Tasteful Travel, South Africa Style Travel Tips - Cruises Near Me, Deals & Cruise Travel Agents Near Me

South Africa is described as a nation of incredible spirit, a perfect place for those who drink up life and toast all that the world has to offer. Usually these praises are for the people of South Africa - a country of warmth and wonder which has become one of the most exciting places in the world to visit. But these praises can just as easily be applied to the country’s incredible wines and cuisine.

To visit South Africa is to take your taste buds on a holiday. The country offers visitors a feast of experiences. Foodies and celebrity chefs from across the world have put South Africa at the top of their menus of places to visit. And for very good reason.

In South Africa food is a mirroring of the rich, colorful, flavorful cultures and histories of its people. From spicy and sensual to delicately delicious, exotic to elegant, tribal-traditional to trendy, South African food is a rainbow of tastes, textures and traditions. And to accompany the diverse array of local dishes are some of the most celebrated wines in the world. Needless to say South Africans are very, very proud of their food and wines, which makes the experience of enjoying it with them that much more special.

Even before landing at Cape Town’s new international airport you’ll be treated to a breathtakingly scenic flight up the coastline of the most Southern tip of Africa. Awe-inspiring views of the dramatic sea below wrap around the city centre which provides the skirt for iconic Table Mountain. And just past the mountain in beautiful patches of green are the magnificent Cape Winelands, home to some of the finest wines and cuisine in the world!

A short drive from Cape Town through what must be some of the most beautiful scenery the world over, the Cape Winelands are the heart of the country’s wine culture and tradition. The first vines were planted in the 1600s by French explorers. Centuries later, the multicultural South African wine industry has become one of the most magnificently situated, globally celebrated winemaking communities in the world.

Visitors to the Cape Winelands - with its various wine routes elegantly winding through picture-perfect landscapes of mountains, riversides and coastlines, will enjoy a number of manicured wine estates waiting to uncork their finest. Cape wineland is just the beginning. From the wine regions of Constantia, Durbanville, Darling and Stellenbosch to Helderberg, Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington and Walker Bay, proud, local sommeliers warmly welcome guests for wine tastings, as well as picnic lunches and fine-dining dinners created from the purest, freshest local ingredients. Few moments are more precious when traveling in South Africa than sipping a crisp Cape Chardonnay under a shady estate tree in summertime, or a velvety bottle of Merlot beside a roaring fireplace in the Fall as vineyard leaves turn gold and red.

Throughout the year, lovers of fine wine and exceptional cuisine are spoiled for choice when seeking out a restaurant. South Africa is filled with the culinary creations of award winning chefs and their favorite wines. The Cape Winelands alone boast three of the World’s Top 100 Restaurants: Le Quartier Francais in Franschhoek (also named best restaurant in the Middle East and Africa), La Colombe in Constantia and Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch. All are absolute musts on any Cape Winelands itinerary. All this at prices of remarkable value considering the exceptional quality. Now that’s worth toasting!

And just imagine - this is all on the doorstep of Cape Town, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The city alone boasts many of the top attractions in South Africa: the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and Cape Point. There is no question about it. The three best times to visit South Africa for some of the finest foods and wines the world over? Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner!