Stanford has always been a popular break-away destination thanks to a combination of factors. Many visitors eventually retire there too. It’s a mix of well-preserved historical buildings, lush gardens, muted CBD, diversity of activities on surrounding farms and distance from the city all conspire to make it so.

Without Chardonnay, Dom Perignon would never have uttered the words: “come quickly, I am tasting the stars.”

Without Chardonnay, Winston Churchill would have been less inspired to fight for Champagne.

A new visitor experience will open in mid-November near Bonnievale in the Robertson wine region. Weltevrede, arguably South Africa’s oldest family-owned wine brand, has substantially revamped and expanded its destination showcase.

It was a flash of brilliance that established South Africa’s first official wine route. Prior to the 1970s, very few private wineries existed, and you generally didn’t go because farms weren’t open places to visit.

Since Stellenbosch started the revolution, many have followed. Now, the formalised route has become an

“My grandfather witnessed the shooting of the last hippo here in 1855,” says local farmer Dirk Human as we look out over a lake of the Nuwejaars Wetland. Now the hippos are back, part of a pioneering conservation initiative of which he’s chairman, alongside being owner of Black Oystercatcher Wines.

The Tulbagh valley has always been celebrated for the beauty of its setting and the historical significance of its town. In more recent times, wine has moved centre stage and visitors to the valley can now enjoy a wide range of wines from the various estates and private cellars wines