ensure a truly relaxing stay.

There is a myriad of things to do and places to see nearby, whatever your tastes, inclinations or budget. To name, but a few:

·         Hiking trails, horse riding and mountain biking

·         The sights and attractions of Cape Town

·         Pristine beaches and marine reserves

·         Whale-watching

·         Snake-park and crocodile farm

·         World-class golf courses

·         Health spas

·         African markets

·         Game reserves within 3 hours drive where you can see the "big five"

For the more adventurous there are bungee-jumping, abseiling, big-wave surfing or shark cage-diving!

Restaurant

The talented and enthusiastic kitchen staff prepare mouth-watering dishes using only the finest local ingredients and fresh produce. Scrumptious breakfasts are prepared daily. Lunch and dinner can be ordered from a set menu that varies according to the season. Select wines to match the cuisine and suit your taste from a superb wine cellar. Picnic baskets packed with all kinds of delicacies are also available.

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Franschhoek

Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape Winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and our top chefs create international cuisine. Here breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines all combine to create lasting memories.

Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled more than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history centred around a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people.

The wonderful spectrum of visitor accommodation ranges from internationally renowned auberges and guest houses to self-catering cottages on wine farms and much more besides.

In the village you will find wonderful crafts, art and antique shops and galleries. The main street is lined with coffee shops and restaurants. Only 45 minutes from Cape Town Franschhoek is the ideal base while you explore the entire Cape Winelands.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in France in 1685, when Protestantism was outlawed, hundreds of so-called Huguenots fled their homeland, 277 of them arriving by ship at the Cape of Good Hope. Many of them were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant's Corner) - so named because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. Soon after they settled here, it became known as Franschhoek (French Corner).

This heritage lives on today with the Huguenot monument standing proudly at the top of the village. The museum nearby chronicles the history of those brave pioneers, with each of the original Huguenot farms having its own fascinating story to tell.

Wonderful Wines

Driving into Franschhoek you will notice that most of the farms still bear their original French names and are usually complete with a spectacular Cape Dutch homestead, towering oaks and luscious vineyards. There are a variety of cellars, from small boutique wineries that cater for those in search of something unique, and large cellars that offer organized tours and conducted tastings.

The Gourmet Capital

Although it varies by year up to eight of South Africa's "Top 100" restaurants are in Franschhoek - the gourmet capital of the country. Leading chefs create everything from world-class cuisine to light meals using the freshest produce of the valley, complemented by the wonderful local wines. Linger a while and savour the hospitality, ambience and variety of our many great restaurants.

Accommodation

The picturesque village, ringed by tall mountains, offer the best accommodation - from stylish country auberges to small bed & breakfasts. Stay among the scenic vineyards with spectacular views or in the quaint village. Enjoy the hospitality of charming guest houses, comfortable and well-appointed self-catering cottages, intimate bed & breakfasts and internationally acclaimed country lodges in the most beautiful setting imaginable.

Shops and Galleries

A host of shops and galleries line the Main Street, providing a wonderful choice of antiques, a world class collection of artworks and interesting bric-a-brac to browse through. There are also specialty shops such as fromagerie's, a chocolate factory and a sofa maker.

Things to do

For the more energetic there are numerous walking trails in the surrounding mountains, cycling and horse-riding. There are also a number of trout fishing spots in various streams and dams on the surrounding farms.

For a wine tour with a difference hop onto a horse and visit a few of the Vignerons de Franschhoek.

If you're in the vicinity in July, try to visit Franschhoek over the weekend closest to Bastille Day (14th July) when the village celebrates its French heritage with a wine and gourmet fair and lots, lots more.

10 Reasons to visit Franschhoek

1. Franschhoek is the most beautiful wine valley in the world.

2. It is the food and wine capital of the country.

3. There are more award-winning restaurants concentrated here than anywhere else in the land.

4. Franschhoek's French heritage of more than 300 years is evident in the wine and food tradition. The magnificent Huguenot Museum and monument are worth a visit.

5. There are 101 interesting things to do in this picturesque village.

6. You can taste the wines of the valley more than 40 extraordinary wine cellars.

7. Franschhoek is a town for all budgets.

8. It is centrally located to enjoy the wonderful pleasures of the Western Cape - from the Winelands to whale-watching to exploring the mother city.

9. The culturally diverse people are friendly and welcoming.

10. The galleries and shops in the quaint main street provide hours of interesting browsing and shopping.

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