Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

named Groot Constantia (Great Constantia). Constantia wines are sought after world-wideand have won many accolades for their superb quality.The Constantia Wine Route can be reached within 20 minutes from Cape Town’s citycentre. For more information on the route, visit the website athttp://www.constantiawineroute.co.zaDurbanville Wine RouteThe Durbanville Valley lies just 20 minutes away from Cape Town and is home to someof the most respected and award-winning winemakers in the country. The area is primarily awine-producing district and there are six active winemaking cellars. Durbanville Wine Valleyis best known for its Blanc and is especially noted for its Shiraz.For more information on the Durbanville Wine Route, visit the website athttp://www.winetoday.co.zaFranschhoek Wine RouteFranschhoek, which means “Frenchcorner”, was established over threecenturies ago when French Huguenotssettled in the area. Their contribution tothe country’s history and culture ishonoured by the Huguenot Memorialand Museum.The Franschhoek area consists ofsome 21 estates and offers wine salesand tasting. Two of the most popularestates are Bellingham andBoschendal.Helderberg Wine RouteThe majestic Helderberg MountainRange guards this wine route and gaveit its name. Only 15 minutes from CapeTown International Airport, the drive takes one into the heart of the Helderberg region. Theregion lies near Somerset West and other well-known wine-producing districts, namely Paarland Stellenbosch.The Helderberg Wine Route comprises some 19 farms and also includes the largest, privateport producer in the world. For more information about the Helderberg Wine Route, visit itswebsite at http://www.helderbergwineroute.co.za16