Tourism information technology comes to the winelands this season with the launch of a satellite-powered tourism guide. On a test drive, SmartGuide, the little black box mounted on the dash of my car guides us out of the city and into the winelands, pointing out the more interesting alternate routes along the way. Diverting off the Blue Route to Cape Point to take the recommended scenic route through the Constantia Valley, we drive past the gates of Groot Constantia. A lively South African voice comes on automatically as we pass by the very entrance, playing an entertaining commentary through the car radio ...
'Constantia is the oldest wine area in the Cape. Governor Simon van der Stel planted the first vineyards on the mountain slopes in the late 17th century. Vin de Constance, one of the world's most legendary dessert wines, spread Constantia's fame throughout the courts of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. The original vineyards have grown into the five wine farms on the Constantia Valley Wine Route today. The vineyards of Constantia are renowned for white wines - Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon ...'
Playing the role of tourists, we make our way out to the heart of the winelands in Stellenbosch. Every few minutes, our audio-guide breaks into a local music soundtrack with commentary at geographical points along the N2. Armed with a set of Smart Guide tourist maps, we consider the competing attractions of the Wineland routes lying ahead. The talking tourism guide tempts us with wine-routes coming up.
As we pass the gates of Meerlust on the R310 route into Stellenbosch, Smart Guide speaks to us from above to inform us ...
'After you pass the bizarre sight of a submerged windmill in the farm dam, turn right through the rustic farm-gates to Meerlust, the oldest family wine farm in the Cape founded in 1693 and a famous name in South African wine’.
By Graham Howe