The City of Cape Town’s Economic Growth Directorate launched a comprehensive guide that makes celebrated wine routes accessible at the touch of a button.
Mayco Member for Economic Growth Alderman James Vos did the official unveiling. Whether for seasoned connoisseurs or the simply curious, this guide showcases the best of the region’s renowned wine estates and hidden gems.
Vos explained this initiative stemmed from his drive to spotlight the unique wine experiences in and around the city.
“I’ve always believed our world-class wines represent a fantastic value proposition, not only for tourists but also for economic growth. That’s why I encouraged the department’s Tourism and Place Marketing Branch to develop this guide. It’s about highlighting Cape Town’s rich wine culture and helping people explore our stunning wine farms.”
He added that wine tourism is one of the Western Cape’s biggest drawcards.
“In 2022, wine tourism contributed a staggering R3,05 billion to South Africa’s economy, significantly more than the R2,4 billion recorded pre-Covid. According to an impact study by the South African Wine Industry Information and Systems, the industry in our province created more than 245 000 jobs that year, with 3,36 jobs generated for every R1 million capital investment. This is more than double the national average of 1,18 jobs. Our wines are not only award-winning, but also vital for job creation and economic development. This guide will make it easier for locals and visitors alike to explore new farms or revisit old favourites.”
The guide offers detailed information on wine regions and an interactive WhatsApp channel. It features around 40 wine farms across three iconic routes: the Helderberg (a sub-route of the Stellenbosch Wine Route), Constantia in the southern suburbs and the Durbanville Wine Valley.
“With just a few taps people can dive into these wine routes using Google Maps or engage with the interactive WhatsApp channel. They’ll find everything from wine varietals to restaurant offerings and scenic venues.”
