They are saying you’ll be able to’t come to Cape City and never make a journey to the Winelands, finest recognized for its, er, wines. It’s principally a vacationer ceremony of passage no matter whether or not you want wine or not. It’s straightforward to see why. You simply drive for an hour from the town and abruptly you’re in a winery, surrounded by scenic mountains.
However the Cape Winelands isn’t simply in regards to the wine. Okay, let’s be trustworthy, wine is a big a part of it, however there’s additionally a complete lot extra to see and revel in right here: from its oak-lined streets, beautiful Cape Dutch structure, and a few of the most charming little cities in South Africa.
Whether or not you’re in it for the wine tastings, cultural points of interest, or luxurious pampering — let’s dive into one of the best experiences that Stellenbosch and the Franschhoek Valley have to supply!
1. Wine Tasting
Wine tasting within the Cape Winelands is principally the grownup model of a sweet retailer go to, however classier and with extra swirling. Whether or not you’re a wine snob or simply right here for the images, you’ll discover even better appreciation for the vino right here. Many estates produce sure sorts of grapes, however most wine-tasting actions will assist you to strive a variety, from delicate whites to daring reds.
One in all these is Anthonij Rupert Wines. Positioned on the L’Ormarins farm, this property presents an unforgettable tasting expertise. Its roots might be traced again to 1694 when a lot of L’Omarins was transformed into vineyards. Nevertheless it was in 1969 that the Rupert household bought it, remodeling it into one in every of South Africa’s most recognizable wine producers.
At the moment, it’s recognized for its premium wines, together with their flagship Cape of Good Hope and Protea ranges.
Some wine-tasting periods embrace a stroll round vineyards and a tour of the amenities. However for many, together with the Anthonij Rupert Wines, it’s completely a tasting session. A minimum of, that’s what we booked. Once we arrived, we have been led to a room that we have been to discover whereas ready and got a welcome glass of wine. We spent some minutes admiring and inspecting the images on the wall, depicting the historical past of the property. I notably just like the window on the finish of the hallway the place I practiced saying, “Mmm, sure, I just like the notes of berry on this.” Simply kidding.
However critically, I’m not a sommelier however I’ll strive my finest to explain every wine as I tasted it
When the session began, we have been offered a menu, containing totally different flights of wines. Oh, for the uninitiated like us, within the wine world, a “flight” refers to a number of wine, normally offered in a row, for tasting. I had the Cape of Good Hope flight (ZAR 70), a four-piece composed of two reds and two whites:
- Altima Sauvignon Blanc (white), alleged to be dry however for some motive smelled and tasted candy to me. It’s very fruity, dominated by guava.
- Serruria Chardonnay (white), full-bodied, acidic, and really citrusy. Made my mouth water with one sip.
- Sneeuwkrans Pinot Noir (pink), tart with hints of sweetness, earthiness and bitterness that jogged my memory of espresso.
- Basson Pinotage (pink), this one’s very dry and had little aroma regardless of how a lot I swirled it within the glass. Nevertheless it did have a fruity end. I used to be advised I used to be alleged to detect plum, however what my uncultured tastebuds and untrained palate acquired was berries. And sure — anticipate it — I just like the notes of berries on this. (Sure, I lastly acquired to make use of what I practiced. Hahaha)
Vins, then again, had the Anthonij Rupert flight (ZAR 120), consisted of three reds from their flagship vary. And sure, I acquired to style them too as a result of I’m a grasping mother-eff like that.
- Anthonij Rupert Melot, full-bodied, 14.5% alcohol content material. Vins stated it tasted dry to him, however I don’t know what was unsuitable with me that morning (or usually), nevertheless it was type of candy to me. Not sweet-sweet, however there was a sweetness to it that jogged my memory of blackberries. Perhaps I’m mistaking fruitiness for sweetness.
- Anthonij Rupert Syrah, now this was dry for me. Nevertheless it had sturdy hints of spice and oak. We have been advised this was a particular bottle as a result of it was produced in 2019, in the course of the drought, so there have been solely a restricted variety of bottles produced that yr.
- Anthonij Rupert Optima, I didn’t get to style it. Perhaps Vins acquired uninterested in sharing his wines with me.
More often than not, wine tastings right here aren’t nearly sipping a couple of glasses inside lovely tasting rooms. Whereas inside the property, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards, making it the proper place to sit down again and revel in the fantastic thing about the Cape Winelands.
2. Franschhoek Motor Museum
For one thing a bit totally different, gearheads and historical past buffs alike ought to take a look at the Franschhoek Motor Museum. I can’t say I care a lot about automobiles or know so much about it, however even with my indifference and ignorance, I nonetheless really and totally loved gawking at these costly automobiles.
Devoted to showcasing over 100 years of automotive historical past, it has over 220 automobiles starting from antiques to trendy supercars. Whether or not you’re into old-school Rolls Royce or Ferrari or Volkswagen, this auto museum has all of it. However don’t anticipate to see them multi function go to. The gathering on show rotates each season, providing you with a unique set of automobiles each go to.
The museum is positioned on the identical L’Ormarins property as Anthonij Rupert Wines. The truth that it’s tucked away in wine nation simply provides to its attract.
Entrance Charge: ZAR 90
Advance reservation is required.
3. Boschendal Property
One other important cease is Boschendal Property, one in every of South Africa’s oldest farms, relationship again to 1685. This historic property presents a bit little bit of every thing —- wine, meals, outside actions, and historical past.
Boschendal is huge, with vineyards, orchards, and gardens. However one of many greatest attracts right here is Werf Restaurant, a farm-to-table gem that celebrates premium proteins — together with grass-fed black angus beef, pasture-raised lamb, and forest-reared duroc pork — and contemporary, seasonal produce grown proper by itself meals backyard. The meals is as a lot of an expertise because the wine, with dishes that spotlight native elements in inventive methods.
The primary to be served was the complimentary mosbolletjies, a uniquely South African bread. This was our first time stuffing our face with it, and we really loved it. Historically made by the Afrikaner group, these buns are flavored with mos (the Afrikaans phrase for “should”), which is the fermented grape juice leftover from winemaking. That fermented juice offers the bread its attribute mild, ethereal texture and a refined trace of sweetness. These buns have been a bit spiced with aniseed and served with a bit cup of butter.
The custom of mosbolletjies dates again to early Cape settlers, who’d bake these in the course of the grape harvest season. So actually, you can say they’re just like the love baby of bread and wine!
For starters, we had shaved smoked Duroc pork salad (ZAR 110). The pork had a very good ratio of fats and meat. It was served with grapefruit salsa and native burrata on the middle, after which sprinkled with crushed pistachios, rocket (arugula) and backyard herbs. It additionally had sourdough crisps on the facet.
Our information had lentil tabbouleh (ZAR 65), which was lentil salad tossed with pink onion, cucumber bits, chopped herbs, native olives, and olive oil.
For mains, Vins had free-range roasted rooster (ZAR 195), sitting atop a fondant potato drenched in a mustard and herb velouté and adorned with skinny slices of preserved lemons.
I had sticky beef quick rib (ZAR 180), which was gradual smoked and topped with grilled carrots, toasted onions, and orange zest. Some bites have been bordering on dry, nevertheless it was tender and the flavors have been on level.
For dessert, we had malva pudding (ZAR 85), which is one other beloved South African creation. It’s a tender, candy and sticky sponge cake that feels comforting as a heat hug. Werf’s model was actually moist and baked to perfection, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of crème anglaise to pour over the cake.
All these whilst you’re additionally taking in a calming view of the property.
4. Stellenbosch City Heart
Stellenbosch city itself is an enthralling mix of historical past and modernity. Strolling via the city middle, you’ll discover fantastically preserved Cape Dutch structure, artwork galleries, and occasional retailers that appear to ask you to linger a bit longer. The city’s oak-lined avenues are good for strolling, and you’ll simply spend hours wandering out and in of quaint boutiques and cafes. However Stellenbosch is extra than simply fairly streets—there’s historical past right here too.
Ensure that to go to the Stellenbosch Museum, a group of preserved buildings that showcase life within the city via the centuries. You’ll discover restored properties, a village blacksmith, and even a cooperage (a barrel-making workshop), providing you with a glimpse into the city’s colonial previous.
The Rupert Museum, devoted to South African artwork, is one other must-see in case you’re a fan of high-quality artwork.
And in case you’re a nature lover, Jan Marais Nature Reserve presents a peaceable escape proper in the course of city, with strolling trails that showcase the area’s distinctive flora.
5. Lanzerac Resort and Spa
In case your thought of an ideal getaway features a little indulgence, Lanzerac Resort and Spa has acquired you lined. This five-star property is the epitome of luxurious, providing visitors an opportunity to unwind within the lap of historic opulence. It’s positioned on one in every of Stellenbosch’s oldest wine estates, with roots relationship again to 1692.
Driving onto the property, I couldn’t assist however really feel like we’d wandered straight right into a film set. The very first thing that greeted us was a cinematic row of towering oak bushes, framed by majestic mountains, limitless vineyards, and Cape Dutch structure.
For those who’re on a day journey, you can drop by Lanzerac for wines or a meal. It has 4 on-site eating spots:
- Manor Kitchen
- Lanzerac Deli
- Taphuis
- Craven Lounge
We solely had the possibility to expertise the Manor Kitchen. For appetizers, I kicked issues off with crispy pork stomach and king oyster scallops, accompanied by an apple-celeriac puree and spiced mushroom juice (ZAR 160). I paired it with Lanzerac’s Pinotage Rosé 2023, made solely from Pinotage grapes. Undecided it was the proper pairing, however I wished one thing fragrant to steadiness out the savory flavors of my starter.
In the meantime, Vins went for the crayfish cacio e pepe (ZAR 325) with chive linguine and thermidor sauce, a deliciously wealthy seafood-and-cheese combo, brightened up by a sprinkle of pink peppercorns. I had a style and might verify it was superb! He paired his dish with a fruity 2023 Lanzerac Sauvignon Blanc, which introduced a crisp distinction to the ocean-y flavors.
For mains, I opted for the lamb duo, a stomach and cutlet combo (ZAR 310), which was so tender. It got here with artichoke, potato gratin, and a lemon onion soubise. A smoky 2021 Pinotage, aged for 16 months in French oak, was the proper companion, with its spiciness enjoying properly with the lamb.
Vins had the smoked fillet mignon (ZAR 290), served with sweetbreads, roasted heirloom carrots, and garlic potato purée. His steak was completely medium uncommon, with the sunshine seasoning complementing the plum and berry notes in his Merlot.
However the true spotlight of Lanzerac is its world-class spa. Set amidst the vineyards, the spa presents a spread of remedies like wine-themed therapies, steam rooms, saunas, and a heated indoor pool. Sadly, our packed schedule saved us from making an attempt this one out.
Let’s not neglect that Lanzerac has a resort. Though Stellenbosch might be explored on a day tour, if you wish to indulge a bit, you can spend an evening right here, too! Lanzerac has a status for distinctive service, combining basic class with trendy facilities, and we noticed that in our keep. The room assigned to us was spacious and elegantly styled with vintage furnishings and plush linens that make you are feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time with out sacrificing consolation.
Whether or not you’re into wine, historical past, automobiles, or simply in search of a little bit of R&R, the Cape Winelands has one thing for everybody. It’s a vacation spot that gives extra than simply breathtaking landscapes. It’s a spot to immerse your self in South Africa’s wealthy tradition, scrumptious delicacies, and world-class wines. And with that, I say: Cheers to that!
Exploring Cape City and Cape Winelands
Our keep in Cape City was a mixture of DIY and collab with Constellation Travels. This a part of our journey was made potential by them.
To be clear, Cape City can completely be explored by yourself. If that’s your journey type and/or you have got a restricted funds, that may very well be a terrific choice.
However for us Filipinos, South Africa appears like a once-in-a-lifetime journey—and in case you’re there to relax and revel in with out the fuss, then reserving a tour package deal is the best way to go. It has some strong perks!
Constellation Travels, one of many Philippines’ most established journey businesses, has been serving to Filipinos uncover the world since 1970. They provide a spread of South Africa packages, from group excursions to customized itineraries, so you’ll be able to skip the effort of planning and concentrate on one of the best half: having fun with your trip.
Exploring a brand new nation generally is a bit daunting, particularly in case your schedule is tight. For those who’d somewhat loosen up than type via logistics, Constellation has you lined. They’ll deal with your visas, flights, and lodging and provide 24/7 help, so that you’re all the time taken care of.
Get in contact with Constellation Travels via these contact numbers and e mail handle, or go to their official web site at www.constellationtravels.com.ph.
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