The Cape Winelands is a region 40 minutes from South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town. The area, divided in six main wine regions is the largest wine producing region in South Africa; each area offers its own unique wine route. The Cape Winelands, surrounding Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington, offers something for every wine connoisseur’s Constantia is the birthplace of the wine farming industry in South Africa. The Constantia Valley wine region is situated in mountainous surroundings, and boasts some of the oldest wine estates and homesteads in the Cape Winelands. As you drive through the beautiful historical valley it is no wonder the first Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, chose this area for his farm, Constantia. The Stellenbosch Wine route is the most popular in the Cape Winelands. This wine route was founded by Frans Malan in 1971. It is home to a variety of cellars which produce some of the country's most acclaimed wines. Stellenbosch, is the oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town, and is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and historically-preserved towns in country. Stellenbosch is ideally situated in a magnificent mountain valley, with a mild Mediterranean climate. It is the ideal destination from which to explore the Winelands. Within 30 minutes from Stellenbosch you will find the Franschhoek wine region. Three hundred years ago the French Huguenots settled in the Franschhoek valley. Set against the backdrop of the Franschhoek and Drakenstein mountains. Franschhoek is well known for its excellent restaurants, top accommodation establishments, splendid mountains and openhearted hospitality. After Stellenbosch it is the most popular town in the Cape Winelands. The fourth region, Paarl offers a historical charm, culture, architectural heritage, wine and fruit farms, and breathtaking scenery. The area is particularly well known for its Pearl Mountain or "Paarl Rock". This huge granite rock is formed by three rounded outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain. A visit to the Paarl is a must when exploring the Cape Winelands. The town of Wellington is at the base of one of the oldest mountain passes in the country, Bain's Kloof Pass. The area is famous for the panoramic views from the Bain's Kloof Pass, dried fruit shop, picturesque wine estates where wine as well as olive tastes are offered. The Robertson area is the furthest region from Cape Town and is an ideal stop travelling from Franschhoek to the Overberg Region. The largest wine-producing area under irrigation in South Africa, Robertson is known for superior wines, some of the country's top racehorse studs and is well-known as the Garden Town of the Boland. Robertson subsequently became famous for its ostrich farming, but this industry collapsed as well shortly after World War I and thus the farmers of the area switched to wine and fruit farming.
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