The Cape Winelands is a go-to for any traveller or local alike who wants to get a taste, quite literally, of this iconic region.
As part of the Western Cape, you will find areas such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Wellington, all pristine locations of some of the best vineyards in South Africa.
Among these is Blaauwklippen in Stellenbosch, which recently won the Global Best Heritage award and is a true historical gem that continues to shine after three centuries.
Cheers to three centuries and more!
While it may rank as one of the oldest wine estates (343 years old) and the oldest registered company in South Africa, there’s nothing stuffy about Blaauwklippen; in fact, it has aged like fine wine since 1682. Its name means “Blue Stones”, and was reportedly inspired by the blue colours found in the rocks on the farm.
Blaauwklippen recently received the Best Heritage Wine Estate award at the Global Brand Awards, which was held in Dubai in June. There were reportedly more than 18,000 companies competing across approximately 30 categories, and the estate ranked at the top of the list.
According to their website, the estate is referred to as “A Living Legacy” and stands as a living testament to enduring quality wine production. This has been an honorary achievement not only for the heritage of the Cape Winelands, but also for South Africa.
The farm provides a diverse range of facilities and experiences, including a restaurant, a farm gym, wine trails, and specialities such as brandy and craft gins.