Winelands
The Cape Winelands provide an ideal excursion from Cape Town. You can spend the day on a pre-arranged tour or you may want to spend a few days in the countryside at one of these preferred properties. This is an area of vineyards and olive orchards, picturesque villages with rich historical and cultural heritage, galleries, great restaurants, and of course, wine tasting.
Constantia Valley
Just 15 minutes away from the city center is Cape Town’s Vineyard area, the oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1685. Here you’ll find the Cape’s wine route of seven farms, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines. The S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants 2010 Awards named La Colombe the Best Restaurant in South Africa and #12 in the world. Chef Luke Dale Roberts has won praise for this Asian influenced French cuisine.
The Cellars-Hohenort
Located adjacent to the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, The Cellars-Hohenort is a place of understated elegance and charm. The nine-acre estate of world-renown gardens and vineyard has various accommodations in the magnificently restored 18th Century wine cellar and the splendid manor house. There are two swimming pools, tennis court and a Gary Player designed putting and chipping green. This Relais & Chateaux, 5-star property has two restaurants; the Greenhouse which has been carefully built around a giant 300-year-old oak giving diners unparalleled garden vistas; and the Cape Malay offering the rustic and authentic local Western Cape cuisine. The sophisticated martini lounge boasts of menu of 152 versions of the signature drink.
The Steenberg Country Hotel
This hotel is on the Steenberg Wine Estate, the oldest wine estate in the country (and the first in South Africa to be owned by a woman). The original buildings dating back to1682 have been lovingly resorted and declared a National Monument. Today most of the wine produced here is exported to Europe. This boutique hotel has elegant rooms and suites overlooking the vineyards or manicured gardens. The award-winning restaurant, Catharina’s is housed in the original winery. There is also a championship 18-hole golf course and spa.
The Constantia
The Constantia is a 5-star retreat with just six luxurious suites and a sunken pool in the garden. There is great attention to detail here making guests feel welcome and cared for. The Constantia is only minutes away from fashionable shops and internationally celebrated restaurants.
Franschhoek
Known as the wine and food capital of South Africa, Franschhoek has eight of the country's premiere restaurants along with 29 exceptional wine cellars. This is where the French first made wine in South Africa. A must see for gastronomic agendas.
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
This restored manor house and former perfumery dating back to 1890 offers luxury and indulgence. The award-winning, in-house Monneaux Restaurant is rated as one of South Africa's best. Countless, distinctive water features, lavender gardens and cobbled pathways all merge to evoke a feeling that is at once both inimitably French and Cape at heart. The original country house offers 14 deluxe and luxury rooms. The 12 Provencal-style villas are spacious with a fireplace and two balconies.
Mont Rochelle Hotel
Mont Rochelle Hotel (formerly La Couronne Hotel) sits on the slopes of the mountains overlooking the vineyard and the village of Franschhoek. Panoramic views from the hotel are breathtaking. There are 16 guest rooms and six luxury suites with private terraces and plunge pools. All are elegantly furnished in Provence style. Formal, fine dining is offered at the Mange Tout restaurant. More relaxed, Mediterranean-style al fresco dining is at the Mont Rochelle. Arrangements can be made for a private wine tasting or Cellar Tour with the wine maker or an excursion through the vineyards with the farm manager. The equestrian center offers a three hour wine tasting tour on horse back or hourly horse rides. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking and trout fishing. This thatched villa, reminiscent of Provence, is designed with elegantly furnished rooms and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. A new luxury wing has recently been added giving guests a choice of 21 rooms and three suites. Activities include excursions to the vineyards, invigorating country walks, hiking, mountain biking, as well as trout fishing and horse riding on neighboring farms.
Le Quartier Français
Tucked away from the village center in secluded gardens is this privately owned Relais & Chateaux country inn offering a variety of rooms, suites, family quarters with loft rooms for the kids and a cottage for those who desire a home away from home. Some look out over a central pool and garden and others have private plunge pools and walled gardens. Décor is varied in each building and includes artwork by local talent. There is a movie theatre that seats 30 for cinema classics and special requests. The Common Room is for informal dining.
A total gastronomic experience is provided by Margot Janse in the Tasting Room. This is serious dining where guests can choose a four, six or eight course dining experience from a constantly evolving menu. The Tasting Room has been included in “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” in Restaurant Magazine, UK since 2005 and for seven consecutive years on the S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list.
2012 - Listed in Travel + Leisure's "500 World's Best Hotels
2011 - The Tasting Room ranked #36 on the S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list.
2010 - The Tasting Room ranked 31st best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine
Paarl
This town sits at the foot of three granite domes that are said to shine like pearls after it rains. The countryside is lovely and there are a number of wine estates.
Grande Roche
This Cape Dutch homestead dating back to the 18th century was restored to its original splendor and declared a national monument in 1993. There are 29 luxury suites and five executive rooms at this Relais & Châteaux property. The small chapel is a great place for a wedding. Award-winning cuisine, hospitality and outstanding service are the hallmarks of this small estate hotel.
2011 - Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List
2010 - Ranked in the “Best by Design in Africa” category on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List.
Stellenbosch
Cape Dutch architecture and tree lined streets combine to make this charming university town the capital of the Cape Winelands. The Stellenbosch wine route is the country's best known with over 100 cellars.
River Manor Country House and Spa
River Manor's two historical houses set on the picturesque Oak-lined "Avenue" across from the Eerste River, are a two minute stroll from the village center with its museums, street cafes, restaurants and galleries. The 16 spacious en-suite rooms, furnished within the theme of 'Colonial Charm with a touch of Africa' are stylishly decorated with antiques and combine old world charm with modern conveniences.
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