The Grapes of the Cape…

It’s apparent, and has been acknowledged over the decades, that the Western Cape is one of the most prized destinations in the world for its grapes. To the discerning palates of a wine connoisseur, the vintages supersede most expectations, year after year, harvest upon harvest. Lauded for its diverse terrain, magnificent vistas, and notably soils – yielding the finest fruit from the vines – Cape Town and the surrounding wine regions have an esteemed reputation for producing world-class, award-winning wines, that are served in some of the most spectacularly scenic spots. From mountain tops, to valley slopes, ocean lookouts and river banks, the Western Cape pairs its wines with the breathtaking nature that surrounds. According to the acclaimed aficionados around the wine-making world, South Africa has built an impressive portfolio of homegrown winemakers, all passionately producing an authentic fusion of wine that bears tones of proficiency, with a hint of heritage, and an abundance of robust flavours. 

It goes without saying that a visit to the Cape should include an adventure in the winelands. The journey alone will be one of the highlights of your trip. Sampling some of the finest wines in the world, pairing them with the most luxurious dishes that leave an indelible mark on your holiday. We love nothing more than sharing all that this unique place has to offer, especially when it comes to the sublime indulgence of tasting and feasting. We’ve collated a list of some of the most distinguished wine farms, set in the beautiful countryside of the Cape. From the perfect Pinotage to a classical Shiraz. A smooth, sophisticated chardonnay to a fizzy, crisp Méthod Cap Classique. We’re tantalising those taste buds and imploring you to head out and sample the splendour of the Cape’s grapes. Whether you’re exploring the city’s suburban vines or driving through the mountainous countryside, there’s an abundance of fine wine to taste.

Here is our pick of the vines, just a swift, scenic drive away from Labotessa.…

• Groot Constantia – Crafting wines since 1685, this beautiful estate in the Constantia wine region is the oldest working winery in the country.
• Beau Constantia – A boutique winery situated at the top of Constantia Nek, overlooking the neighbouring vineyards and all the way out to the shores of False Bay.
• Eagles’ Nest – With its unique terroir within the Constantia valley, and its east, west and north facing slopes, Eagles’ Nest is the steepest commercially-farmed land in the Cape region, producing world-class red wines.
• Steenberg – Dating back to 1682, Steenberg is steeped in history and boasts some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc in the country. 
• Cape Point Vineyards – Set against the slopes of the mountain and looking all the way out to sea, this family-owned estate, harnesses its unique terroir to produce a complex collection of young vintages.
• Babylonstoren – There’s something about Babylonstoren that’s ancient and yet equally contemporary. A place where the grapes, the gardens, the feasting tables, the mountains, the chickens and the donkeys all evoke a sense of prosperity. 
• Vergelegen – Meandering an estate of ancient oaks, rivers, gardens, galleries and farmland, on a homestead that dates back more than 300 years, this estate harnesses its history with grace.
• Waterford Estate – Situated in the Blaauwklippen Valley on the rolling slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, this Stellenbosch estate produces some truly distinguished wines.
• Boekenhoutskloof Winery – One of the oldest wineries in the Franschhoek valley, this estate invites you to sip from carafes of chocolate block, by appointment only.
• La Motte – It’s the food, the historical charm, the old farm shop, the museum, the views and the walks that come with the wine. 
• Creation Wines – The Walker Bay wine region has some of the best grapes with its unique terroir. Creation’s vines climb the steep hills of the beautiful Babylon Toren Mountain, in the stunning Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
• Hamilton Russell – A Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specialist, this Hemel-en-Aarde estate sits on the slopes of the valley, grappling the Atlantic air that drifts over the hills from what was once an old fishing village called HermanusPietersfontein. The Postal Service shortened it to Hermanus in 1902.
• Newton Johnson – The sloped vineyards of Newton Johnson make for a stunning setting in the valley from which to sample the finest Pinot Noir.

There are, of course, an abundance of wine farms for you to discover. We are spoilt for choice in the majestic Cape. These are just a taster, a starting point from which you can pivot, as you enjoy the great wines this wonderful region has to offer.