As Real Africa have recently introduced a new hotel in Stellenbosch, the Hawksmoor House Hotel, I thought I would take a closer look at Stellenbosch and the other towns that make up the South African Cape Winelands; Franschhoek , Swellendam and Paarl. The fact is there is so much to see and do in each area that a separate blog post is required for each one! So we started with an overview of the area and will look in closer detail at the towns over the next few weeks.
This area is scenically very beautiful with quaint whitewashed Dutch colonial architecture, rolling hills, verdant fields and a mild, sunny climate. It is easily accessible from Cape Town and the airport making it the perfect place to stay if you are looking for peace and quiet. It is close enough to Cape Town being a 30 minute drive from Stellenbosch that you can visit all the highlights such as Table Mountain or the Victoria and Albert Waterfront but still end up at back at your hotel in the peaceful countryside at the end of a long day sightseeing. It is a popular stop on many self drive tours and fits in nicely between the Garden Route and Cape Town on many itineraries.
The area is most famous of course for its vineyards and its world beating South African wines in particular its white and rose wines. Many of the vineyards offer accommodation as well as wine tours and tasting and they make excellent places to stay. Many are based in beautiful white washed Dutch colonial houses with glorious gardens and several are famed for their fantastic restaurants – just the place to wash down great food with wonderful wine grown just outside the window. In fact the Cape Winelands area is known as the culinary capital of South Africa; as well as wine the area produces lots of locally produced cheeses, olives and they export quality fruit and organic produce from Bonnievale and Ceres. Many of the wine estates also offer picnics prepared by top chefs which elevate the experience to a fine dining in the middle of a beautiful private garden.
Other than food and drink there is plenty to do in the area. It is an artist and photographer’s paradise with stunning scenery and a beautiful clear light. You can even explore the Winelands from a hot air balloon or a helicopter if you want to capture a birds-eye view. The Cape Winelands also boasts world-class golf courses and endless kilometres of cycling, walking and hiking routes for those of a more active mind or those just trying to work off all that fabulous food and wine!
The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley with all of its picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and its 300 year history. The town’s Huguenot Street provides a wonderful central point from which to explore – from the historic railway station which was built in 1915 at one end of the village to the fascinating and informative Huguenot Museum at the other, and all manner of shopping and dining experiences in between. Fine examples of early Cape architecture can be found along Huguenot Street and quaint homes are found in town with blossoming roses, colourful flower gardens and sweet smelling lavender hedges. The other towns are very similar in atmosphere and looks with Stellenbosch and its tree lined streets also very attractive for some leisurely strolling.
