Chas Everitt International - Property in the Cape Town Winelands

To the East of Cape Town surrounded by a semicircle of picturesque Boland mountains are the Cape Winelands. Dotted about in the fertile lush green valleys of the region are the vineyards of the Western Cape, the towns and villages everyday words to wine connoisseurs throughout the world. Here you will find Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch and many other world famous names. French Huguenots brought the art of wine-making to the Cape in the late 17th Century and it was here that the first experiments into finding out the best cultivars were carried out.

There are a number of tours that have been set up for the visitor to sample the superb wines of the Cape Winelands, to view the homesteads that have been handed down from generation to generation and to witness the wine-making process. The Cape Winelands are bordered by the Hottentots Holland mountains, the Franschhoek mountains and in the North by the Wemmershoekberg. The former two mountain ranges form part of the Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve and the only way to see this reserve is to hike through it on the Boland Hiking Trail. This mountain reserve harbours one of the richest and most diverse populations of indigenous wildflowers in the world, and it is known that there are more than 35 threatened species in the region. The dominant vegetation in the reserve is fynbbos with patches of the original forest dotted about on the upper slopes. Leopard, caracal and genet have been seen in the area.

Franschhoek was originally known as the French Quarter or le Quartier Francais as it was in this region that the original Huguenots settled to escape religious persecution in Europe. The town has now become known as the food and wine capital of the Western Cape, and visitors flock here from all over the world to sample its products. The town houses a Huguenot Monument and museum.

Paarl in the Cape Winelands is known as the Pearl of South Africa and gets its name from the vast round granite rocks at the summit of the mountain overlooking the town. The name Peerleberg or pearly mountain was give to the berg by Abraham Gabbema in 1657 because of the way the mountain glittered in the sunlight after a shower. The town was established in 1720 with the building of the first church.
The Cape Winelands town of Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town, and was founded in 1679. The town is famous for its wines, its university and its Cape Dutch architecture which can be seen in its many historic buildings. The town is also known as Eikestad (Oak Town) because of its numerous oak trees. The university has produced six South African prime ministers and several Springbok rugby captains. Stellenbosch houses a Brandy Museum where many examples of old brandy stills can be seen. A food and wine festival is held here in the last week of October each year.

The town of Wellington in the Cape Winelands region lies in a valley known as Val du Charron, or Valley of the Wagon Makers after the trade of many of the early French Huguenots who settled in the area at the end of the 17th Century. There are several excellent wine cellars in the Wellington area where the visitor can enjoy wine tasting. Wellington offers the visitor a magical and captivating atmosphere and friendly people. Wellington was originally named Limiet Vallei or the Frontier Valley, but the name was changed in 1840 in honour of the Duke of Wellington and his defeat of Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. There are several cellars in the area that offer wine tasting.

Winter in the Cape Winelands is an invitation to spend a leisurely evening in front of a fireplace with a bottle of wine! A time to relax and reflect on life, revive old friendships and make new acquaintances.

But do not be mistaken in thinking that winter means the Cape Winelands goes into hibernation or that Mother Nature takes time off! The mild autumn weather brings with it a kaleidoscope of scenic experiences with the changing, rich, earthy colours, while winter often sees the mountain peaks capped in snow.

Indulge yourself with a visit to our world-class wellness centres and spas for the best treatments available or try more unconventional methods and visit a Sangoma, a traditional healer, who will use their age-old expertise to heal your ailments with traditional herbal remedies or throw the bones to foretell your fortune.

As our name suggests, the Cape Winelands is the largest wine producing region in the Western Cape. With a selection of over 200 cellars to choose from, you are guaranteed to taste some of the finest wines in the world. Experience our rich historical and cultural heritage while visiting quaint villages and vibrant townships, museums and galleries, theatres and festivals.

There are activities such as game viewing, 4x4 trails, abseiling, kloofing, rock climbing, tractor, mountain bike riding, horse and camel riding. Visit the largest maze in the Southern Hemisphere.
Experience exceptional beauty in a less conventional manner. Enjoy a birds eye view from a glider or whilst skydiving.

Laidback lekker includes guided nature walks, golfing, bird watching or fly-fishing. You will soon discover that the Cape Winelands offers you an adventure, no matter what the season!

Adrenalin adventure aside, its also all about the following: Indulgence of Body & Soul; Food & Wine Taste Sensations; Celebrating Democracy & the Freedom of our People; A Journey into History & Culture; Freshest Local Produce! Weve roped in the support of the Cape Winelands Ambassadors (you can see some of them in the above image). Theyre doing a great job speaking out about these themed Cape Winelands experiences.

Its a world of olive farms, hand-crafted cheeses, wide open skies, craggy mountain passes and the jealously guarded Fynbos Floral Kingdom. Pinot Noir honey, country farmstalls, hand-blown glass even our very own wire-work Prince!

Round off the experience following the footsteps that set former President Nelson Mandela (a.k.a. Madiba) on his final path towards freedom.

Click here to view property in the Cape Town Wine Lands