A trip to South Africa and the Cape Province is incomplete without travelling the oldest wine route in the country. Established in 1971 as the first official wine route of the country, the Stellenbosch Winelands boast 130 members of which 44 cellars welcome travelers.
Stellenbosch is a remarkable town and has - since its establishment in 1679 - kept to the traditions of oak planting and vineyards. The Stellenbosch Wine Route is reputed for quality cultivars, breathtaking scenes, tranquil settings, and unsurpassed hospitality. More than 18% of the Winelands in South Africa forms part of the Stellenbosch Winelands.
The cool climate, water richness, and fertile soil ensure that a wide variety of cultivars can be grown in the valleys and high up the mountains. On-route to Franschoek, another famous wine route, on the Helshoogte Pass, overlooking the legendary Banhoek Valley, is the jewel of the region. The Zorgvliet Vineyard Lodge & Spa welcomes leisure travellers, business executives, day visitors, and connoisseurs to the heartland of Cape wines.
The winding road over the Helshoogte Pass also provides an awe-inspiring view of the Banhoek Valley. Travellers in the early days were not too keen to travel through the valley where robbers and wild animals awaited them. Many legends and myths are associated with the picturesque Banhoek Valley where the Zorgvliet Estate is situated. One of the oldest wine estates in the region, Zorgvliet, is known for its award winning wines and cellars, excellent cuisine, stylish accommodation, delightful picnics, and luxurious spa treatments.
The estate provides visitors with awesome views of the majestic Drakenstein and Simonsberg Mountain ranges. Since scenic settings are not all that travellers are interested in, a closer look at the wines and activities offered at the estate should tantalize the taste buds.
Tours and wines
Some of South Africa's finest cultivars can be tasted from November to April, and then again, from May to October from Mondays to Sundays. Cellar tours through the state of the art cellar can be undertaken on weekdays from 10h30 to 14h30. Weekend tours for groups of 10 people or more can be booked in advance. Vineyard historical tours take place during the week at 14h00, while exciting breakfast strolls are conducted at 07h00.
Award winning cellar and cultivars
Visitors to the estate get the opportunity to sample and purchase some of the best South African wines including:
- Zorgvliet Sauvignon Blanc 2006
- Zorgvliet Richelle 2004
- Zorgvliet Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
- Zorgvliet Shiraz 2003
- Silver Myn Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.
The Zorgvliet Sauvignon Blanc 2006 is the estate's flagship wine. It comes from high up the Simonsberg Mountain and is a true reflection of the quality you can expect from Zorgvliet. It provides a unique mineral and fig taste and has a firm acidity to it.
The Zorgvliet Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 has been the winner of many awards, including the John Platter 2006 4 stars and bronze at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show in 2006.
Equally impressive is the cellar acclaimed for being one of South Africa's most successful cellars ever. Be sure to visit the Zorgvliet Vineyard Lodge & Spa while touring the oldest wine route in South Africa. Book your accommodation through Zorgvliet's Central Reservations on 0861 967 485.
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