By Abigail Cattell
Couples and families are flocking to South Africa to enjoy the wildlife, enviable weather, spectacular scenery and endless coastlines. But did you know it’s also one of the world’s top wine producers? So whether you’re a serious wine buff or simply a curious quaffer, why not discover the famous Cape Winelands, just half an hour from Cape Town?
Best for...all round family fun
Kids and adults alike will love The Spier a luxurious eco-resort surrounded by a 1,000-hectare wine estate. It’s got the usual swimming pool, spa and nearby 18-hole golf course. But within the resort grounds is the Cheetah Outreach Centre, where you can meet hand-raised cheetahs, and a bird of prey rescue centre where you can stroke a fluffy owl and see thrilling falconry displays. As for the wine tasting, it’s a relaxed experience - ideal for those who want to quaff a few delicious vintages and take home a bit of wine knowledge to impress their friends.
Best for...lovers of complete luxury
The Lanzerac Manor and Winery is a sumptuous five-star hotel set in a 300-year-old, traditional, Cape Dutch country estate. Temperatures are pleasant all year round with an average of 12 hours of sunshine every day, even in winter - perfect for enjoying the hotel’s five swimming pools. The spa takes advantage of the surrounding vineyards, with grape extracts included in the spa treatments. Or you can sample the grapes in a more traditional form, with a fine array of excellent, home-grown vintages to accompany the food in the three restaurants.
Best for...wannabee wine buffs
Closer to the Winelands’ gourmet capital, Franschhoek, is the boutique hotel Mont Rochelle. Wine lovers will be in 7th heaven with the viticultural delights here - which are exclusively on offer to hotel guests. These include a private wine tasting session, a cellar tour with the wine maker, or an excursion through the vineyard with the farm manager. Courtesy of the Mont Rochelle Equestrian Centre, you can even try a three-hour wine tasting tour on horseback! The swimming pool and spa are great places to recover if you’ve opted to swallow, not spit during the tastings.
Best for...freewheeling romantics
Le Franschhoek Hotel has romance stamped all over it - from its opulent cream and white rooms, to its lavish Camelot Spa and breathtaking Winelands' views. You’ll love the intimate feel of the Orchard Restaurant where you can dine in an individual glasshouse – perfect for whispering sweet nothings to one another. Among the more unusual activities on offer here is an indulgent chocolate tasting experience, and if you'd like to sample a few vintages you can do an afternoon cycle ride to a nearby wine estate. Just make sure you're not too wobbly for the pedal home!
Best for...fans of food
It's fitting that luxury, boutique property Le Quartier Francais, should be in South Africa’s self- proclaimed gourmet capital, Franschhoek. Its Tasting Room restaurant has been voted one of the world’s Top 50 Restaurants for the last 4 years by The Restaurant magazine. You can choose from a 4, 6, or 8-course tasting menu, featuring delicacies such as scallops and foie gras, as well as local dishes like biltong and kudu. The menu is accompanied by specially selected local vintages – surely the perfect way to taste the region’s wines?
If a trip to South Africa and the Cape Winelands sounds like the perfect holiday for you, check out the latest great deals to South Africa.
Abigail Cattell is a freelance travel journalist who has written for Wanderlust, The Guardian, ASOS Magazine and TTG Luxury.