ShowMe South Africa

The Swartland, known as the breadbasket of South Africa, has the postcard perfect scenery that is linked to a climate ideal for growing grains, vines and olives.

The immense rolling fields that start off emerald, green in winter, slowly change to golden yellow in summer and rust in autumn. They attract the photographer’s eye with the colours, textures and lines of the plantings, and the peaceful flocks of sheep that dot the countryside after the October harvest.

The fertile Swartland was discovered by settlers in the early part of South African history, and as a result, most towns and villages have the distinct Cape Dutch flavour in their architecture, and boast preserved buildings from the 1800’s. In the early days, the landscape was covered in the endemic dark renosterveld vegetation, which earned the area the name of Swartland meaning Black Land in Dutch.

The first vineyards were established in the 1800’s, but wine making has grown in importance since the 1940’s. Pinotage and Chenin Blanc are the main cultivars, but the Swartland is also known for its outstanding Shiraz. The Swartland Wine Route was established in 1986 and links many estates across the area. The wineries of the Swartland produce top quality wines and most offer tasting centres that are open to the general public.  A Mediterranean climate offers you alfresco dining in the summer and cozy fireside dining in the winter.

This pre-dominantly farming area is surrounded by the pristine wilderness areas of Groot Winterhoek and Beaverlac, which are home to incredible rock formations, waterfalls, rock pools, fynbos and the rare Disa lily – an ideal setting for hikes, cycling and bird watching.

Outdoor water activities on the Berg River and Misverstand Dam near Koringberg, attract many tourists to the Swartland region as do the quaint villages of Philadelphia, Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West. The area also hosts many popular festivals celebrating the wine, olives and spring, with its wild flowers.

All this beauty has attracted artists to the villages, and the style they have brought with them has just added another layer of desirability to this wonderful area.

The Swartland is very close to the attractions of the West Coast, especially Darling and Yzerfontein, well known for their wild flower displays in spring and fine wineries. It is also very easy to visit Paarl, Stellenbosch, Wellington and historic Tulbagh from a base in the Swartland.