There are many pleasures to be found in a holiday that includes plenty of walking. South Africa has an almost unfair advantage in this respect, with the wild game, stunning beaches and spectacular countryside all certain to be key attractions of your holiday. But another thing you might well want to explore whilst in South Africa is the wine.

South Africa has some of the best wine in the world. Its climate is ideal for major wine production, and most people will have experienced at least a few bottles of South African wine long before they ever step foot in the country.

If you want to visit some wine growing areas whilst you are walking, South Africa has a number of important regions to explore. Here are a few of the best for when you head off on your walking holiday.

Constantia

One of the most well-known wine growing regions is Constantia, which is located just south of Cape Town on the Cape Peninsular. When it comes to experiencing wonderful wine whilst walking, South Africa holidaymakers could do far worse than coming here.

Constantia is the oldest wine-producing region in the country with wines dating back to 1659. It has a recognisable name because it used to be considered amongst the best wines in the world. It is a particularly beautiful wine region, and the vines benefit from the cool sea breeze coming in off the ocean, making it a highly recommended location to visit.

Stellenbosch

The second-oldest wine region is Stellenbosch, which is also one of the largest producers of wine in the country, and is great for visiting whilst you are walking. South Africa produces a lot of its wine here, with about 14% of the total production originating from Stellenbosch.

Dating back to 1679, some of the main estates in the country are located here, and it is especially good for red wine. Because it is situated under 30 miles away from Cape Town, it is very easy to access if you visit the city. Stunning mountain views are to be enjoyed, and you should make sure to travel the wine route when you visit.

Franschhoek Valley

Franschhoek Valley is a smaller wine-producing region, but is still very important to the country and is worth visiting whilst walking. South Africa is a huge country, but the short distance from Franschhoek Valley to Cape Town makes this particularly easy to visit. It is located west of Stellenbosch, and produces a number of different wine varieties. You also have the Drakenstein Mountains to enjoy, making it the perfect combination for walkers.

Paarl

Paarl is situated north-west of Cape Town, and is well known due to the important wine producers located here, such as Glen Carlou and Nederburg. This was the most important wine region during most of the 20th century. It is better known for its white wine, but it is now beginning to produce more red wine too.

Take your Pick

If you want to go on a holiday that involves lots wine and walking, South Africa is the perfect location. Just take your pick from the above wine regions. You’ll find great wines, good dining and of course some amazing walking experiences in many of these areas, so make sure you visit some next time you head to South Africa.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: walking South Africa