wine and travel
South African wine history
The history of South African wine dates back to 1659, when Constantia was considered one of the greatest wines in the world. Nowadays, access to international markets has unleashed a burst of new energy and investment.
In 1659 the founder of Cape Town, Jan van Riebeeck, produced South Africa’s first wine. Only three decades later, the Constantia estate was established by the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. His 'Vin de Constance' soon acquired a good reputation. But it was Hendrik Cloete, who bought the homestead in 1778, who made Constantia famous with an unfortified wine made from a blend of Muscat de Frontignan, Pontac, red and white Muscadel and a little Chenin Blanc. This fine drink became a favorite of European kings and emperors, from Frederick the Great to Napoleon.
wine and travel 07/13/2009
North west of Cape Town
The little town of Darling lies some 45 minutes north west of Cape Town and has some quirky local colour and country cuisine to enjoy.
wine and travel 01/09/2009
Cape Town
Cape Town is a city of culture, built on a history that reflects in the architecture, cuisine, music and dance. Together with a warm summer and temperate winter climate and a friendly community, the Western Cape and the Mother City are an ideal holiday destination throughout the year.
wine and travel 12/01/2008
Soekershof - an unusual destination
For those in search of the unusual, there is Soekershof Walkabout in Klaas Voogds West between Robertson and Ashton in the Western Cape of South Africa. In the gardens there are more than 2 400 different species and varieties of succulents, cacti included, and they are all in the unprotected open air.
wine and travel 10/12/2008
South Africa
In 1652, Dutch traders landed at the southern tip of modern day South Africa to establisd a stopover point on the spice route between the Netherlands and the East. Thus the city of Cape Town was founded.. The British seized the Cape of Good Hope in 1806, forcing many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) to trek north to found new republics.
wine and travel 10/12/2008
Wine tours
Ligia de Coito represents the Wine Desk. Winemakers and wine lovers in the Cape have come to appreciate her during the nine years she worked at the Cape Wine Academy in Stellenbosch
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