The swartland wine route

The Swartland Wine Route covers a large area stretching from the Paardeberg in the south to the Berg River in the north. While traditionally a wheat farming region, the Swartland has recently embraced tourism and now offers numerous activities and facilities for visitors. The wineries are spread throughout this unique region with its varying landscapes and climates, resulting in a diverse wine production area.

Approximately 70 kms from Cape Town, Malmesbury is the business capitol of the Swartland and home to the head-office of the wine route. There is an Historic Walk that shows off some impressive historical buildings dotted around the town including the local Museum.

Malmesbury’s annual Musiek oppi Lande Festival held in August is an experience not to be missed and a must for lovers of 'boere musiek. Some big name artists are always featured. Good wines and good music are to be enjoyed in abundance!

Just south of Malmesbury in the direction of Paarl the Paardeberg area, is an off-the-beaten-track destination for those interested in outdoor activities such as 4X4 and hiking trails.

Visiting one of the private cellars and meeting the locals in the Paardeberg is part of this unique and very personal experience.

Nestled at the foot of Kasteelberg (“Castle Mountain”) approximately 20km from Malmesbury is the area, affectionately known as the Riebeek Valley. Here lie the quaint villages of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Home to many artists and creative individuals, visitors are encouraged to visit especially during the Valley Olive Festival which takes place during the first weekend in May and the Riebeek Shiraz & Art Weekend in September.

Next we come to Piketberg which consists of two very different areas Piketberg – the town with the surrounding farms of wheat and vineyards, and the Mountain. which is a secret gem! An absolute must for any visitor to the area, a trip up the mountain stuns with its natural beauty and comes as a great surprise to almost everyone who sees it. Fruit orchards abound and the natural vegetation flourishes with proteas, restios and ericas of every description and horse riding and hiking are just some of the activities on offer. Piketberg and the Berg River form the northern border of the wine route.

A little further on, at the foot of the Olifants and Groot Winterhoek Mountains lies Porterville where the climate vary from dry, hot summers with powerful thermals, making it the ideal location for hang-gliding. to cold wet winters, with snow on the mountain tops.

Porterville is famous for the rarest of flowers, the Disa Uniflora, which appears during the months of January – February in the Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve. A variety of outdoor activities is on offer, of which Waterval with its 22 constant waterfalls is a must see.

The route currently has a total of 20 members, including co-operatives, private cellars, garagistes and wine merchants. Explore the winemaking history of the region at some of the historic estates or enjoy exquisite wine experiences at modern tasting rooms. Smaller wineries present intimate wine tastings in rustic cellars, while family concerns dating back generations will welcome visitors with the customary Swartland hospitality.

Daily wine tasting, cellar tours and sales are offered at most cellars. Some of the wineries – especially those in the remote Paardeberg area – offer tasting by appointment only.

Come see and taste for yourself! Visit the sensational Swartland with its fascinating landscapes and truly exceptional wines.

JOLENE JANSE VAN RENSBURG
WINE ROUTE MANAGER
TEL: 022 487 1133
FAX 022 487 2063
MAIL PO Box 591, Malmesbury, 7299
E-MAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WEB: www.swartlandwineroute.co.za