Tourist Attractions & Monuments South Africa

Behind the story of this vineyard lies that of a remarkable and unusual woman, the German Catharina Ustings Ras, who arrived in Cape Town in 1662 disguised as a man. Already a widow, she had three marriages in South Africa, all of which ended tragically: her first husband, after escaping death by dagger on their wedding day, was killed by a lion some time later. Her second husband is murdered. Her third husband is trampled to death by elephants. She married one last time, but traumatized and a feminist before her time, she decided that the institution of marriage was not the way to secure her situation and that of her children. She therefore worked hard to acquire land in her own name and become a landowner. Her project bore fruit in 1682, when the governor of the Cape offered her the state of Steenberg. This was one of the first property titles issued by the city of Cape Town, and today is one of its oldest vineyards. The "widow Ras" administered this property with autonomy, independence and ferocity, until her death. Her eventful life, in "five chapters", inspired the name of one of the vineyard's greatest vintages, Steenberg Five Lives Red Blend. In addition to this symbolic wine, the Steenberg farm offers other vintages, both great and not-so-great, from sparkling wine to white, rosé and red, for tasting and purchase. The estate is also a 5-star hotel with spa and golf facilities. Luxury and calm characterize this divine place.

South Africa has eleven official languages, but English is spoken by most of its inhabitants. If you don't travel on tour or with a guide and if you don't control English well, you have a convenient solution, the Mobiguide! A simple WAP network allows you to download on your mobile phone audio-visual Guides in French. You can visit the Web site to download the guides on your computer and transfer them to your laptop or media player. These mobiguides give you the essential information to appreciate the tourist sites and main cities of the country. Some also give good addresses to get out, eat, drink a drink or shop. Hard to believe that everything fits in such a fast file to load!

Here, grape varieties are cultivated on steep terraces of granite and clay, between 100 and 400 m in altitude. The result in the mouth is surprisingly fruity and fine, to the delight of the taste buds, with a special mention for the red wines. The estate welcomes visitors for refined tastings, whether simple or accompanied by charcuterie and/or cheese. Under the shade of trees, the place is cool, which is very pleasant in summer. Quality service, with an explanation for each wine tasted.