Friday, April 11, 2014

The Cape Winelands Provide Quality Wines

By Kyle Olsen


Anyone one loves wine, beautiful scenery and has a sense of adventure should consider a vacation in South Africa. This amazing country has so much to offer. From rugged coast line, to souring mountains and picturesque villages it truly is a travellers paradise. The local people also offer a warm welcome to all their guests and make them feel at home.

The African continent is huge. From the mystical romance of Egypt to the wide open spaces of the plains, there really is something for everyone. In the past few decades South Africa has been trying hard to generate new forms of revenue and develop a sustainable economy. With this in mind the Cape Winelands have become part of the tourist trail. This beautiful area is home to several hundred vineyards and farms that produce many different varieties of grapes. From these an outstanding selection of wines are bottled every year.

One of the original settlers to realize the potential of the area with the Dutchman Jan Van Riebeech. In 1659 he established the first vineyard in the area and it has never looked back. The diversity of soils and micro climates is perfect for growing a variety of grapes. The resulting wines really take on a flavour of the area and many are now being exported to Europe and far beyond.

By the early seventies the South African government realized that the region has a lot to offer both residents and tourists. The wine industry provided much needed jobs and revenue to a country that really needed help. In addition, the natural beauty and fabulous architecture was a draw for those travellers looking for something out of the ordinary. The combination of factors really has proved to be a winner and the wine trail now extends around the areas of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Robertson and Wellington.

Many of the farms in the region have been family owned and operated for generations. The Dutch colonist Jan Van Riebeech was the first one to actually produce wine as early as 1659. His products were well received and the area has never looked back and is now the largest wine producing area in South Africa.

The local people refer to the wine growing region as the Bolands, which is an Afrikaans word for the uplands. The region encompasses the best known region of Stellenbosch, but also the beautiful and productive Franschhoek Valley which has been growing grapes for over three hundred years. In addition the Constantia region is also very well known and has been producing top quality wines for well over a century.

The tourist industry has brought a much needed revitalization to the area. There are many new jobs in the service sector for people to work in the restaurants, hotels and wineries. The accommodations range from the comfortable and friendly bed and breakfast, to five star luxury hotels with all the amenities.

The Cape wine growing areas are providing a wonderful boost to the economy of the country. They are showing the world that South Africa is a major playing in wine production and also in Fair Trade practices. People at every level are benefiting, from a small village bed and breakfast owner to the luxury hotels.




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