They are saying you possibly can’t come to Cape City and never make a journey to the Winelands, finest recognized for its, er, wines. It’s mainly a vacationer ceremony of passage no matter whether or not you want wine or not. It’s simple 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 large a part of it, however there’s additionally an entire lot extra to see and luxuriate in right here: from its oak-lined streets, beautiful Cape Dutch structure, and among the most charming little cities in South Africa.
Whether or not you’re in it for the wine tastings, cultural sights, or luxurious pampering — let’s dive into the very best experiences that Stellenbosch and the Franschhoek Valley have to supply!
1. Wine Tasting
Wine tasting within the Cape Winelands is mainly 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 pictures, you’ll discover even higher appreciation for the vino right here. Many estates produce a sure sorts of grapes, however most wine-tasting actions will can help you attempt a variety, from delicate whites to daring reds.
One in every of these is Anthonij Rupert Wines. Situated on the L’Ormarins farm, this property is only a quick drive from Stellenbosch and provides an unforgettable tasting expertise. Its roots could be traced again to the 1694 when a lot of L’Omarins was transformed into vineyards. But it surely was in 1969 that the Rupert household bought it, remodeling it into certainly one of South Africa’s most recognizable wine producers.
At present, it’s recognized for its premium wines, together with their flagship Cape of Good Hope and Protea ranges.
Some wine-tasting classes embody a stroll round vineyards and a tour of the services. However for many, together with the Anthonij Rupert Wines, it’s solely a tasting session. At the very least, that’s what we booked. After 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 significantly, I’m not a sommelier however I’ll attempt 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 choice 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 purpose 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 (crimson), tart with hints of sweetness, earthiness and bitterness that jogged my memory of espresso.
- Basson Pinotage (crimson), this one’s very dry and had little aroma regardless of how a lot I swirled it within the glass. But it surely did have a fruity end. I used to be informed I used to be alleged to detect plum, however what my uncultured tastebuds and untrained palate obtained was berries. And sure — await it — I just like the notes of berries on this. (Sure, I lastly obtained 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 obtained 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 mentioned it tasted dry to him, however I don’t know what was mistaken with me that morning (or typically), nevertheless it was kind of candy to me. Not sweet-sweet, however there’s a sweetness to it that jogged my memory of blackberries. Possibly I’m mistaking fruitiness for sweetness.
- Anthonij Rupert Syrah, now this was dry for me. But it surely had robust hints of spice and oak. We have been informed this was a particular bottle as a result of it was produced in 2019, throughout the drought, so there have been solely a restricted variety of bottles produced that 12 months.
- Anthonij Rupert Optima, I didn’t get to style it. Possibly Vins obtained bored with sharing his wines with me.
More often than not, wine tastings right here aren’t nearly sipping just a few glasses inside lovely tasting rooms. Whereas throughout the property, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards, making it the proper place to sit down again and luxuriate 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 try the Franschhoek Motor Museum. I can’t say I care a lot about automobiles or know loads 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 Royces or Ferrari or Volkswagen, this auto museum has all of it. However don’t count on to see them multi functional go to. The gathering on show rotates each season, supplying you with a special 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 Price: ZAR 90
Advance reservation is required.
3. Boschendal Property
One other important cease is Boschendal Property, certainly one of South Africa’s oldest farms, relationship again to 1685. This historic property provides just a little little bit of every little thing —- wine, meals, out of doors actions, and historical past.
Boschendal is huge, with vineyards, orchards, and gardens. However one of many largest 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 components in artistic 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 neighborhood, 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 delicate trace of sweetness. These buns have been a bit spiced with aniseed and served with just a little cup of butter.
The custom of mosbolletjies dates again to early Cape settlers, who’d bake these throughout the grape harvest season. So actually, you possibly can say they’re just like the love youngster of bread and wine!
For starters, we had shaved smoked Duroc pork salad (ZAR 110). The pork had a superb 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 crimson onion, cucumber bits, chopped herbs, native olives, and olive oil.
For mains, Vins had free-range roasted hen (ZAR 195), sitting atop a fondant potato drenched in a mustard and herb velouté with potato fondant 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 comfortable, 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 when you’re additionally taking in a soothing view of the property.
4. Stellenbosch City Middle
Stellenbosch city itself is an enthralling mix of historical past and modernity. Strolling by way of the city middle, you’ll discover superbly preserved Cape Dutch structure, artwork galleries, and low retailers that appear to ask you to linger just a little longer. The city’s oak-lined avenues are excellent 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.
Be certain that to go to the Stellenbosch Museum, a set of preserved buildings that showcase life within the city by way of the centuries. You’ll discover restored houses, a village blacksmith, and even a cooperage (a barrel-making workshop), supplying you with a glimpse into the city’s colonial previous.
The Rupert Museum, devoted to South African artwork, is one other must-see for those who’re a fan of fantastic artwork.
And for those who’re a nature lover, Jan Marais Nature Reserve provides a peaceable escape proper in the course of city, with strolling trails that showcase the area’s distinctive flora.
5. Lanzerac Lodge and Spa
In case your concept of an ideal getaway features a little indulgence, Lanzerac Lodge and Spa has obtained you lined. This five-star property is the epitome of luxurious, providing company an opportunity to unwind within the lap of historic opulence. It’s positioned on certainly one 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, countless vineyards, and Cape Dutch structure.
In the event you’re on a day journey, you possibly 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 totally from Pinotage grapes. Unsure it was the proper pairing, however I needed one thing fragrant to stability 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 actual spotlight of Lanzerac is its world-class spa. Set amidst the vineyards, the spa provides a spread of therapies 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 lodge. Though Stellenbosch could be explored on a day tour, if you wish to indulge just a little, you possibly can spend an evening right here, too! Lanzerac has a fame 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 searching for 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 doable by them.
To be clear, Cape City can completely be explored by yourself. If that’s your journey model and/or you may have a restricted funds, that might be an important choice.
However for us Filipinos, South Africa looks like a once-in-a-lifetime journey—and for those who’re there to chill and luxuriate in with out the fuss, then reserving a tour package deal is the way in which 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 possibly can skip the effort of planning and give attention to the very best half: having fun with your trip.
Exploring a brand new nation is usually a bit daunting, particularly in case your schedule is tight. In the event you’d somewhat loosen up than type by way of logistics, Constellation has you lined. They’ll deal with your visas, flights, and lodging and supply 24/7 assist, so that you’re all the time taken care of.
Get in contact with Constellation Travels by way of these contact numbers and e mail tackle, or go to their official web site at www.constellationtravels.com.ph.
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