This guest article has been contributed by Steffi with the South African Tourism Company.

During a stay in Cape Town, many travelers have the grand opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful sights and landscapes in the world. Some of the most spectacular are Cape Point, Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands. There, visitors can take part in unique experiences such as shark cage diving, sand boarding, surfing . . . . and for the less adventurous, wine and chocolate tasting!

While chocolate is highly delectable on its own, chocolate pairs very well with a variety of liquors. Chocolate sweetens up dry red wines, strengthens the fruit flavors of whisky and compliments the vanilla and cinnamon flavors found in brandy.

There are many famous wine estates in and around Cape Town; including the towns of Paarl, Wellington, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Robertson and Hermanus.  A wide variety of accommodations for Cape Town hotels, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront hotels and Cape Winelands hotels are available for all types of budgets.

The beautiful and fertile Cape Winelands (located in close proximity to Cape Town), offer delicious Chocolate and Wine tastings to visitors.

Waterford Wine Estate, Stellenbosch (South Africa)

At the Mediterranean-style Waterford Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, dedicated wine experts are known for pairing unique wines and fine Belgian chocolates. During the cold winter months, you’ll be cordially sat in front of the fireplace. On more welcoming, comfortable days, you’ll be sat on the terrace outside in the Tuscan courtyard.

Traditionally, three unique estate wines and three special chocolates are offered. Delicious Belgian chocolates are specially crafted by Richard von Geusau to match the wines produced on the estate.

Van Ryn Brandy Distillery, Stellenbosch (South Africa)

Brandies produced at the Van Ryn Brandy Distillery are twice distilled in a traditional copper pot still and aged in 340 liter, air-dried oak barrels imported from France. The coffee, brandy and chocolate pairings available at this fine wine estate combine three pot still brandies with hand-made Belgian chocolate and single-plantation, Honduran coffee.

 Newton Johnson Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Hermanus (South Africa)

At the Newton Johnson Wine Estate in Hermanus, the chocolate is pure and simple, using only cacao and a little bit of sugar. This makes pairing the different flavors of cacao (naturally made with Newton Johnson wines) a unique experience. Each visitor has the opportunity to taste five Newton Johnson wines and five chocolates during their chocolate and wine tasting experience.

KWV, Paarl (South Africa)

KWV in Paarl (near Wellington and Stellenbosch) is one of South Africa’s leading wine and spirit producers. At KWV, five, ten, fifteen and twenty year old brandies are paired with scrumptious chocolates from Huguenot Fine Chocolate in Franschoeak.

To learn more about these locations, visit the sites below:

Website:     www.south-african-hotels.com

Website:     www.south-african-lodges.com