Winelands for Less

We're all watch­ing our budgets at the moment. But that doesn't mean we can't take a much deserved break. You just have to plan a little bet­ter and look around for the best deal. A week­end away doesn't have to break the bank! While cel­eb­rat­ing "all things vino" in July 2009, we thought we'd help you plan a dis­coun­ted week­end in the Winelands. Consider the fol­low­ing spe­cials (valid July 2009) ...

Akademie Street Boutique Hotel & Guesthouse (5-star graded and voted the num­ber 1 hotel in Franschhoek on Tripadvisor) is offer­ing 50% off their stand­ard rates in July 2009, just book a week before going to qual­ify. Five lux­uri­ous, private and peace­ful houses a short stroll away from the vil­lage centre and its fam­ous restaurants.

Rickety Bridge Manor House (4-star graded), also in Franschhoek, is offer­ing a winter pack­age until the end of August 2009. For only R1350 per couple per night, you'll be spoiled with:

• lux­uri­ous en-suite accom­mod­a­tion over­look­ing the Rickety Bridge vineyards
• a la Carte break­fast daily
• a 3-course Cape inspired lunch at our Restaurant in the Vines
  (includ­ing a glass of Rickety Bridge Semillon)
• each of you will be treated to a Hot Stone Massage

Mana, on the J C Le Roux Wine Farm 6km from the town of Stellenbosch, invites you to stay 3 nights and only pay for 2. Their 5 lux­ury B&B rooms and self cater­ing 2-bedroom cot­tage are set against a back­ground of Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet vines.

Ons Genot Country Lodge (4-star graded) is situ­ated on the fam­ous Bottelary Wine Route of Stellenbosch. Check out their Winter Warm Gourmet Special for only R3000 all-inclusive:

• accom­mod­a­tion for 2 per­sons stay­ing 2 nights, includ­ing Champagne breakfasts
• a wine tast­ing at Hartenberg Wine Farm
• 3 course din­ner (exclud­ing drinks) at The Only One
• 5 course gour­met din­ner with paired wines from the Bottelary wine route at The Only One

If you'd rather not travel an hour or two out of Cape Town, con­sider the Constantia Valley Wine Route.

Constantia Lazy River (3-star graded) is offer­ing a last-minute spe­cial. Book 24 hours or less before arrival and get 20% off. First come, first serve. Situated in the heart of Constantia, with it's oak-lined streets and horse-riding paths, and just a short drive from the fam­ous Constantia Valley winer­ies. A week­end in the coun­try really can be affordable.

These are just a few of the spe­cials avail­able in the wine pro­du­cing regions of the Western Cape.
If these don't quite suit your tastes or budget, check out oth­ers at:

• Cape Winelands Special Offers (includes Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Simondium)
• Breede River Valley Special Offers (includes Robertson, Tulbagh,Worcester)
• Constantia Vally Special Offers (includes Constantia, Tokai)