For centuries, the Cape wine estates have produced some of the world’s most sought-after vintages. The grand facades of estates like Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia draw thousands of visitors each year alone.
“When I travelled, I realised what interesting tales we could tell,” says Francois Van Binsbergen from Wine Flies, a renowned boutique wine tour company. “We’ve always aimed for true experiences, a ‘backstage pass’ as such. Over the years, people have wanted it even more, a real experience. That’s what we’ve done from day one.”
Savoured by Royals and Legends
The stories behind these estates read like chapters from a historical novel. “Napoleon’s dying wish was to have one teaspoon of Vin de Constance,” Francois reveals, speaking of Klein Constantia’s legendary sweet wine. “Even Jane Austen wrote about this wine.”
These aren’t marketing tales we’ve just whipped up as a means of grabbing your interest. The Cape has a centuries-old standing in global wine culture when ships would sail months just to collect cargoes of these valuable vintages.
Annandale’s claim to fame is less known but equally impressive; their wine was chosen as the table wine for the Prince of Monaco’s wedding, adding another layer to the Cape’s royal wine connections.
Traverse the Tourist’s Trail
What sets apart a truly luxury wine experience is more than just the vintage – it’s the access. “We know the winemakers, the owners,” Francois explains. “Some of our most memorable experiences include drinking private wines with the winemaker in his cellar.” These intimate moments, where passionate producers share their craft, private collections, and stories, create memories worth preserving.
Francois recommends their “Meet the Wine Maker Tour”, where enthusiasts can spend the day with various winemakers, gaining insights usually reserved for industry insiders. “We train our guides regularly, do wine-tasting evenings with them and invite the winemakers. It’s really intense and filled with passion,” he adds.
The Unmissable Estates
When asked about must-visit estates, Francois’ list reads like a who’s who of South African wine royalty: “Constantia, Babylonstoren, Mitre’s Edge, Annandale, La Motte, Delaire Graff, and Creation Wines,” he shares. Each offers something a little unique, such as Mitre’s Edge’s artisanal cheese, wine, and chocolate pairings. For families striving for a more comprehensive venture, he adds Vergelegen and Spier to the list, where manicured gardens and child-friendly activities love to work hand-in-hand with world-class wines.
Some Seasonal Secrets to Sip On
While the Cape wine estates are year-round destinations, timing can enhance the experience. “Harvest time is action!” Francois enthuses. “Smelling and seeing the process between December and March brings everything to life.” During these months, visitors can witness the ancient art of winemaking firsthand, from the early morning grape picking to the first press of the season.
However, their cellar tours offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of winemaking throughout the year. Each season brings its own pizzazz: spring showcases the first buds on the vines, summer offers perfect weather for outdoor tastings, autumn paints the vineyards in golden hues, and winter invites visitors to enjoy full-bodied reds by roaring fireplaces.
The Budding Future of Wine Tourism
Traditional estates are evolving to meet modern expectations while maintaining their heritage. “They’re more adaptable to trends, new winemaking processes, and more service-oriented,” Francois notes, “but at the same time keeping tradition.” This delicate balance aims to make these experiences more sophisticated while the soul of Cape wine remains untouched.
The Cape’s wine scene continues to surprise even seasoned visitors, with Francois excited about “untouched places and the willingness of old estates to create new experiences.” From the Pinotage festival to Annandale’s Valentine’s Day wine festival, the Bienne Donné Cheese Festival to Wacky Wine Weekend, there’s always something new and titillating to discover.
