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Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town are the famous
Winelands. Set in an area of breathtaking natural
beauty, many types of grapes are pressed producing some
of the world’s finest wines.
In the 17th century French and Dutch settlers brought
their winemaking skills to the fertile valleys around
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl and today these are
still the main wine growing areas.
There are a great many wine routes across the region,
all of which are well signposted. Many estates are open
to the public for wine tasting and most estates have
excellent restaurants. A great way
to spend an afternoon is to take a tour of one of the
estates and then have a picnic under the oaks.
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CAPE WINES
The most famous estate is the Groot Constantia founded
in
1685 and given to the first Governor of The Cape, Simon
van der Stel whose work on viticulture made Constantia
wines world famous. The estate’s old manor house is now
a museum providing a fascinating insight into the lives
of the first European Cape settlers.
For red wines, one of the most successful cultivars has
been a cross between the Pinot Noir and Hermitage stock,
christened Pinotage. This is a classic wine and the
perfect accompaniment to a fine meal. An added bonus is
the low cost of wines!
THE HUGUENOTS
The Huguenots were French Calvanist protestants who fled
France to escape persecution for their beliefs. They
founded Franschhoek, meaning French Corner, in 1688.
Many places in this area still retain their French names
and there is an impressive monument to them in
Franschhoek which was erected on the 250th anniversary
of their arrival.
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The historic town of Stellenbosch has many
streets with charming Cape Dutch buildings
The vineyards of the Cape produce a wide range
of excellent wines and brandies
Numerous golf courses welcome visitors and
green fees are very attractive
Cape Dutch style architecture is a feature of
many buildings in the Western Cape and dates back to the late
17th century
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The Winelands
AUBERGE DU QUARTIER FRANCAIS
 The
Auberge faces the main street in the heart of Franschhoek. The 15
spacious ground floor and first floor bedrooms are set around the
swimming pool in the secluded gardens behind the main building. All
the rooms are beautifully furnished in a contemporary style and with
colourful fabrics. In addition, there are 2 suites offering spacious
lounges and private plunge pools. A highlight will be the choice of
dining experiences - The Tasting Room has become renowned for its
innovative Cape Provencale cuisine whilst The iCi Restaurant
maintains it popularity with its classic-casual dining. The
Screening Room is a small cinema theatre which screens some of the
great classic films.
RUSTHOF GUEST HOUSE
 This
exclusive and elegant guest house faces on to the main street in the
centre of Franschhoek and has charmingly furnished bedrooms for 16
guests. All the bedrooms are accessed from the charming garden
courtyard
and each has its own individual character. All are air-conditioned,
have under floor heating and bathrooms with separate bath and shower
and tea & coffee making facilities. An extensive country style
breakfast is served in the French Provencal dining room / kitchen
and nearby are numerous places to dine in the evening. There is a
swimming pool in the oak shaded gardens. Minimum stay of 2 nights
MONT ROCHELLE HOTEL & MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS
The
hotel has recently changed its name from La Couronne to bring it in
line
with its surrounding vineyards. The hotel sits high above
Franschhoek and affords wonderful views of the mountains and valley
below. It has 16 bedrooms and 6 suites which are individually
decorated. There is a choice of two restaurants with one offering
Mediterranean inspired al fresco fare. The public rooms are a
delight and include a Cape Colonial cigar bar. Facilities include a
wellness centre, sauna, swimming pool, pool bar and gymnasium.
Daily excursions include private wine tasting and cellar tours with
the wine maker, walking and mountain bike trails and horse riding at
the Mont Rochelle Equestrian Centre.
AUBERGE CHANTECLAIR
 Privacy,
peace and pampering are the hallmarks of this charmingly restored
Victorian farmhouse with its lofty ceilings and light, airy rooms.
It is set in 30 acres of gardens and orchards on the edge of
Franschhoek with panoramic views over the vineyards, mountains and
valley. There are 5 well appointed bedrooms which have a room safe,
bar/fridge, tea & coffee making facilities, some with fireplaces and
others with their own private patio. A lovely swimming pool is set
in the gardens and breakfast can be served on the patio or by the
pool. A wealth of fine restaurants are close by for evening dining
The very special ambiance of Chanteclair draw guests back year after
year to enjoy the hospitality.
THE FRANSCHHOEK
An exclusive 5 star historic residence located in the heart of the
gourmet capital of South Africa. Its a private and peaceful
and just minutes away form the boutique style shops, cafes and
restaurants in the main street. Beautifully restored in the Cape
Hugenot tradition, there are 6 luxurious double rooms each opening
onto a private patio and small shaded garden. All are air
conditioned and have marbled bathrooms, safe and satellite TV.
There are beautifully appointed public rooms and from the wooden
decked balcony stunning views across the mountains. The rates
include drinks (local branded beers, wines and spirits) and an "in
house" local chauffeur service.
LE FRANSCHHOEK
Surrounded by some of the wine routes finest estates, this newly
opened hotel is located below the towering Franschhoek Mountains a
few minutes drive from the village centre. There are 63 air
conditioned bedrooms with views over the gardens or vineyards
and river. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, lounge,
swimming pool, tennis courts, gym and the Camelot Spa offering a
range of treatments. A wide range of activates can be arranged
(charges applicable) and these include golf, fly fishing, hiking
trails, horse riding including a visit to a nearby winery and
mountain biking again, with the option of stopping off from some
wine tasting.
RIVER MANOR
 Just
across the road from the Eerste River and set in an oak-lined avenue
a
couple of minutes stroll from the centre of Stellenbosch, this
gracious manor house has National Monument status. The 18 bedrooms
are beautifully furnished and each has a ceiling fan, room safe and
mini bar. In the gardens are 2 swimming pools and in fine weather
breakfast is served at the poolside whilst in the evenings
sundowners can be sipped on the open terrace. The Ginkgo Health and
Wellness Spa offers an extensive range of therapies and
treatments. For evening dining a wide choice of restaurants and
cafes are located in the town and environs.
RUSTHUIZ GUEST HOUSE
 Relax
in style and comfort in the centre of Stellenbosch. The 5
individually styled air-conditioned bedrooms are well equipped with
a room safe,
television, mini bar, coffee/tea making facilities and telephone.
Delicious
breakfasts are served in the breakfast room or by the swimming pool
in the formal Victorian style garden. Relax in the spacious, comfy
lounge with a glass of south African wine. The fireplace keeps the
cold away during winter months. Nearby are the shops, museums,
galleries, pavements cafes and restaurants of Stellenbosch.
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