The Cape Wine Route is the longest of its kind in the world, and is set along one of the most beautiful driving areas in the south.  Lush vineyards amid fertile farmland, surrounded by towering mountains make this a perfect area to take plenty of holiday photos, while indulging in the warm hospitality and fantastic foods and wines on offer.

Asara Wine Estate and Hotel – Stellenbosch

The view from Asara's restaurant. By Asara Wine Estate & Hotel

Spier – Stellenbosch

Petting a sleepy cheetah at Spier. By 126 Club

Founded in 1692, Spier is no stranger to creating award-wining wines within their venerable paradise. Rolling lawns blend in with the scattered duck ponds, and a small river flows through the estate; their on-site bakery and deli is very reasonable, making picnics here very popular. There is a cheetah enclosure set within the estate, and visitors can pose and stroke these magnificent runners, or visit some flying predators at the eagle enclosure.  Their signature wine range is well worth trying. 

Waverley Hills – Tulbagh

Situated in the fertile Tulbagh valley and surrounded by mountains, Waverley Hills estate not only offers top-notch organic wines, but also a beautiful olive grove – keep an eye out for their 2012 Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices award. Here, natural predators such as ducks control pests like snails, so no chemicals are needed, and they also have
an earthworm composter. A cellar tour will reveal their delectable range of wines, as well as their fresh olive produce.

Weltevrede Wine Estate – Bonnievale

For the Jonker family, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of family wine farming at Weltevrede. While here, indulge in a wine tour and taste some of their beautifully named wine ranges, such as Poet's Prayer, Vanilla Chardonnay and CherryChoc Merlot. Take a tractor tour of the farm, or visit their large underground cellar. For the writers and poets out there, check in to see their Writers Studio which was built during the Second World War –it is filled with over 3000 books for research purposes.

Excelsior Estate – Robertson

The De Wet family-run Excelsior wine estate is situated in the gorgeous Robertson valley – which has the local nickname “valley of vines and roses”. Visitors can taste several of their award-winning wines in the tasting room, which has a gorgeous view over the dam and vineyards – with the Langeberg Mountain range in the background.  If you’re up for the challenge, become an honorary De Wet family member, and blend your own variety of wine before bottling, corking and labelling it.

Facts about Route 62

A view over one of the picnic areas at Spier. By Sarietha

Calitzdorp is the port making region, and while the producers cannot call it port due to EU export legislation, the produce here will rival any European made ones. Find them in stores under the name of Cape Ruby, Cape Tawny, and Cape Vintage.

Adjacent to the Wine Route, and starting in the Wellington area, is the Route 62 Brandy Route, where you can tour the factories and taste local brews of varied vintages.

There are many wine events throughout the year to showcase this beautiful part of the country. Keep your eye out for events such as the Robertson Wine on the River, the Robertson Slow, and the very popular Wacky Wine Weekend.

About the Author: 
Being a lover of travel, wine, and good food, Roseanna McBain found her haven when she joined the Cape Route 62 booking and accommodation website, TravelGround.