by Sandra Mallinson, 6 August 2010

When most visitors to Cape Town venture into the Cape Winelands, they get no further than Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl - thought to be the pick of the bunch when it comes to top Cape wines, good food and peaceful surroundings.

While these vine-covered valleys and oak-shaded towns are well worth a visit, the Cape has a number of other wine routes which are equally pleasing to both eye and palate.

Robertson Valley

At the start of Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, lies the sleepy town of Robertson. Robertson is an easy 1.5 hours drive from Cape Town, although on reaching the town most visitor keep driving - for a few kilometres that is - to one of the many wine estates which line the Breede River.

Fast becoming one of South Africa's favourite wine routes, Robertson is still less commercialised than Stellenbosch or Paarl: the wines are surprisingly good value for money, all wine tastings are free of charge and, in my experience at least, people seem genuinely pleased to answer questions and chat about the wines.

There are more than 50 estates in the Robertson Valley including big names like Springfield, Graham Beck and Bon Courage. The valley is also know for a range of outdoor activities from vigorous hikes in the Langeberg Mountains to lazy river cruises complete with a packed picnic basket and (of course) a chilled bottle or three of wine.

Wellington Wine Route

About a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, neatly positioned between the winelands of Paarl and Riebeek West, lies the Wellington valley. The Wellington region may be better known for fruit and brandy but in fact almost 90% of South Africa's vines are grown in vine-cutting nurseries in this incredibly fertile valley.

The Wellington Wine Route is relatively compact with about 26 wineries including five potstill brandy producers. Many of the wine farms have beautifully restored Cape Dutch manor houses on estates set on the foothills of dramatic mountain ranges.

Probably the best known estate is Diemersfontein, home to the hugely popular "Pinotage On Tap” festival; a decadent event held annually in October, which heralds the new vintage of their award-winning chocolate coffee pinotage.

While in the Wellington Valley you can go walking or horse riding through indigenous fynbos, beautiful mountain scenery, vineyards, orchards and olive groves. It's also well worth trying oyster mushrooms and award-winning olive oil on the Foxenburg Estate, as well as the Brandy, Port and 'World's Best Grappa' at Upland Organic Estate.

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, just outside Hermanus, has a great off-the-beaten track wine route. With a name meaning 'heaven and earth', this valley has produced a number of award-winning wines with the cool Atlantic breezes producing the perfect conditions for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines.

Top wineries include the Hamilton Russel Vineyards, the oldest winery in the valley, the Bouchard Finlayson boutique winery (be sure to sample their flagship wine, the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which has won numerous awards and accolades) and Whalehaven Wines winery with its impressive ocean and mountain views.

Being off the main wine route, all these wineries have a relaxed atmosphere. You can take your time, soak up the views, taste some wines, then have a late lunch on one of the estates - I'd recommend 'Heaven' on the Newton Johnson Wine Estate or 'La Vierge Restaurant and Champagne Verandah' at at La Vierge Winery.

Article © Copyright 2010 Go2Africa.

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