Things to Do in Cape Winelands

Situated in Stellenboschkloof and flanked by the Bottelary Hills and Papegaaiberg Mountain, Neethlingshof is just outside Stellenbosch and is well worth a visit. Driving up the imposing stone pine avenue, a stunning vista unfolds complete with pristine Cape Dutch buildings, rolling green vineyards and a cosy cellar where the full range of wines may be tasted and purchased. Wine Tasting and Sales: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 16:00. The estate closes two hours later in the summer months. Individual and group tastings are available for a fee. Charge for cellar tours – prior booking is required. For estate tours, contact Katrin Cross on +27 (0) 21 883 8988.

The Berg River Dam is a 68 m high dam on the Berg river in South Africa. It is the centerpiece of the Berg Water Project which is designed to capture the winter rainfall and store it for supply to Cape Town during the dry summer months. The Berg River Dam was the first dam in South Africa to be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the guidelines of the World Commission on Dams. Indigenous plants have been planted on the downstream face of the dam wall ensuring that the dam blends with the surrounding landscape. The scheme was designed to maintain the ecological integrity of the river through the release of water through low flows and high flows that coincide as closely as possible with natural flow of the Berg River. It is the first dam in South Africa where provision is made for flood releases for environmental purposes. Source: Wikipedia.org

Renowned for its exceptional wines, picturesque setting, historic buildings and rural atmosphere, La Motte is an enchanting destination for visitors to the Cape Winelands. In synchronization with the wine making process, the farm also cultivates flowers and produces ethereal oils.La Motte’s completely redesigned and refurbished tasting centre was unveiled late 2009 and has been praised for the inviting and friendly ambiance it creates for wine lovers. Seated at hand-made tasting tables or in comfortable sofas, visitors look through huge glass windows into the working maturation cellar.Visitors are able to sample La Motte’s range of award-winning wines amid original works of art by acclaimed South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, after whom La Motte’s range of premium wines is named.Knowledgeable staff will not only advise guests on current vintages but also some of the older vintages which can be tasted. Besides wine, guests can also purchase some of La Motte’s beautiful Disas which are available during flowering season.Tasting Room hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00, closed Sundays and Christian Public Holidays.

Friendship, good food, wine and brilliant entertainment – the Barnyard Theatre in Franschhoek is where it all comes together. The first Barnyard Theatre started as a homely, rustic farm theatre in Plettenberg Bay where friends and family could be entertained and eat, drink and talk into the small hours of the morning. It proved to be such a winner that more Barnyard Theatres started popping up all over the country. There are currently 12 Barnyard Theatres in South Africa. While each theatre is a product of its individual setting, they all retain the quaint rustic charm of the original farm theatre’s humble beginning. The Barnyard Theatre at Bridge House hosts professional productions, jazz, choirs and corporate functions. Bring your own picnic basket or order a la carte.

Step into a Victorian-era general dealer in historic Dorp Street. Yesteryear's Oom Samie se Winkel trades today in much the same way as it did back then. As you enter, the pungent aroma of dried fish, spices, tobacco and leather fills your nostrils. Rummage through the shelves to find old fashioned sticky toffees, boiled sweets, collectible books, vintage clothing and authentic old butter churns. You might even walk out armed with a rare antique along with your purchases of fruit, vegetables, wine, biltong and bokkoms. This nostalgic store also operates a wine boutique specializing in exceptional vintages and unusual releases. Here you can purchase a special gift or fine wine and they will pack and ship it to destinations across the globe. Celebrate afterwards at Oom Samie's adjoining restaurant, the Koffiehuis.

Lourensford Estate offers a lot more than just wine – you can embark on a unique sensory and tasting experience. Nibble delicious nougat, chomp truffles and over 40 different types of chocolates or eyeball, sniff and sip at the wine tasting and more. There’s also a world class cheesery, coffee roastery, charming River Garden Deli & Eatery as well as an art gallery. At Lourensford there’s something for every connoisseur.

Situated on the slopes of the Papegaaiberg, Oude Libertas overlooks the magnificent Stellenbosch mountain range. Here you can experience three centuries of Cape hospitality under the ancient oak trees with views that stretch over the surrounding scenery and vineyards. Every Saturday morning the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market is hosted in the amphitheatre. Here truly organic suppliers and shoppers get together in a laid back atmosphere to do their trading and often share lazy breakfasts together. Facilities at Oude Libertas include an amphitheatre, restaurant, wine tasting centre, and event and conference facilities.

Currently ranked the ‘5th best course in South Africa’ by Golf Digest, Pearl Valley Golf Estates was masterminded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his unique touch is evident throughout the stunning course.Having hosted in 2008 what many believed to be the most successful South African Open in history, Pearl Valley is again hosting the 2009 Open. During the 2008 SA Open, 2007 US Masters Champion Trevor Immelman was full of praise saying, “The course is in incredible condition, it really is. That’s the way I expected the course to be, to a high standard, and they have always turned out a fantastic course, for the members day-in day-out. I really feel like these fairways; they are some of the best, if not the best, that I’ve ever played on”.Pearl Valley is truly in a league of its own - the course design and aesthetic beauty, the combination of the deep, lush green on the fairways and greens, together with the brilliant white river sand lining the bunkers was carefully planned to make Pearl Valley the most visually spectacular golf course in the country. The total length of the course is 6801 meters from the Championship tees and the members’ length ranges from 4685 to 5876 meters. Bunkers on Nicklaus’s signature courses are renowned for being shallow, long and fairly undaunting.Every hole is played against the spectacular backdrop of the mountains surrounding the estate and all are challenging due to the strategically set bunkers and fast greens.

The huge, sprawling Boschendal Wine Estate outside Stellenbosch is one of the oldest wine producers in the New World with a French viticulture heritage dating back to 1685. Experience Boschendal's wide range of exquisite wines by visiting the Wine Tasting Centre, situated in the oldest building on the property. Here you can taste and buy wines under the shade of the huge oak tree. Don’t miss the Exhibition Vineyard and Cellar where you can find out how the Boschendal vineyard operates and explore their state of the art cellar. The impressive Manor House is definitely worth a visit if you want to see an outstanding example of Cape Dutch architecture. Built in 1812, it is one of the few authentically furnished farmhouses open to the public at the Cape. And if all that wine tasting and exploring has given you a rumbling tummy, then choose from one of Boschendal's three world-renowned dining experiences. Visit the newly renovated Boschendal Restaurant that serves delicious, extensive Cape-French buffet luncheons, seven days a week. If the weather is fine then treat yourself to Le Pique Nique - an elegant French-style picnic beneath the fragrant pines. For light lunches and teas served under shady oak trees head straight to Le Café.

The eWine Shop offers a wide selection of wines available for purchase by the bottle. Here you will be able to select Rubicon '96, Fusion V, Magna Carta, Columella and many other rare and intriguing boutique wines. 19 Concordia Street, Paarl Open Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00

Doolhof Wine Estate lies in a beautiful valley below the Bainskloof Pass and is surrounded by three dramatic mountain ranges. The award winning wines are available for tasting in the "old wagon house" which has been stylishly restored and captures the essence of understated elegance. Several well marked walks leading past the river, the vineyards, orange groves and fynbos rich areas allow visitors to enjoy magnificent views over the Estate. Light lunches and picnics are available.

Solms-Delta offers a unique experience – far more than what you’d expect from a wine estate. Situated 15km outside Franschhoek in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this outstanding estate not only creates celebrated classical wines, it also offers a variety of highlights throughout the seasons. Visitors can picnic all year round in the enchanting forest, enjoy contemporary Cape cuisine at its renowned Fyndraai restaurant and be part of the annual harvest festival. A museum pays homage to the slaves who lived in the area and there are six special interest guided wine farm tours.Wine tasting at Solms-Delta wine estate is open seven days a week and takes place in the Museum van de Caab or under the oaks outside. The museum, which chronicles the social history of the 325-year old estate, is housed in the original wine cellar dating back to 1740.Enjoy a tasting of Solms-Delta and Solms-Astor wines and learn about the way they make their wines by taking one of the Farm Tours that include wine tasting. For more information or to book a tour call 021 874 3937.The tasting room for tasting and sales is open 9am to 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday and 9am to 5pm Sunday and Monday (closed December 25th and January 1st). Tasting is free for individuals. For groups of eight or more a R10 tasting fee per person is levied.

Officially part of the Helderberg Wine Route, Vergelegen is undeniably the best reason to visit the town of Somerset West. Not only are the Cape Dutch buildings national treasures, but the estate produces a range of South Africa's best wines.A notorious history precedes the grandiose estate, primarily built by Dutch East India Company slaves brought by the governor Simon van der Stel. Today the farm is owned by a subsidiary of the large mining company Anglo American, who restored the farmhouse to its original magnificence.Stroll through the massive grounds planted with chestnut and camphor trees. Beautiful ponds and streams make this one of the most tranquil places to picnic or chill out in. The interpretative centre provides an interesting overview of the history and environment of Vergelegen.Open daily 9:30am – 4pmLady Phillips Restaurant: 021 847 1346.

Scenically situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Paarl Golf Club offers a superb golfing experience in a perfect setting. The original course has been developed into the first and only 27-hole championship golf course in the Western Cape. This spectacular course with tree-lined fairways, water hazards and bunkers challenges more proficient golfers, yet less experienced amateurs will be encouraged to return. Facilities include a Pro Shop with caddies, carts and clubs available for hire. Full practice and teaching golf professional facilities are also available.

Steeped in early Cape history, Muratie is one of the most authentic treasures of the Cape Winelands. This working wine farm in the Stellenbosch wine region offers an experience of farm life against a backdrop of grandiose views of Simonsberg and Table Mountain. Enormous shady old oak trees line the grounds and set the stage for what lies inside the historic buildings. The old fermentation tanks in the cellar are characterised by tartaric encrusted walls, old carpets, wooden furniture and original art. This is where you will find honest farm food, good wine and great company. Muratie’s wines, in the words of the late Ronnie Melck, are ‘humble, honest and full of integrity, with quality being the only answer’. Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 Closed Good Friday & Christmas Cellar tours daily at 10:30 & 14:30.

Host of the World Cup 1996 and South African Airways Open 2003 and 2004, Erinvale is considered one of the best residential golf courses in South Africa. Designed by legendary course designer and golfer Gary Player, the course features many of his distinctive immaculate challenges.Stunning views, well established shade trees and the substantial attention to maintenance of the fairways elevate this course to world-class standards.The first nine holes are on the low lying part of the estate and the second nine are on higher, rolling ground. The standard of the gorgeous shaped greens and beautifully consistent putting surfaces remains throughout.All in all Erinvale promises a superb experience when you play a round of 18 on this outstanding layout in the Winelands.

LovanE is one of the smallest wine estates near Stellenbosch, producing 20 000 bottles of wine per year. Situated in the picturesque Polkadraai Hills, its famous neighbours are Neethlingshof Wine Estate and Overgaauw Wine Estate. Vineyard plantings consist of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Their first wine was produced in 2006. Wine tasting times: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00. Closed on Public Holidays.

Ogle hundreds of sensual stone effigies made by Zimbabwe’s talented Shona artists. Art Creations Africa is one of southern Africa’s largest exhibitors and exporters of the famous “Hard Rock" stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. Regular exhibitions are held at top hotels, art galleries, wine estates and botanical gardens around the world. See the Art Creations Africa collection at their gallery in 43 Almond Drive, Helderberg Estate, Somerset West. Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:30 and weekends by appointment only. + 27 (0) 21 855 0131 www.artcreationsafrica.com

Stellies offers a lot more than just wine. Why not spend a day exploring the many historical buildings and Museums in Stellenbosch? There is something for everyone from the V.O.C Kruithuis, an old gunpowder house where war memorabilia is on display, to the Toy and Miniature Museum, where you can take a trip back to the good old days and look at what amused children before computer games and mobile phones.The Village Museum is another must during your stay in Stellenbosch, with its four lovingly restored historic homes which you can view at your leisure, Shreuderhuis, Blettermanhuis, OM Berghs House and the beautiful Grosvenor House. A visit to any of these wonderful historical buildings is sure to be a memorable one, and is a must for anyone visiting Stellenbosch!

The Franschhoek Valley is one of the top wine destinations in the world. It is here that the Maison Estate produces wines that are honed with skill, care and respect. Each vine is tenderly nurtured, each grape hand selected to give it that personal touch that is always home, always Maison. “While travelling is my passion, the comforting memory of a meal, of intimate moments shared with good friends over good wine, always draws me home.” This is Chris Weylandt’s inspiration behind the name Maison, the French word for house. “We make highly individual wines. We drink them with the people closest to us – and we love drinking them at home, where we can really explore the intimate character of each bottle,” says Weylandt. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 +27 (0) 21 876 2116 www.maisonestate.co.za