The Swartland is often referred to as the bread basket of the Cape because of the endless golden wheat fields in summer which become a vivid green in winter. This beautiful winter rainfall area is also known for fynbos – proteas, ericas and restios and, of-course, sweeping vineyards planted on the slopes of mountains and hills. The Mediterranean climate is ideal for many wine varietals and the soil conditions combined with cold wet winters and warm dry summers are uniquely suitable for deeply flavoured fruity wines.
The Swartberg Wine Route includes the historical and quaint towns of Malmesbury, Piketberg, and the twin towns of Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel on the slopes of the Kasteelberg. The route, established in 1986, is only an hour’s drive from Cape Town but you could be in another world. The 20 members of the Wine Route include large wine cellars and historic estates as well as relatively new farms and small garagistes.The wines produced are truly unique because of the terroirs not found anywhere else in the Cape.
You can experience intimate wine tastings in rustic cellars at small wineries or taste wines at the large co-operatives in Riebeek Kasteel and Malmesbury. Family estates going back many generations will welcome you with typical country warmth and good cheer. There are many small eateries run by excellent chefs as well as cosy coffee shops and larger restaurants to satisfy the taste buds together with the local wines.
There numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and 4X4 trails and the area is also known for regular festivals from food and wine to art and music and the street markets are not to be missed.
We have chosen a cross section of establishments which will give you a very good feel for the diversity of this beautiful area.
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Allesverloren Wine Estate is the oldest wine estate in the Swartland situated between Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West and not far from Malmesbury. The vineyards are planted on the slopes of Kasteelberg Mountains in soils that promote very healthy vine growth. Read more … | |||
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Kloovenburg Wine Estate is situated close to the quaint town of Riebeek Kasteel on the picturesque slopes of the Kasteel Mountain. The history of the farm goes back to the mid 18th century but the first bottled wines were only produced by the du Toit family in 1998. Read more … | |||
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Org de Rac Organic Wine Estate is one of the few 100% organic wine farms in South Africa situated near Piketberg in a particularly beautiful part of the Swartland. Adding to the beauty of the estate are fields of lavender, rosemary as well as olive groves. Read more … | |||
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Riebeek Cellars is situated in the Swartland town of Riebeek Kasteel on the slopes of the Kasteel Mountain. The cellar was founded in 1941 as a cooperative to undertake the winemaking and marketing for the vineyards in the area. Read more … | |||
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Swartland Winery was founded in 1948 in the Swartland town of Malmesbury by 15 member farmers. By 1950 the members had grown to 48 farmers. Initially known as the Swartland Co-operative the company became a public company in 2006 and changed its name to Swartland Winery. Read more … |
| More info on the town of Riebeek West | More info on the Klein Karoo area |
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