Wine and Wine Routes South Africa

The British are becoming more knowledgeable about both South African white wines, with their fresh fruity elegance and the reds, full-bodied with a distinct bouquet. White wines lead the market. Popular grapes are Chenin Blanc, Cape Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Leading red varieties are Cinsaut, Pinotage, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and at the top of the league, Cabernet Sauvignon, which merits being laid down for at least 10 years.

"The natural habitat in the Cape is more than favourable," observed wine buff Hugh Johnson, a fact known to all South African wine farmers. The winter rainfall and Mediterranean climate of the Cape, together with its rich, fertile top and sub-soils, ensure the growth of strong and healthy vines - ideal conditions found nowhere else in the world.

Jan van Riebeeck, the first Commander of the Cape, recognised the remarkable potential of viticulture shortly after establishing a shipping supply base at Table Bay in 1652, badgering his superiors at the Dutch East India Company to supply him with vine cuttings from Spain, France and Germany. His persistence paid off - less than seven years after he had arrived he was able to write in his diary on February 2, 1659: "Today, so praise be to God, wine was pressed from Cape grapes for the first time."

 He mentions nothing about the quality of the wine. Since he and his fellow settlers had little prior knowledge about wine making, one can speculate that the first vintages may have been disappointing. If so, the Cape's wine drinkers would have noticed a distinct improvement following the installation of his successor as Commander, Simon van der Stel, who arrived in the Cape in 1679. Van der Stel explored a long verdant valley east of the present-day Cape Town, decided that its rich soil was perfect for viticulture and established the Stellenbosch vineyards, today one of the cornerstones of South Africa's wine production. Indeed, so keen was van der Stel on wine, that he set up his own estate, Groot Contantia, which tourists can still visit today. So van der Stel laid the first foundations of South Africa's important wine trade.

A further contribution to South Africa's wine industry resulted in the expulsion from France of the Huguenot Protestants, who emigrated to South Africa. Many of these experienced wine producers settled in an area subsequently named Franschhhoek (French Corner), which also became an important wine growing region.

During the 18th century the Cape's wine industry flourished as the Napoleonic Wars cut off the supply of French wines to Britain and South African vintages were imported instead. By 1822 - with the Cape now under British rule - wine exports exceeded all other exports from the Cape, saving the colony from bankruptcy.

In 1886 however, South Africa's wine growers were faced with ruin when the disease phylloxera found its way into the vineyards. However, by using American vine cuttings, the estates' vines recovered. In fact, by 1918, they were producing a large surplus, which forced down prices. As a result, the Co-operative Winegrowers Association of South Africa (KWV), was formed. Its main objective was to direct, control and regulate the sale and disposal of the wine produced by its members. Today, such controls and regulations are no longer required. Yet more than 5,000 wine makers are still shareholders in the organisation and over half of the wine sold in the UK is of KWV origin.

A popular way of discovering the joys of South African wines is on a day trip from Cape Town - either self-drive or on an organised excursion by a local travel organiser. Devotees of the grape however can spend several days - weeks if they wish - finding out about the subtle differences between the various types, there are so many estates to visit. In all, there are 13 wine routes to explore - and 2,000 varieties of wine to sample!

The simplest way of enjoying the wines is with a generously portioned South African meal. A Cape lobster complimented by a dry white wine or a tender steak accompanied by a full-bodied red, are experiences in themselves. In addition to savouring the vintages, tourists can enjoy the idyllic countryside, - with its rugged, blue-tinged mountains, admire the architecture of the Cape Dutch homes, soak up the sunshine and simply fall in love with the bewitching charm of the Cape.

• Stellenbosch
  Only 35 minutes away from Cape Town lies the second oldest city of South Africa. Commander van der Stel already recognised in 1679 the fertility of this long valley located at the Eerste River, and decided not only to establish a city but also a wine growing region.
  
  Stellenbosch is regarded as the wine capital of South Africa, with its 23 private wine estates and 5 corporations. More than 280 wines can be tasted on the wine estates – accompanied at some of them by cheese savouries. Stellenbosch opened the first Wine Route of the Cape in 1971, inspired by the French Route du Vin and the German Wine Routes.
  Stellenbosch Tourist Information: Tel:021/883 3584/9633, Fax: 021/883 8017, Stellenbosch Wine Route: 021/886 4310, Fax: 021/ 886 4330.
  
• Blaawklippen
  Blaawklippen was established during Stellenbosch’s founding 300 years back. White, red, port and sparkling wine are produced 3,9 km outside the wine town. The wine estate has often received awards for its Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  
  Wine Tasting and Sales: Mo.- Fr.: 09h00 - 17h00 and Sa.: 09h00 - 13h00
  Cellar Tour: Mo.- Fr.: 11h00 and 15h00 and upon request during high season (1 December until 31 January). Group excursions can be arranged.
  Lunch: Mon.- Sat: 12h00 - 14h00, (from Oct. to April).
  Tel:021/880 0133, Fax: 021/880 0136.
  
• Kanonkop
  Small, but great: according to the experts Kanonkop produces the best Pinotage (a cross between Pinot Noir and Hermitage). Their red wine has been awarded prices more than once - the Kanonkop Pinotage was recognised as the "Wine of the Year" in 1991. The wine farm with its fruity, full-bodied high-quality products is only 9 km away from Stellenbosch.
  
  Wine Tasting and Sales: Mon. - Fri: 08h30 & 13h30 - 16h30, Sat:10h00 - 13h00
  Cellar Tours: by appointment. Tel: 021/884 4656
  
• Neethlingshof
  Since Hans Schreiber purchased the historic Wine farm with its 273 hectares in 1989, Neethlingshof has become famous as the most modern wine producer in South Africa. With his wine maker Günter Brözel at his side, Schreiber was awarded the most sought after distinction, that of South Africa’s greatest farm. 3,7 km outside Stellenbosch 16 different grape varieties are cultivated, for instance, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc amongst the white, and Cabernet, Pinotage and Pinot Noir amongst the red.
  
  Wine Tasting and Sales: Mo. - Fr.: 09h00 - 17h00 Sa./So.: 10h00 - 16h00.
  The Lord Neethling Restaurant offers chinese meals. Tu. - So.: 12h00 - 14h30. Buffet lunch: So.: 12h00 - 14h30 , Dinner: 19h00 - 22h30
  Palm Terrace has convention facilities and can cater for 75 people in a wine cellar; Tel:021/883 8988, Fax: 021/883 8941.
  
• Spier
  South Africa’s oldest wine farm was founded in 1692. Only a 25-minute drive from Cape Town and 5 minutes from Stellenbosch, the visitor may expect a truly cultural experience. The newly renovated and expanded complex features a 1 000 seater open-air amphitheatre which regularly offers classical and jazz concerts, a conference centre - The Spier Wine Centre, where Cape Wines and international wines can be tasted and purchased. The three restaurants offer culinary specialities. The Spier Cafe offers lunch, tea and cake, the Taphuis serves solid pub meals and the Jonkershuis specializes in authentic Cape Cuisine and gourmet style. Picnic lovers may select their own picnic basket from the various delicious home-made delicacies, on offer at the farm stall - and then to be enjoyed along the river.
  
  Wine Tasting: Mo. - Fr.: 9h00 - 17h30 , Sa./So. 10h00 - 16h00.
  Sales: Daily from 9h00 to 17h00.
  Lunch: Mo. - So.: 12h00 - 14h30 ,
  Dinner. Tel: 021/881 3096, Fax: 021/881 3087
  
  
  Recommended Restaurants
  Restaurant Doornbosch, Old Strand road, Stellenbosch,
  Tel: 021/886 6163, Fax: 021/887 5079
  
  Die Volkskombuis, Old Strand road, Stellenbosch,
  Tel: 021/887 2121, Fax: 021/883 3413
  
• Paarl
  Situated a little further from the cooling ocean than Stellenbosch, in the picturesque Berg River Valley is the wine growing area of Paarl . Climatically less influenced by the mountain ranges in the west, this area is dependant on irrigation. Long hot summers and moist winters are almost ideal for vine growing. Its Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling have received international awards along with its red ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot. This wine farm is regarded as the “cornerstone of Afrikaans”. A visit to the Language Monument erected at the edge of the town, is as popular as a visit to Paarl’s largest wine festival - The Nederburg Auction - which is held at the end of summer and regarded as a must on the international wine calendar. Paarl’s wine route is the country’s second oldest and includes 14 cellars.
  
  Paarl wine route: Tel: 021/872 3605, Paarl Publicity Association: Tel: 021/872 4842 or 872 3829.
  
• Nederburg
  Situated in an idyllic setting, Nederburg offers South Africa’s largest range of quality and award -winning wines. The famous Nederberg Auction is an annual event held on this estate. It produces a wide variety of white and red wines as well as sparkling wines.
  
  Wine Tasting and Sales: Mo.- Fr.: 8h30 - 17h00, Sa.: (Nov - Feb) 9h00 - 13h00.
  Cellar Tours: by appointment.
  Picnic lunches: Nov - Feb (advance reservation)
  Tel: 021/862 3104, Fax: 021/862 4887.
  
• Laborie
  The mighty KWV co-operative with its Paarl headquarters offers a wide selection of wines at the distinctive Laborie Estate and Laborie Restaurant. KWV wines may be tasted here and in turn ordered back in Europe after your return. KWV wines are for export only and not sold in South Africa. The historic building was converted into the Laborie Culinary Temple which offers a la carte as well as traditional dishes.
  
  The Laborie Restaurant: Lunch: Mo. - Su.: 12h30 - 14h00 ,
  Dinner: Tu. - Sa. : 19h30 - 21h15 ,
  Tel: 021/807 3094, Fax: 021/863 1955
  KWV: Tel: 021/807 3008, Fax: 021/863 1942
  
• Rhebokskloof
  Situated on the border to the Paarl Nature Reserve, this historic farm has a new image since its change of ownership. White, red wines and sparkling wines are produced in this stimulating environment. Three restaurants are available. A tour of the wine lands can be done by four wheel drive.
  
  Wine Tasting: Mo. - Fr. 9h00 - 17h30 , Sa./So. 10h00 - 16h00,
  Sales: Daily from 9h00 to 17h00.,
  Lunch: Mo. - Su.: 12h00 - 14h30,
  Dinner: We./Fr./Sa. 19h00 - 24h00,
  Tel: 021/863 8386, Fax: 021/863 8504
  
• Constantia
  South Africa’s oldest, yet shortest and smallest wine route is the producer of extraordinary quality. Favoured by the cool breezes of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean the ripening process of the grape achieves the very best results, an advantage for all wine makers wishing to produce noble wines. During the founder years under Simon van der Stel, Constantia was one large wine farm. After his death the area was divided into three estates: Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting. Only a twenty minute drive from Cape Town will put you on the beginning of the Cape wine routes.
  
• Groot Constantia
  Simon van der Stel selected this farm to build his home on. With cool breezes, regular rainfall, fertile soil, Groot Constantia proved to be a blessed part of nature.Large numbers of visitors from all over the world are attracted by its historic ambience, restored main building and formidable cellar.
  
  Wine Tasting: Daily 10h00 - 16h00,
  Wine Sales: Daily 10h00 - 17h00,
  Cellar Tour: (Nov - June) hourly 10h00 - 17h00. (Jul - Oct, 11h00 & 15h00); Tel: 021/794 5128 Fax: 021/794 1999
  
• Klein Constantia
  This tastefully restored estate has won various awards during recent years. Red and white wines are under strictest quality controls.
  
  Wine Tasting and Sales: Mo. - Fr.: 9h00 - 17h00, Sa.: 9h00 - 13h00,
  Cellar Tour: During tasting and by appointment,
  Tel: 021/ 794 5188, Fax: 021/794 2464
  
• Buitenverwachten
  As the name Buitenverwachten means "above expectation"- the owners concentrate on top quality products - which have resulted in regular awards from abroad.
  
  Wine Tasting and Sales: Mo. - Fr.: 9h00 - 17h00, Sa.: 9h00 - 13h00,
  Cellar Tour: Mo. - Sa.: 11h00 and 15h00.
  The Nouvelle Cuisine Restaurant is regarded as one of the best in the country. Lunch: Tu. - Fr.: 12h30 - 14h30,
  Dinner: Tu. - Sa. 19h30 - 21h00,
  Tel: 021/794 5190, Fax: 021/794 1351.
  
• Franschhoek
  After being persecuted by their own people, some of the French Huguenots settled in a valley (Hoek = corner) near the Drakenstein Mountains. This was the ideal location for the French wine experts, as the valley offered not only tranquil and beautiful scenery, but was ideally suitable for vine cultivation. In 1984 this area became even more renowned, after the opening of the Franschoek Wine Route (officially called “Vignerons de Franschhoek”). Cultivars planted are Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.
  
  The historic Huguenot Monument which depicts the European expulsion of the Protestant Huguenots by the Catholics is the major tourist attraction of the area. Franschhoek has 14 wine producers and is only an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Franschhoek Tourist Association: Tel/fax.: 021/876 3603
  
• Boschendal
  Boschendal is owned by South Africa’s mine industrialist, Anglo American, who changed the ambience of the farm into one of the finest complexes of its kind in the area. Boschendal processes elegant, tantalising white and full-bodied red wines, as well as sparkling wines.
  
  Wine Tasting and Sales: Mo.- Fr.: 08h30 - 16h30, Sa. 8h30 - 12h30,
  Wine tours: Mon. - Fri: 11h00 and 15h00. Sat: 11h00
  Boschendal boasts an excellent restaurant as well as offering picnic lunches. The meticulously restored Manor House, which reflects a period of transition, is a museum really worth visiting. Tel: 021/874 1031, Fax: 021/874 1864.
  
• Bellingham
  Bellingham introduced the Premier Grand Crû: this characteristically bone-dry white wine was designed for wine buffs, it became very popular on the market and made the name of Bellingham. The farm produces white, red and sparkling wines and is only a 16 kilometre’s drive from Paarl.
  Tip: Wine tasting is free of charge.
  
  Wine Tasting and Sales: Mo. - Fr.: 8h30 - 16h30. Sat. 10.00 - 12.30 (Dec-Apr); Tel: 021/874 1011, Fax: 021/874 1712.
  
  
  Restaurant Recommendations
  La Petit Ferme,
  Franschhoek Mountain Pass, Franschhoek; Tel: 021/876 3016, Fax: 021/876 3624
  
  Le Quartier Francais
  Hugenot Road, Franschhoek; Tel: 021/876 2151
  
  
  Country Hotels in the Winelands
  Alphen Hotel
  P. O. Box 35, Constantia 7848; Tel: 021/794 5011, Fax: 021/794 5710
  
  Auberge Rozendal
  P.O. Box 160, Stellenbosch 7599 Tel: 021/887 6854, Fax:021/883 8738
  
  Bonne Esperance
  17 van Riebeeck Str., Stellenbosch 7600, tel.: 021/887 0225/6, Fax: 021/887 8328.
  
  Constantia Uitsig Farm
  P.O. Box 32, Constantia 7848; Tel: 021/794 6500, Fax: 021/794 7605
  
  Dorphius Country House
  P.O. Box 999, Stellenbosch 7600; Tel: 021/883 9881, Fax: 021/883 9884
  
  Die Ouwe Werf
  30 Church Street, Stellenbosch 7600; Tel: 021/887 1608, Fax: 021/887 4626
  
  Die Ou Pastorie Guest House
  41 Lourens Str., Somerset West 7130; Tel: 021/852 2120, Fax: 021/851 3710
  
  Erinvale Estate Hotel and Golf Club
  Somerset West 7130; Tel: 021/847 1160, Fax: 021/847 1169
  
  Fynbos Guest House
  14 Neethling Street, Stellenbosch 7599; Tel: 021/883 8670, Fax: 021/883 8479
  
  Goedemoed Country Inn
  P.O. Box 331, Paarl 7620; Tel: 021/ 871 1020, fax 021/872 5430
  
  Grande Roche Hotel
  P.O. Box 6038, Paarl 7620; Tel: 021/ 863 2727, Fax: 021/ 863 2220
  
  Lanzerac Hotel
  P.O. Box 4, Stellenbosch 7599; Tel: 021/887 1132, Fax: 021/887 2310
  
  L'Auberge Du Quartier Francais
  P.O. Box 237, Franschhoek 7690; Tel: 021/876 2151, fax 021/876 3105
  
  Lebensart Guest House
  19 Alphen Drive, Constantia 7800 Tel: 021/794 1013 Fax: 021/794 101,
  
  Mountain Shadows
  P.O. Box 2501, Paarl, 7620; Tel 021/862 3192, Fax: 021/862 6796
  
  Roggeland
  P.O. Box 7210, Noorder Paarl 7623; Tel: 021/868 2501, fax.: 021/ 868 2113
  
  Rusthof
  P.O. Box 188, Franschoek 7690; Tel: 021/876 3762, Fax: 021/876 3682
  
  Stellenbosch Hotel
  162 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch 7600; Tel: 021/887 3644, Fax: 021/887 3673
  
  The Cellars Country House
  P.O. Box 270, Constantia 7848; Tel: 021/794 2137, fax 021/794 2149
  
  Wedge Farm
  P.O. Box 3219, Matieland 7602; Tel/Fax: 021/883 2826
  
  Zevenwacht Country Inn
  P.O. Box 387, Kuils River 7580; Tel: 021/906 1560, Fax: 021/906 1570
  
  Zomerlust Guest House
  193 Main Road, Paarl 7646; Tel: 021/872 2117, Fax: 021/872 8312

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