Prologue Venue: 25 March 2012
GPS Co-ordinates: 33 47 55.7 S / 018 37 25.8 E
Last Year Visited: NEW

Meerendal, situated in Durbanville just 20 kilometres from Cape Town, is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. The unique location and terroir of Meerendal, in one of the coolest wine regions in the Western Cape close to the Atlantic Ocean, is ideal for the variety of noble cultivars that have been planted ? Shiraz, Pinotage, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Meerendal is proud to treasure one of the oldest vineyards of Pinotage bush vines in South Africa that were planted in 1955 and produces a limited number of bottles from this Heritage Block. Meerendal has scooped up many top wine awards over the past five years and is exporting its quality wine to more than 12 countries.

The estate is well-known for its classy function venue, the Barn and Lawn, that is a popular venue for weddings and many kinds of functions. There is also a quaint little chapel for weddings and other ceremonies. The Loft is a modern and well-equipped conference venue. The Manor house Restaurant in the historic homestead on the farm is a firm favourite for many visitors for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu changes regularly to incorporate seasonal dishes.

Contact Person: Julia Moore
Contact details: juliapr@netactive.co.za / +27 83 285 3483
Website: http://capetownnorth.com/home.html
Official Website:  http://www.meerendal.co.za

Stage Location 1, 2 and 3: 26, 27 and 28 March 2012 
GPS Co-ordinates: 33 48 19 63 S / 19 53 25 98 E
Last Year Visited: NEW

Situated in the shadow of the majestic Langeberg Mountains with the Breede River as it?s lifeblood, Robertson is the western gateway to The Heart of Route 62.  With 150 years of history, Robertson has grown into one of the most attractive Cape Winelands town, with Victorian buildings, jakaranda-lined streets and beautiful gardens.

The region may be best known for its wine but the variety of attractions and activities combined with spectacular scenery and the relaxed hospitality of the people ensure visitors and unforgettable stay. A variety of accommodation is available to suit all needs, from backpackers to 5 star hotel, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, farm accommodation and much more.

Robertson Wine valley forms part of the longest wine route in the world, Route 62. Boasting a large number of cellars, co-operatives and private estates, our award winning wines will be a treat for all wine lovers. There are many diverse attractions, from lazy river cruise to a vigorous mountain hike, elegant wining and dining to outdoor picnics and exploring our rich historical sites. The local farm stalls overflow withy fresh produce, dried fruit and freshly made breads, homemade jams and preserves.
Robertson and its surrounded are a paradise for the nature lover and sport enthusiast. In short, Robertson is ?food for your soul?

Official Website: www.robertsontourism.co.za
Tourism Info: info@robertson.org.za / +27 (0)23 626 4437

Stage Location 4 and 5: 28, 29 and 30 March 2012
GPS Co-ordinates: 34 13 31 98 S / 19 25 14 74 E 
Last Year Visited: NEW 

Caledon, an agricultural town on the slopes of the Klein Swartberg, is surrounded by farmlands of wheat, barley, canola and onions and is only 90 minutes from Cape Town. It is a tranquil town with approx. 10,000 residents, with a large number of historical houses and buildings. These are mostly beautifully restored, lending a special character to Caledon. The town offers several attractions including the famous wild flower show, now in its 120th year, and the Queen Victoria  Botanical garden and nature reserve with its world famous ?Venster? Rock. The garden stretches up to the top of the Swartberg mountains. There is a vast variety of  species of fynbos, which includes protea, Erica, bulbs, lilies and orchid families.
 
Caledon is most famous for its hot springs, to which it owes its existence, and which were used by the local Khoi-Khoi long before Ferdinand Appel was granted grazing rights at the springs in 1708. The warm water has a long history and today there are pools of different temperatures in a garden setting as well as the Victorian Bath House, saunas, gym and health centre. Caledon is an excellent bird watching area with the largest population of the protected blue crane,  South Africa?s national bird.

Official Website: www.thecapecountrymeander.co.za
Tourism Info: tourism@twk.org.za or +27 (0)28 212 3282

Stage location 6 and 7: 30 March - 1 April 2012
GPS Co-ordinates: 34 09 14 49 S / 19 03 46 33 E
Last Year Visited: 2011
Number of Previous Visits: 4

Oak Valley Wine Estate is located in the cool climate of the Elgin Valley and has been in the Rawbone-Viljoen family since 1898. The property, with its 4000 plus oak trees, is steeped in history and is renowned for its top quality apples and pears, greenhouse cut flowers, free range pasture-reared beef and, more recently, for its range of ultra premium wines made from grapes grown in vineyards situated up to 600m above sea level. One of the most beautiful farming properties in the Cape, the Oak Valley Estate is located within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a world heritage site, which forms the epicentre of the Cape Floral Kingdom

Official Website: http://www.oakvalley.co.za
Tourism Info: http://www.elginvalley.co.za or +27 (0)21 848 9838

Finish Venue: 1 April 2012
GPS Co-ordinates: 34 03 52 90 S / 18 53 10 09 E
Last Year Visited: 2011
Number of Previous Visits: 5

in the hills of Somerset West, Lourensford Wine Estate, established in the year 1700 is arguably one of the most beautiful wine estates in the world. Steeped in history and heritage, the estate also boasts an ultra-modern winery utilising technology unique in the Southern Hemisphere. The magnificent soils and diverse microclimates create the ideal terrain for awarding winning wines. Lourensford Wine Estate is fast becoming one of the biggest wine estates in South Africa, with over 300 hectares of vines already planted.

Lourensford Wine Estate's scenic splendour has made it a popular location for many local and international film shoots, starring some of Hollywood's top actors. The estate hosts annual sporting and cultural events with thousands of participants and spectators, it is also a sought after venue for wedding receptions and corporate functions. There's a sizeable equestrian establishment on the estate, with stabling as well as one of the only two polo fields in Cape Town, it is here that the sport of kings is practised and enjoyed.

Official Website:  http://www.lourensford.co.za
Tourism Info:  info@capetown.travel or +27 (0)21 851 6800