South Africa has the oldest wine industry in the southern hemisphere, with the first wines pressed here in 1659. Over more than 350 years it has developed into one of the most exciting winemaking destinations in the world, with an incredible diversity of estates, styles, and cultivars on display. That kaleidoscope of winemaking innovation is matched by the winelands experiences on offer, from guided cellar tours to barrel tastings, vineyard safaris to gastronomic discoveries.
The closest wine route to The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, the Constantia valley is the historic heart of the Cape winelands, with an uninterrupted winemaking tradition dating back to 1685. With its granitic soils and cooling sea breezes Constantia is renowned for Sauvignon Blanc and white Bordeaux-blends, but talented young winemakers here are equally adept at crafting elegant red wines.
Framed by rugged mountains, where leopards still roam wild, the vineyards of Stellenbosch have been dubbed the ‘Kingdom of Cabernet’ for the bold red wines that balance New World exuberance with Old World elegance. Amid the vineyards, you’ll find award-winning brandy distilleries and some of the Cape’s best restaurants.
The French Huguenots, fleeing persecution in France, planted the first vineyards here more than 300 years ago, laying the foundation for a rich winemaking tradition. Today that heritage continues in the ‘French Corner’, in both architecture and a sense of joie de vivre for wine and food. Boutique wineries abound in this picturesque valley, and between cellar visits you’ll find art galleries, craft breweries and fine restaurants to discover.
This refined restaurant offers incredible food, put together with flair, in the grounds of Jordan Wine Estate.
Lunches at Le Petit Ferme restaurant are legendary, offering you a feast of culinary delights to entertain your senses.
Named for the dramatic granite boulders that dominate Paarl Mountain, this bustling winelands town blends heritage and tradition with an abundance of estates offering authentic experiences. Though home to the KWV, the largest cellar complex in the southern hemisphere, there is also no shortage of boutique producers and family-owned estates. The mountaintop nature reserve offers a scenic drive with exceptional winelands views from the summit.
Mountain slopes & cooling sea breezes define the terroir of the ‘heaven and earth’ valley; creating ideal conditions for growing world-class Pinot Noir & Chardonnay which we proudly serve at The Twelve Apostles.
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