WHEN YOU want to but can’t venture out onto one of South Africa’s wonderful wine routes straight away, the next best thing might be to reminisce about sorties past or to plan your next trip into the countryside. The slideshows on Top Wine SA showcase the best wine producers in South Africa, the best places to eat at in the vineyards, among the vines, and where to stay over if it’s accommodation on a top wine farm that you’re contemplating.

See below for a ‘virtual’ tour of Top Wine SA. The aim is to present a sense of place at the top destinations in the Cape winelands – perhaps the scene that greets you on arrival, maybe where the wine tastings take place, or a view inside the cellar. Contributions or suggestions with a view to improving the selection of photographs or making it more comprehensive would be welcomed – the images are of the Top 100 in the SA Cellar Classification, whereas the directory here points to all of those top producers who stand out from the crowd.

Should you fancy wining and dining at a top wine farm, perhaps lunch al fresco with scenic surroundings, see the second slideshow below to get an idea of the table settings or ambience at the restaurants and bistros that have won awards for their high standards and/or which are located alongside one of the Top 100 cellars in South Africa. The directory here also lists some of the recommended picnic spots on the wine routes.

The third slideshow below comprises images of the cottages, guesthouses and hotels in the Cape winelands. This is the accommodation to be had alongside the top wineries, over-and-above that in the towns and cities – directory here. Oh for a bit of R&R and a room with a view!

• To link to information about the destination, the wines, the menu or the rates, just click on the pic.

SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST WINE PRODUCERS

TOP TABLES ON THE CAPE’S WINE FARMS

ACCOMMODATION AT TOP WINE ESTATES