|
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek |
 |
 |
 |
Go wine tasting in Franschhoek
The Winelands Cape area with its famous towns Franschhoek and Stellenbosch have more to offer than just wine tasting and wine farms., B&B or hotel. It is a fantastic area to stay overnight: in an accommodation cottage
Jan van Riebeeck produced the first bottle of wine a long time ago in 1659, that was the beginning of an incredible wine growing success story in the Winelands.
Today South Africa's Winelands Cape area is one of the best wine producing areas in the world. The wines are famous for their unique taste and strong flavours.
However, a visit of the Winelands Cape area is not just about the wine. The people are very laid back and welcoming and the landscapes spectacular. There are several passes worth driving over when visiting the different towns in the Winelands.
If you are looking for a place to stay in the Winelands Cape area read about our accommodation recommendations.
Stellenbosch
The country's most famous wine route is the Stellenbosch Wine Route. This area includes 106 cellars - and most of them are open to the public. The heart of Stellenbosch lies near the Dorp Street, lined with old oak trees.
One of the most important heritage buildings is the University. The University of Stellenbosch has produced some of the greatest sporting heroes of South Africa, including more than 155 rugby Springboks.
It is not just the University which is historically interesting, Stellenbosch is an important cultural centre and offers lots of galleries and museums with important national and international art collections. The Stellenbosch Conservatoire is the oldest music school in South Africa.
Self catering accommodation cottage options in Franschhoek
Accommodation cottage options in Franschhoek
Franschhoek lies in the magnificent Franschhoek Valley, nestled between stunning mountains. More than 300 years ago the Huguenots settled in this area and brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture.
The picturesque village of Franschhoek attracts a lot of travelers and the locals are very friendly, welcoming people.
Many often them offer tourist accommodation, ranging from guest houses, B&B's to hotels and you can even stay in a self catering accommodation cottage on a wine farm.
The village is filled with little shops offering crafts, art and antiques. You find top restaurants and coffee shops in the main street. Eight of South Africa's "Top 100" restaurants can be found in Franschhoek - called the gourmet capital of the country.
Activities in the area
You can do so much more than simply wine tasting at a wine farm in the Franschhoek area:
For the energetic there are numerous walking trails in the surrounding mountains. 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 wine farms of Franschhoek. However, those in favour of a more sedate excursion might prefer to just drive themselves or engage the services of a local guide to make their visits memorable.
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.
It is only a 45 minute drive from Cape Town to Franschhoek, an ideal day trip should you decide not to stay overnight in the Winelands Cape area.
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 farms and 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.
Please
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for more information about Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, Winelands Cape area accommodation, self catering accommodation cottage offers and wine tasting places.
|
Clear 12 oC