The Cape Winelands occupy a relatively small area of idyllic valleys nestled in-between rugged mountain ranges that divide the interior from the sea, creating microclimates ideal for the cultivation of vines. The heart of the South African wine industry centres on several charming, historic towns – Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and further afield, Hermanus, Tulbagh, Worcester and Robertson. It embraces more than 200 estates, most of which offer regular cellar tours and tastings and have excellent restaurants and delis that provide fine fare to complement their excellent wines. Picturesque Winelands takes the reader on a visual journey through a charming stretch of landscape with its wine estates and their venerable Cape Dutch homesteads, renowned cellars and delightful eateries and picnic spots that are such a strong drawcard in the Western Cape. The book celebrates a tradition of wine-making that has been fundamental to the area for some 350 years.