At the arctic end of the African continent, we can find an ideal destination to live the luxury of an incomparable experience to any other corner of the planet. South Africa offers the traveler lush landscapes, a vibrant international cuisine, the extraordinary hospitality of its people and deserving wines that have been very successful in the international markets. This country owes its pioneering crops of European strains to the Dutch East Indies Company and the Governor of the Colony, Johan Van Riebeek. While the French who emigrated to Cape Town at the end of the seventeenth century brought their expertise and the secrets of winemaking that have led these wines to the most prestigious events and establishments in the world.
The Pinotage is the main sign of identity. A mixture of Pinot Noir and Cinsault brings personality to the reds and distinction, and the robustness and aromas reminiscent of Beaujolais. But maybe the native whites born fromSteem, Riestling and Sauvignon Blanc, that have served most as a South African trophy. After some controversial episodes in its political history, South Africa is experiencing a renaissance of tourism at the highest level, attracting travelers from all over the world who are concerned for their extraordinary natural beauty, its more than three thousand kilometers of coastline, its sophisticated cities emblem the latest trends and technology and its elegant Victorian style cities.
But perhaps one of their most unknown aspects is its profound wine culture with a strong presence and tradition. Exploring their wine routes and numerous wineries, exquisite treatment and impeccable facilities is a unique experience, which becomes a genuine contribution in Stellenbosch.
This city, the second oldest in the country, is the capital of the South African wines and has about half the wineries in the country, but there are other significant wine regions, like Swartland Valley and Olifants River or Constantia, the paradise of sweet wines. Beyerskloof and Kanonkoop, that work excellently the Pinot Noir, Muratie and L´Avenir, outstanding exponents of Bordeaux and Cape Blend, or exemplary artisans of the Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc like Vergelegen or Delaire, outstanding wineries from this geographical area, although indisputably John Platter Wine Guide, should be the ‘bedside book’ of wine tourism in the country. For the moment, a breakthrough according to Decanter, Amani Vineyards Cabernet Franc-Merlot, is the best Bordeaux of 2008, and the best Rhone is Cederberg Shiraz.
When it comes to the choice of accommodation, South Africa offers a vast range of possibilities for the most demanding, a select list of top luxury establishments, which reaches its fullness in the private resorts, located within the parks and natural reserves, where they organize sumptuous safaris, like the Palace of the Lost City, in the Pilanesberg National Park, Sabi Sabi, in the Kruger National Park, Sun City Resort, which also has two casinos, or Simbithi Eco Estate in the city of Durban.
Besides wines, South Africa presents your eyes and senses a variety of exciting adventures such as safaris, to take the pulse of the continent’s wildlife, excursions for whale watching and dolphin watching, scuba diving or activities designed to relax in the incredible spa or the golf courses of notable excellence, like the Gary Placer Country Club, the Francourt Golf Estate or the Clovelly Country Club, making this country a paradise for golfers. To the sun’s southernmost continent, South Africa, unexpectedly beautiful, cosmopolitan, always surprises those who come and visit for the first time.
