Geography
Nestled between towering mountains, fertile valleys in the Western Cape play host to rolling vineyards, wine cellars, and tasting rooms. With remarkably good terroir, ideal climatic conditions, and excellent cultivating and wine-making skills fashioned over time, the Cape has become known internationally as one of the premier wine-producing areas of the world. In 1679, when Governor Simon van der Stel was exploring the hinterland beyond Table Mountain, he encamped upon the banks of the Eerste River and the location, “Van der Stel se Bosch”, is now the town of Stellenbosch, the heart of the Cape Winelands. Van der Stel realised that this fertile land could provide thousands of acres of good land for grazing and cultivation, specifically to produce fruit and vegetables to stock ships on the trade route to the east. Farmers were granted land and soon started planting vines. The soldiers and sailors in the Cape consumed enough wine to keep the farmers growing the industry and so the farmers broadened out their winemaking into other regions beyond Stellenbosch. As the wine production progressed, the Cape Winelands gained fame for the wines of quality that were being produced in its vineyards. Today, there are about 4 500 wine producers in South Africa, mostly located in the Cape Winelands. Their beautiful vineyards often form a magnificent backdrop for many towns, suburbs, and estates across the Cape. The highly valued properties and often stunning homes situated alongside the vineyards are deeply desirable and sought after for the ultimate in country living, peace, and serenity.
Climate and environment
The success of the Winelands, its region, and renowned wineries, stems from the near-perfection of its growing conditions – great terroir and ideal climate. With consistently warm to hot temperatures in the summers, along with cooling ocean breezes, the vineyards have both the heat and gentle winds to ensure balanced wines. While the heat promotes ripe, structured wines, the cooling breeze ensures sufficient acidity in both the whites and reds. The soil, which can vary significantly from clay to granite, plays a huge role in giving the wines their distinctive characters. Decomposed granite that prevents water logging and adds minerality is found on the mountain slopes while valleys have areas of higher clay content with excellent water-retention properties. Sufficient rainfall in winter allows growers to keep irrigation of vineyards to a minimum.
There are multiple meso-climates suitable for viticulture and all sorts of grape varieties can be found among the exposed hills and sheltered valleys.
Culture
The Cape Winelands is also known for quality education opportunities, excellent restaurants that both tourists and residents enjoy, spending time in nature or utilising what’s offered in other outdoor activities. The three major towns of the region (Paarl, Somerset West, and Stellenbosch) play host to some of the best junior and high schools of the country. Stellenbosch’s world-class University offers over 30 000 students an excellent opportunity to prepare for future careers. Museums and art galleries professionally depict the past and present and capture the cultures of the region with aplomb. Oak-shaded sidewalk cafes and restaurants can be found in most of the towns, offering residents and tourists ideal locations to sit, rest, eat, and chat. The Winelands offers many residential options – beautiful suburbs, inner town apartment living and a number of prestigious golf and country living estates, some even producing their own wines. All towns in the Cape Winelands offer wine tours, wine-tasting, cellar tours, great restaurants, and many preferential accommodation options.
