South Africa's tradition of award-winning winemaking dates to the arrival of the original Dutch colonists. There are several wineries south of Table Mountain in the Constantia Valley, which was chosen by the first governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, as the site of his farm Constantia. Wineries there tend to have excellent examples of old Cape Dutch architecture and include Buitenverwachting (which means "beyond expectations"), Groot Constantia Estate and Klein Constantia Estate. Constantia Uitsig is another lovely farm with a fine restaurant, La Colombe. Take Highway M3 south, then follow Rhodes Drive past the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a splendid dash through the forests. You can also take Highway M63 east from Hout Bay. http://www.constantiawineroute.co.za.
