..tucked away from the bustling metropolis of Cape Town, but right on its doorstep, the Cape Winelands is a rural enchantment of quaint towns, dramatic mountains and rolling vineyards - your alternative scenic route to Knysna and beyond...

The winter rainfall and Mediterranean climate of the south-western Cape produces some of the finest wines in the country. Breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear rivers and fresh mountain air, make the Cape Winelands, not only the largest wine producing region in Southern Africa, but far and away one of the most beautiful and intriguing aspects of the Cape. A kaleidoscope of scenic experiences, you will soon discover that the Cape Winelands unfolds an adventure before you, in both the physical and aesthetic sense.

With a selection of over 350 fine cellars to choose from, the areas of Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, have become world famous for their whites, reds, sherries, ports and brandies. The area offers a guaranteed taste of some of the finest wines in the world. Enjoy a long day´s wine tasting, and wine buying and you´ll sip more than our great South African wines - you´ll drink in the South African way of life.

South African wines are worth travelling halfway round the world for. Much of the wine growing area is centred around Cape Town, heading up the West Coast towards Darling, along the East Coast as far as Hermanus, inland as far as de Rust, near Oudtshoorn, and straight north as far as Upington. 

If you're into wine, the only decisions you will have to make is which few hundred wineries you'll have to leave out because you just won't have time for them all, and how you are going to get your purchases home. Actually, the second one is a lot easier than the first, most wineries and merchants will ship wine home for you, so it will be awaiting your return.

From Cape Town, the gateway to this area of endless possibilities, is Stellenbosch, leading visitors through the tiney village of Pniel to the gastronomic capital of Franschoek and then on to Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, taking in the cellars of Wellington, Tulbagh, Paarl, Rawsonville, Worcester, Robertson and De Doorns to Montagu in the east.

As any visitor to the Cape Winelands will tell you, your journey is bound to leave you with some of the most memorable food and wine experiences around. But explore some more and you;ll discover another world... from tiny olive farms, hand-crafted cheeses, to wide open skies, craggy mountain passes and the jealously guarded Fynbos Floral Kingdom. Discover Pinot Noir honey, honest farmstalls, hand-blown glass and a wire-work Prince.

Adventurous spirits will soar with journeys through spectacular scenery - be it on horseback, tractor trailer, quadbike, mountain bike or on foot. Imbibe the history and gain insight into th San, or follow the footsteps of the mighty Madiba as he took his first steps towards freedom.Stay awhile and be inspired by the homegrown talent, authentic generosity and incredible value for money that is the extraordinary Cape Winelands.

Stellenbosch is a vibrant university town and the country's oldest wine route. Bursting with street cafes, pubs, old churches, galleries and museums, the narrow oak-lined streets are home to an eclectic mix of shops and eateries by day and anything from township jazz to classical concerts by night. The surrounding mountains and vineyards provide endless outdoor adventures with spectacular events like the Cape Epic Ride and the DE-Vine Fun Run being part of an international calendar, not to mention cheetahs-up-close and a chance to make your own wine...

The tiny villages of Kylemore and Pniel in the Dwarsriver Valley nestle at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains surrounded by terraced vineyards and protea pockets. With historic roots going back to the old 1843 Mission Station, Pniel is also home to the Freedom Monument which commemorates the freedom of slaves. The nearby Solms Delta Museum van de Caab showcases the history of local communities since pre-colonial times.

The Gourmet Capital of South Africa, Franschoek, celebrates its 17th century French Huguenot origins in a quintessential African way. The annual Bastille Festival celebrates not only good food and wine, but boules, art and music too. The charning main Street is a riot of quaint shops, galleries, street cafes and restaurants offering many treats to take home.

Paarl is a town that fascinated Charles Darwin in 1836. Today this granite outcrop is recognised as the second largest granite outcrop in the Southern Hemisphere and is home to the Afrikaans language Monument, dedicated to the world's youngest language. Ironically it was not far from here that the mighty Mandela took his first steps to freedom. Discover a world-famous health spa, garagiste wines, hand-blown glass, amazing galleries, a bronze casting studio, game-skin furniture and one of the worlds largest largest collections of live butterflies.

Wellington is a wealth of historical buildings including the most southern relic of the Anglo Boer War. Unexpected shopping delights include exquisite Italian style leather shoes, cashmere and mohair throws, local artworks and hand-woven carpets. Beyond the villageyou'll discover olive oils, buchu and lavender fields, organic oyster mushrooms, kosher wines and local cheeses as well as fynbos-rich bike trails, clear mountain pools and picnic spots.

Set in a magical mountain setting with snow-capped vistas in winter, Tulbagh was at the epicentre of a devastating earthquake that almost destroyed the village in 1969. Lovingly restored, the Tulbagh of today is a charming Cape Dutch village bustling with pubs and coffee shops, restaurants and galleries. Special finds include ostrich leather furniture, local cheeses and olive oils, Suffolk quilts, leaf ceramics and dried fruits. Join a cooking school on a wine farm, do a photographic tour, take ceramic sculpture lessons or just revel in the spectacular scenery.

An area rich in vineyards, orchards, olive groves, dairy farms and wheat fields, Wolseley offers an abundance of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Search for the source of the mighty Breede River, hike through indigenous fynbos or mountain bike your way though forest reserve, mountain pathways and spectacular waterfalls. Family fun activities include 4x4 trails, game viewing and clay pigeon shooting, canoeing and swimming.

Surrounded by mountains, the fertile valley of Ceres is a major fruit producing area, with people flocking to pick their own cherries in season. With its wind-free climate and clear skies, this is the perfect outdoors destination all year round. The adventure sports calendar is fast and furious - enjoy a quad bike challenge or 4x4 your way up the highest peak in the Cape Winelands.

Travel through the longest tunnel in Africa, into a magic valley that unfolds below jagged mountains to reveal a slice of real country pie! Famous for its fly-fishing legends, this is an area of endless outdoor adventure and family fun, authentic country restaurants and genuine hospitality. Hike or horse-ride, quad-bike or 4x4 your way through vineyards and mountain trails, across streams and along the banks of the Breede River. Swim in secluded mountain rock pools, relax in warm mineral spring waters, go river-tubing or search for the African Fish Eagle.

Home to the worlds biggest grape-stomping competition and the world's first Braille wine bottle, Worcester is the country's largest wine producing area. All '100% Worcester' wines carry a Braille message with a portion of sales being donated to hearing and sight impaired communities. KWV House of Brandy houses the world's largest copper still and is open for tastings and tours. Explore this historic town on foot and take in the architectural masterpieces, experience live African jazz or play an 18 hole Gary Player golf course.

Each year the vineyards of De Doorns and the Hex River Valley are transformed into a rich tapestry of Autumn colours, becoming a revered destination for photographers. The surrounding mountains offer hiking and mountain bike routes that follow old wagon trails through pristine fynbos with spectacular views, whilst the Hex River 4x4 route is one of South Africa's toughest. Follow an 1800's railway track on the Hexpas Express or the guided Ochre trail which explores the mysteries of San Rock Art sites. Also a destination to view Africa's big five in the wild.

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Langeburg nountains and defined by the mighty Breede River, Robertson is a gracious blend of Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture dating back to the Ostrich feather boom with Jacaranda lined streets. A wealth of outdoor experiences are on offer along the banks of the river - cruises, hiking trails, magnificent bird-watching, horse-riding, safaris or 4x4 trails. Discover an exotic cactus garden or take in the quirky legend of James Bond at the largest hedge maze in the Southern Henisphere.

A charming village of quaint thatched cottages, MacGregor showcases the country's best preserved Victorian architecture. Celebrating Robert Burns, the poet, this is home to many potters, writers, artists and cob-house artisans. Bonnievale, on the banks of the Breede River, supplies a bounty of fine local produce. Fascinating history includes 300 year-old Zanzibari Church doors and the country's only vineyard to be declared a National Monument.

From Ashton, the areas fruit canning capital, travel through the spectacular Cogman's Kloof Pass and Montagu unfolds as a charming white-washed country village. With its clear country air, hot mineral springs and majestic mountain surrounds, Montagu offers plenty to do all year round and worl famous rock climbing sites.