Four Passes and Winelands Route

Food, wine and history. The Cape Wine lands stretches over four different ‘wine of origin’ regions. The Coastal Region (Cape Town, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Riebeek Valley and Tulbagh) the Oliphants Region up the West Coast, the Overberg Region along the south coast famous for its whales and then the Breede River Valley and the Klein Karoo Regions along the famous “Route 62?

The oldest and the first wine route to be established is the Stellenbosch Wine Route – only thirty minutes’ drive from Cape Town.

Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town was established in 1679 by Simon Van der Stel, the Governor of the Dutch East India Company. The pretty town is now the heart of the Premier Wine Route in South Africa. Well-preserved historical houses and oak trees line the streets. Four of these houses today form the comprehensive Stellenbosch Museum. Its university of more than 16 000 students gives the town a vibrant and youthful atmosphere. The perfect introduction to the art of brandy distilling will be a visit to the Van Ryn Brandy Cellar.

The scenic town of Paarl, only a 40-minute drive outside Cape Town is at the foot of the second- largest granite outcrop in the world. Explore the Paarl Valley either on horseback along the mountain foothills or vineyards, or from a hot-air balloon in the early morning. Paarl proudly bears the title of the third-oldest town in South Africa. Standing tall on Paarl Mountain and celebrating the birth of Afrikaans is the Afrikaans Language Monument Just outside Paarl is Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela spent his last years of captivity and started his walk to freedom.

Franschhoek, a tranquil village, twenty minutes from Stellenbosch, is known for its French Huguenot Heritage, fine wines and award-winning restaurants. The picturesque historic town of Tulbagh nestled in the Witzenberg mountain valley, a short drive from Riebeek Kasteel and Paarl is also well-known for a range of award-winning wine estates. The Riebeek Valley with its typical ‘Mediterranean’ atmosphere of olive groves and vineyards is only an hour’s drive from Cape Town or Stellenbosch.

Hippo Boutique Hotel

Set in the heart of Cape Town’s City Bowl, Hippo Boutique Hotel is ideally situated to take in the sights and sounds of the Mother City. Contemporary en suite rooms and spacious double-volume lofts overlook iconic local views and are fitted with all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
Whether visiting the city for business or pleasure, Hippo is well located for a quick commute into the business hub or to step out to eat, explore and immerse yourself in vibrant scenes on Kloof, Long and Bree Streets, all within walking distance of our front door.

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Gravity Adventures

Gravity Adventures is a Cape Town based, award winning adventure operator that has been in business for over 25 years.

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Eendracht Hotel & Apartments

Eendracht Hotel & Apartments is a luxurious and elegant establishment boasting 12 en-suite bedrooms and 3 semi self-catering units. Situated in scenic Stellenbosch, this hotel is ideally located in close proximity to restaurants, museums and 3 theatres. Cape Town International Airport is within 35 minutes reach and the world-class Cape Town Waterfront is under 55 minutes’ drive.

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Evergreen Manor & Spa

Evergreen Manor offers luxury guest house accommodation in the heart of Stellenbosch in Western Cape, South Africa. This beautiful and scenic accommodation is perfectly situated among mountains and vineyards allowing for visitors to feel right at home and get the rest that they need. This Country House style guest house is 4 minutes away from Stellenbosch town centre, a location which boasts numerous fine dining restaurants, art galleries and historical buildings for your sightseeing pleasure. Golfers are more than welcome to visit any of the 10 top-class golf courses in the area with 3 of them situated right in Stellenbosch.

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Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate

Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate is located on a working vineyard with its own cellar ten minutes from the town of Wellington and under an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

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Adventure Shop Stellenbosch

Adventureshop has been operating since 2000 and is well versed in activity tours, adventures, safaris and overland travel. Tours on offer include guided bike tours through Stellenbosch and the Vine Hopper Wine Tour which allows guests to visit 6 different wine estates. Adventureshop is a pro-environment business that believes in buying local and supporting employees and the community at large.

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Olive Valley Walks

Walk through the Olive Valley, explore the vineyards, smell the fynbos and rejuvenate in the mountain water of the farm dams. Olive Valley walk is a way to get to know the valley, its plants and animals and you in it.

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