South Africa boasts 18 official wine routes and 2 brandy routes.
Vines are planted across the Western Cape as far as the Hemel-en-Aarde valley in the Southern Cape, Bamboes Bay on the West Cape coast, Hartswater in the Northern Cape and Rietrivier in the south western Free State.
Each of South Africas wine routes exhibits its own personality. The most popular wine routes are those in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, with Robertson and Durbanville areas emerging as new favourites
Anytime is a good time to visit. In summer and autumn, the vineyards are most scenic and in winter youll avoid the crowds. Harvest is generally from January to March.
Wine route guides and maps are available at most tourist information centres. It will help you to get a copy for its maps, details on each of the estates and operating times. To make the most of your time , try to orientate yourself before starting to visit the estates.
Most of the wine estates are open Mon - Sat, but some may be closed on weekends.
Drinking and driving is a heavily fined offense in South Africa and choose a member of your group to act as driver (and do not participate in the wine tasting) or opt for a guided tour with a driver.
If you consider visiting many wine farms you should think of spending a night or two at one of the many hotels or guesthouses in the winelands. The regions are extemely beautiful with many other attractions and excellent restaurants.
Wine Routes
Helderberg Wine Route
Franschhoek Wine Route
Paarl Wine Route
Robertson Wine Route
Stellenbosch Wine Route
Worcester Wine Route
