23 January 2018 | Alyx Carolus
The Western Cape is world-famous for its magnificent wine estates and outstanding wines. Locals and visitors alike enjoy a day out sampling local vintages, while marvelling at the incredible natural beauty of the Cape Winelands. Ready to see more? Here’s a round-up of our top Cape wine experiences.
Leafy, green and located around 20km away from the city centre, the Constantia Valley is steeped in winemaking history. The area has a wide selection of estates and is popular with local and international visitors.
Our Constantia Valley Wine Bus offers one of the easiest ways to explore this gorgeous area, enjoy local wines and even take some home from your trip. Hop on the red bus and visit Groot Constantia, Eagles’ Nest and Beau Constantia at your leisure, choosing from on-board commentary in 15 languages. Take a full-day outing to make sure you enjoy each farm’s offerings in a safe and efficient way.
Groot Constantia is an award-winning establishment that also prides itself on being South Africa’s oldest wine farm. Founded in 1685, it boasts incredible views and is perfect for a family day out. Explore the original Cape Dutch-style manor house on the property or grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site restaurants. You can also have a guided tour of the wine cellar and, of course, buy a bottle (or more!) to take home.
Eagles’ Nest is located on the crest of the Constantia Nek pass. This beautiful estate offers daily wine tastings and sales, as well as food platters that can be enjoyed at tables on the sprawling lawn or deck.
In addition to making excellent wines, the farm is also actively involved in eagle conservation and awareness.
If you’re a fan of boutique wine farms, Beau Constantia won’t disappoint. Marvel at the vines elevated 350m above sea level on some of the Cape’s steepest agricultural slopes. The panoramic views are spectacular. The estate is also home to the trendy Chef’s Warehouse restaurant.
To access this fun wine tour, hop on the Mini Peninsula Tour and get off at Constantia Nek (stop 25).
In the mood for an all-day adventure further afield? The Cape Explorer – Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Winelands Tour takes visitors to the gorgeous winemaking areas around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
The tour first stops in Bloubergstrand so that guests can get a panoramic shot of Table Mountain from across Table Bay. Thereafter the tour commences and the luxury air-conditioned bus makes its way to the Cape Winelands.
The first stop, the picturesque town of Franschhoek, is famous for its French Huguenot heritage, award-winning restaurants, exclusive guest houses, beautiful estates and an annual literary festival. Visitors can enjoy a cheese and wine pairing, a cellar tour and two hours to explore the rest of the small town.
The next stop on the tour is historic university town Stellenbosch, which is a hub of winemaking activity. Visitors will get to see the sights as the luxury coach drives along Helshoogte Pass en route. Visitors get to enjoy a wine tasting and, if time permits, witness the world-famous “duck parade” at Vergenoegd Wine Estate.
Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek all form part of the Boland Winelands area and your knowledgeable guide will share interesting facts about the area throughout the day.
Note that this is a full-day tour that will return around 5.30pm. Bring along your camera, comfortable walking shoes and something warm in case the weather changes.
Hop on this tour at stop 1 opposite the Two Oceans Aquarium in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, or at our Long Street tour office (stop 5).
This scenic guided tour will take you through magnificent mountain landscapes and rolling vineyards to the heart of the Cape Winelands. Visit wine estates in Franschhoek & Stellenbosch with cellar tour and a cheese and wine tasting at 2 regional estates.
