Winelands - Franschhoek

Take a drive into the small valley of Franschhoek which was founded in 1688 on land granted to the French Huguenots. The drive from Stellenbosch over Helshoogte Pass treats the traveller to some magnificent views of the Simonsberg and the Wemmershoek mountains.

This is the valley where some of the Cape's most notable homesteads are situated and Boschendal is one of the most spectacular. The Huguenot Monument and Huguenot Museum, which are situated in the small town, are of great interest.

Du Toit Classique Jewellery Studio on the corner of Huguenot and Bordeaux Streets, Franschhoek, are dealers in diamonds and precious stones and are specialists in custom made jewellery pieces.

The Franschhoek Tourism Association will be able to supply you with a brochure giving details on the wine estates and co-operatives in the area.

Winelands - Paarl

Take the road from Franschhoek to Paarl which grew from 1690 and is five years younger than Stellenbosch.

The town was named after the huge granite dome of rock which overlooks the town. The Afrikaans Language Monument, which was opened in 1975, is situated on the southern side of the mountain.

De Oude Woning is one of the earliest surviving houses in Paarl. The famous 11 km long Main Street also features the Strooidak Church, Die Oude Pastorie Museum, the Patriot Building and the Gymnasium. Around the corner from the Gymnasium is the Afrikaans Language Museum.

The beautiful homestead of Laborie, in Main Street, was purchased by KWV in 1972. The buildings were restored and the restaurant was built. The Laborie Restaurant and Wine Tasting in the elegant new tasting room are highly recommended.

The KWV cellar complex is the largest in the world, covering an area of 22 hectares. The magnificent Cathedral Cellar, with its barrel-vaulted roof and large carved red wine vats, depicting the history of the Cape's wine industry, is spectacular.

The Paarl Wine Route Office in Main Street will be able to supply visitors with a free brochure and map on the area.

Winelands - Wellington

Nearby is the smaller and very attractive town of Wellington. Visit the Wellington Museum in Church Street and the Dutch Reformed Church. Beyond Wellington is the Bain's Kloof Pass which is a historical monument. Built by Andrew Bain in 1853, the pass links Wellington to Ceres and Worcester and the narrow winding road provides magnificent views of the valley below.

The Wellington Tourist Bureau (021 - 8734604) in Main Street will supply visitors with information on the area and its wine route.