Cape Winelands Travel and Vacations

A Brief History

The Early Days

South Africa’s wine story begins with European settlement at the Cape. The first wines were made by Jan van Riebeeck in 1659. In 1685, Governor Simon van der Stel founded Constantia on the Cape Peninsula. The sweet wines produced here later gained international fame as “Vin de Constance.” Jane Austen, Frederick the Great, and Napoleon are among the famous individuals who enjoyed this wine. From 1688 onward, French Huguenot refugees brought skills and vine cuttings that helped spread viticulture inland. Towns like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl emerged as early centers of production. The region surrounding these towns is now home to historic estates such as Boschendal, Vergelegen, Nederburg, and Meerlust.

Wine Industry Growth

The 19th century brought both expansion and setbacks. Phylloxera devastated vineyards in the late 1800s, making it necessary to replant large sections. In 1918, producers formed the KWV to stabilize pricing and plantings. Important modernizing steps followed: the Wine of Origin (WO) system was launched in 1973 to codify geographic origin, cultivar, and vintage. This encouraged quality and regional identity. International sanctions during the apartheid era limited exports.

After 1994, reopening to global markets triggered a wave of investment. Sustainability initiatives gained traction—most notably Integrated Production of Wine (IPW)—and the term “Cap Classique” became the local standard for traditional-method sparkling wines. Movements such as the Swartland Renaissance and the Old Vine Project brought renewed respect to dry-farmed bush vines and heritage parcels.

The Present

Today, the Cape Winelands combine deep heritage with modern craftsmanship. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Constantia, Robertson, and beyond produce wines that compete internationally—Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon lead the charge, with Pinotage, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Mediterranean varieties adding breadth. Wine tourism is a pillar of the regional economy: polished tasting rooms, farm-to-table dining, and experiential offerings (from vineyard safaris to art collections) make the Winelands a year-round destination. With a strong sustainability ethos and a new generation of winemakers championing site expression, South Africa’s wine industry is firmly future-focused while honoring the vineyards and traditions that shaped it.

Main Towns

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by Dutch Governor Simon van der Stel. The architectural jewel is the second-oldest town in South Africa and lies at the heart of the Winelands. Stellenbosch is known for its university — the first Afrikaans-language institution in South Africa — and for having the largest number of Cape Dutch houses of any town in the region. The most harmonious examples are on Dorp, Church, and Drostdy streets.

Franschhoek

Franschhoek (“French Corner”) is named for the French Huguenots who settled here in the 18th century. The Huguenot Museum and the Huguenot Monument, completed in 1943, recall the history of these Protestant refugees persecuted by Louis XIV. Blessed with one of the most beautiful settings in the Winelands, Franschhoek is ideal for an al fresco lunch at one of its superb restaurants.

Paarl

Paarl (Afrikaans for “pearl”) is named for the polished granite domed mountain that rises behind it. Founded in 1720, Paarl’s wine route includes some of the finest vineyards and several first-class restaurants. On the southern slope of Paarl Mountain, you’ll find the Afrikaans Taal (Language) Monument, a slender granite needle erected in 1975 to commemorate the centenary of Afrikaans being recognized as an official language.