We can thank homesick seventeenth century French settlers for having the idea of planting grape vines in the region that is known today as the Cape Winelands. Stretching inland and northwards from Cape Town these rugged uplands are now home to a patchwork of vineyards where some of the best wines in the world are cultivated. In fact, there are up to 200 wineries within a day’s drive from Cape Town all situated on beautiful estates in an area of stunning natural beauty with a climate similar to that found in the Mediterranean. From large estates to boutique wineries, a tour of the region is a vintner’s dream and a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.

The best place to start a tour of the Winelands is the town of Stellenbosch 50km from Cape Town, where the French Huguenots planted the first grapes in the fertile soils of the wide valley in which the town lies. Today Stellenbosch is the epicentre of South Africa’s wine industry, which produces over a billion bottles annually, yet despite the buzz of this university town it has retained its colonial charm and numerous examples of fine Dutch architecture are to be found along its sedate oak tree-lined streets.

Traditionally, the most common grape variety grown in the region has been the white Chenin Blanc, which provides a neutral palette for the vintner’s expression, and is also much used in sparkling and dessert wines. More recently Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay have become popular cultivars, with the best place to sample the former being found in the cooler climes of the Elgin, Constantia Valley and Hermanus areas. There are also numerous reds to sample, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz being the most prolific, not to mention the fortified wines and brandies of the Worcester region.

In fact, one of the best ways to experience the delights of the region is to drive around and stop off at whichever vineyard takes your fancy. There are literally hundreds to choose from, and most offer free tastings and have their own restaurants and lodgings.

Another Winelands town to visit is Franschoek, which has the atmosphere of a village and yet provides some of the best dining experiences in South Africa. Gastronomic delights aside, Franschoek is a centre for arts and crafts and makes a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside on foot – which might be a good idea considering the number of wineries you will encounter.  Nearby Paarl is another stop on the Winelands tour. Less touristy than Franschoek, Paarl is so-called because of the nearby mountain nature reserve where three prominent boulders are said to glisten like pearls in the Sun following a rainfall. Travelling between the two towns you might visit Drakenstein Correctional Centre, where Nelson Mandela spent the last two years of his incarceration.