Cape Town and Wine Region

The Cape region of South Africa is the cultural heartland of the country, and the cradle of white African society. The first Dutch settlers landed in 1652 to provision the ships of the Dutch East India Company on their way to the Far East, and were joined shortly thereafter by French Huguenot, and then by the British who assumed control of the colony after the Napoleonic wars.

The community thrived in the temperate climate, and a unique synthesis of Afro/European society evolved. Today Cape Town is justly regarded as one of the world’s premier cities, and the raucous mix of races that make up the people of the Cape again give it a very different, but uniquely African flavour. Cape Malay cuisine is, as the name implied, a synthesis of eastern and northern influences, and is complimented by the wines of the Cape that are globally appreciated. The higher levels of culture and the facilities of the Cape make it a region perfectly suited to the end of an African journey that you will never forget. The Cape region has so many facets, and a degree of refinement and culture uncharacteristic of the region, that it would be difficult in a nutshell to do justice to it all. However the Cape is probably best defined by its wine industry that evolved through the victualling of passing ships, and later was developed by incoming refugees of the European Counter Reformation. The quintessential aspect of the Cape is one of verdant valleys of ordered vineyards set against a backdrop of the Bergs. The Cape Dutch style of Architecture, with whitewashed gables, and a simple, sternly angular design, has been modified and developed but has essentially remained true to its roots. Of the wines produced in the region, those originating in Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester are the most sought after, with Constantia at one time being regarded as the home of the best wines in the world. Appended to this is a hospitality industry that makes the best use of a fine tradition of good wine, good food, striking architecture and a great deal of social and artistic refinement. Africa is a curious destination to seek the refinements of cultured living, but without doubt the Cape offer this, and so much more.