I love finding wines in places not known for viniculture but there is something magical about visiting a major wine region. Some people come to South Africa for Safari, I came for wine. Let’s talk about some of the major wine appellations not too far from Cape Town:
Constantia
This is the oldest wine growing region in South Africa. This area is best known for producing Klein-Constantia’s Vin de Constance, a world-class sweet wine. It is one of Napoléon Bonaparte favorites when he was in exile on St Helena. He ordered about 30 bottles a month to share.
Stellenbosch
South Africa’s second-oldest settlement after Cape Town and is probably the most recognizable of the many winegrowing areas within the Western Cape. The area is known for their red wine production such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz but excels at producing Bordeaux-style blends as well as South Africa’s very own variety – Pinotage. White wine production includes Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc which are usually blended together. It is home to names such as Meerlust, Kanonkop and Thelema.
Franschhoek
Not only is it known for wine but the town would also be a stay worthy area. It has cute shops top restaurants and most importantly: a hop-on-hop-off wine tram. The area has some vineyards at higher elevations which can produce flavorful white wines with noticeable acidity levels. Try lunch at Roca where you can have game meat such as antelope or ostrich.
Walker Bay
The vineyards that are within the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley have a cooler climate than most other South African wine regions which allows for good Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Some well-known estates are Hamilton Russell, Ataraxia and Crystallum.
If you come to Cape Town, make sure you visit a few wineries. You also must try a Pinotage (South African created crossbred between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut) or a Cap Classique sparkling wine.
More at vinoete.com!
Cheers, Salud, Cincin and Kanpai
Sharifa
Instagram: @Vino_e_te
