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Sawubona! Welcome in South Africa!	South African Impressions
Wine Routes of South Africa The hedonistic Edward VII revelled in South African wines, especially when he was Prince of Wales, while Napoleon quaffed it to console himself in exile. The flavour and quality of the renowned Cape wines continue to exert a strong international appeal. White wines lead the market, with their fresh fruity elegance - popular grapes are Chenin Blanc, Cape Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Reds are full-bodied with a distinct bouquet, and leading red varieties are Cinsaut, Pinotage, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz and at the top of the league, Cabernet Sauvignon, which merits being laid down for at least 10 years. "The natural habitat in the Cape is more than favourable," observed wine buff Hugh Johnson, a fact known to all South African wine farmers. The winter rainfall and Mediterranean climate of the Cape, together with its rich, fertile top and sub-soils, ensure the growth of strong and healthy vines - ideal conditions found nowhere else in the world.
Jan van Riebeeck, the first Commander of the Cape, recognised the remarkable potential of viticulture shortly after establishing a shipping supply base at Table Bay in 1652, badgering his superiors at the Dutch East India Company to supply him with vine cuttings from Spain, France and Germany. His persistence paid off - less than seven years after he had arrived he was able to write in his diary on February 2, 1659: "Today, so praise be to God, wine was pressed from Cape grapes for the first time." He mentions nothing about the quality of the wine. Since he and his fellow settlers had little prior knowledge about wine making, one can speculate that the first vintages may have been disappointing. If so, the Cape's wine drinkers would have noticed a distinct improvement following the installation of his successor as Commander.
Constantia South Africa's oldest, yet shortest and smallest wine route is the producer of extraordinary quality wines. Favoured by the cool breezes of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean the ripening process of the grape achieves the very best results, an advantage for all wine makers wishing to produce noble wines. During the founding years under Simon van der Stel, Constantia was one large wine farm. After his death the area was divided into three estates: Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting, which are well worth a visit.
Stellenbosch Simon van der Stel, who arrived in the Cape in 1679, explored a long verdant valley east of the present-day Cape Town, decided that its rich soil was perfect for viticulture and established the Stellenbosch vineyards, situated only 35 minutes from Cape Town. Stellenbosch is the second oldest city of South Africa and is regarded as the wine capital of South Africa, with over 60 wine estates. Stellenbosch opened the first Wine Route of the Cape in 1971, inspired by the French Route du Vin and the German Wine Routes. Stellenbosch Tourist Information: Tel: (021) 883-3584 or (021) 883-9633; Fax: (021) 883-8017, Stellenbosch Wine Route: (021) 886-4310; Fax: (021) 886-4330.
Paarl Situated in the picturesque Berg River is the wine growing area of Paarl, Climatically less influenced by the mountain ranges in the west, this area is dependant on irrigation. Long hot summers and moist winters are almost ideal for vine growing. Its Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling have received international awards along with its reds ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot. This wine farm is regarded as the "cornerstone of Afrikaans". A visit to the Language Monument erected at the edge of the town, is as popular as a visit to Paarl's largest wine festival - The Nederburg Auction - which is held at the end of summer and regarded as a must on the international wine calendar. Paarl's wine route is the country's second oldest and includes over 40 cellars, many of which also make cheese, or grow olives. Paarl wine route: Tel: (021) 872-3605, Paarl Publicity Association: Tel: (021) 872-4842 or (021) 872-3829.
Franschhoek A further contribution to South Africa's wine industry resulted in the expulsion from France of the Huguenot Protestants, who emigrated to South Africa. Many of these experienced wine producers settled in an area near the Drakenstein Mountains subsequently named Franschhoek (French Corner). This was the ideal location for the French wine experts, as the valley offered not only tranquil and beautiful scenery, but was perfect for vine cultivation. In 1984 this area became even more renowned, after the opening of the Franschhoek Wine Route (officially called "Vignerons de Franschhoek"). Cultivars planted are Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. The historic Huguenot Monument which depicts the European expulsion of the Protestant Huguenots by the Catholics is a major tourist attraction of the area. Franschhoek has about 20 wineries and is only an hour's drive from Cape Town. Franschhoek Tourist Association: Tel./fax: (021) 876-3603. During the 18th century the Cape's wine industry flourished as the Napoleonic Wars cut off the supply of French wines to Britain and South African vintages were imported instead. By 1822 - with the Cape now under British rule - wine exports exceeded all other exports from the Cape, saving the colony from bankruptcy. In 1886 however, South Africa's wine-growers were faced with ruin when the disease phylloxera found its way into the vineyards. However, by using American vine cuttings, the estates' vines recovered. In fact, by 1918, they were producing a large surplus, which forced down prices. As a result, the Co-operative Winegrowers Association of South Africa (KWV), was formed. Its main objective was to direct, control and regulates the sale and disposal of the wine produced by its members. Today, such controls and regulations are no longer required. Yet more than 5 000 wine makers are still shareholders in the organisation and over half of the wine sold in the UK is of KWV origin. A popular way of discovering the joys of South African wines is on a day trip from Cape Town - either self-drive or on an organised excursion by a local travel organiser. Devotees of the grape however can spend several days - weeks if they wish - finding out about the subtle differences between the various types, there are so many estates to visit. In all, there are 13 wine routes to explore - and 2,000 varieties of wine to sample! Some additional wine routes are mentioned below.
Other Wine Routes Smaller wine routes include Worcester, which has a good selection of wineries, and the nearby Tulbagh which is one of the lesser known regions with only about ten or so cellars. Wellington is tucked away in a small valley and even though there are only a dozen of so cellars, you couldn't see them all in a day. Somerset West, which is the centre of the Helderberg region, is now producing some excellent wines from its 20-odd vineyards. The simplest way of enjoying the wines is with a generously portioned South African meal. A Cape lobster complimented by a dry white wine or a tender steak accompanied by a full-bodied red, are experiences in themselves. In addition to savouring the vintages, tourists can enjoy the idyllic countryside, - with its rugged, blue-tinged mountains, admire the architecture of the Cape Dutch homes, soak up the sunshine and simply fall in love with the bewitching charm of the Cape.