South Africa was the 8th biggest wine producer in the world in 2015 with approximately 1,130 million litres of wine produced – most of their production is exported to countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Russia and Denmark. Wine has been produced in South Africa for longer than any of the other new world countries. In the 1600s, French Huguenots, Dutch and English settled down near the Cape of Good Hope in Constantia, as well as in the district of Franschhoek where vineyards were then planted.

Amongst some of the most renowned wine regions of South Africa are Stellenbosch, Paarl and Constantia, which are all located in Cape Town. One of the wines that we carry, Cape Dreams, also hails from Cape Town!

Cape Town is known as the valley of wine and roses, and situated along the Breede River and the Langeberg Mountain Range. Hop on with us and have a taste of the South African Cape winelands as we introduce to you the top 5 places you should visit when you’re in town ✨

 

1. TABLE MOUNTAIN

 

A picturesque view of Table Mountain from afar.
 

The clue is in the name. As it suggests, Table Mountain… Resembles a table. It is in fact, a flat-topped mountain that forms a prominent landmark overlooking Cape Town. Its main feature is the level plateau measuring roughly 3 kilometres from one side to the other, edged by impressive cliffs.

To get to the top of Table Mountain, you can either take the cableway or hike your way up. If you’re up for a challenge, try hiking up to the tabletop (Table Mountain’s top… Get it?) using the more difficult trails available! Otherwise, you can choose from a selection of trails of varying difficulties. We promise you the view makes the climb worthwhile.

However, be warned that the cloud cover (also known as the tablecloth) can swoop in all of a sudden and obstruct your panoramic views completely. Count your lucky stars if you do manage to have a crystal clear view though!

 

2. KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN

Straight out of a commercial.
 

As you’re near Table Mountain, why not also visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden? Many people dub this place as one of the world’s most spectacular botanic gardens. You can picnic on its lawns, hike up Skeleton Gorge, take in the panoramic views from the canopy walkway, and many more. The list goes on as to what you can do here.

But can you believe Kirstenbosch, the land the garden sits on, used to be a ramshackle farmland that was overrun by pigs? In 1913, a botanist named Harold Pearson set about transforming the land into a botanic garden that is devoted to the country’s indigenous flora.

Harold Pearson, the botanist who is chiefly remembered for founding the garden.
 

Today, it contains over 7,000 species of plants from South Africa. The entire Kirstenbosch Estate that spans over 528 hectares falls under the Cape Floristic Region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

3. BOULDERS BEACH

 

Tippy tappy little feet
 

PENGUINS. Need we say more? 🐧🐧🐧🐧

Meet your little happy feet at Boulders Beach, where hundreds of African penguins squawk and make weird noises at you like nobody’s business.

In 1982, a few of these fluffy little birds settled on the soft white sand between large granite boulders that protect the beach from wind and large stormy waves. Fast forward to today, the penguins are standing at a population of 2,000 to 3,000 birds now.

Unfortunately, the African penguins are currently classified as an endangered species due to matters such as overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and irresponsible tourism activities. Thankfully, Boulders Beach as well as its surrounding beaches are now part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, which helps ensure the beaches are safe and clean and the penguins protected.

When you visit these little creatures in the future, please do not feed them or go too close to them. Though they are extremely cute, they are after all, still wild animals!

 

4. NEIGHBOURGOODS MARKET

Neighbourgoods Market. (South African Tourism, CC by 2.0)
 

If you’re a sucker for hipster markets, Neighbourgoods Market is for you. Boasting over 100 local specialities ranging from craft beers to jewelry to gourmet food, this snug little market nestled within Woodstock’s Biscuit Mill development is sure to steal your heart away. It is open every Saturday, rain or shine.

 

5. KALK BAY

Kaleidoscope sky in Kalk Bay.
 

A gem on the False Bay coastline, Kalk Bay is renowned for its raw beauty, interesting selection of shops and restaurants as well as stunning views. If you’re the adventurous one, there’s also numerous caves located in and around the mountains of Kalk Bay, but it would be most ideal to take someone who knows the area well with you. There’s so much to do in Kalk Bay – one day simply just isn’t enough.

That wraps up our list for the post. Unfortunately, with Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) set in place now, our dreams of travelling again seem bleak once more. But nevertheless, we hope that you enjoyed this virtual tour with Marco’s – you can have a taste of South Africa with our Cape Dreams wines. We’re currently having a flash sale – purchase them in bundles of 4 or 6 and enjoy them at a special price 💛

We look forward to the times when we can finally see these attractions in person again!