Secrets of the Swartland “A grape (if it could talk) would tell you that this is the spot that produces tough vines and top-class wines”
This is true big-sky sky country, known for its pioneering wines, excellent olives and good food – just what’s needed for a long-weekend road trip
1 Sip bubbles with oysters
Renowned for winemaker Frank Meaker’s organic wines, Org de Rac – with its views over the surrounding farmlands – requires a few hours to fully appreciate. Treat yourself to a Cap Classique-and-oyster pairing, or order a picnic basket to snack on while you taste the wines. Don’t miss the Die Waghuis white and red blends, both awarded 4.5 Platter’s stars.
orgderac.com
2 Fuel up on pizza and vino
The family-friendly eatery at Nieuwedrift, just off the N7 outside Piketberg, offers burgers, steaks and calamari, but your mouth will water over the wood-fired pizzas with toppings such as bacon, halloumi, caramelised onions and crushed cashews. Don’t leave without buying a case of wine. They’re known for their Blanc de Blanc Cap Classique and barrelmatured Shiraz. nieuwedrift.co.za
3 Book luxury farm accommodation
To really get to know the region, base yourself at one of the luxury cottages on Kalmoesontein, where legendary Swartland winemaker Adi Badenhorst’s wines are made. Swim in the dams, harvest your own veg and, of course, book a cellar tour and tasting (the Secateurs
Red Blend will go down well with your braaied beef fillet). aabadenhorst.com
4 Buy an “extreme” wine
Based at his Marras winery in RiebeekWest, Martin “Marras” Lamprecht is renowned for working with the heritage vineyards of the Swartland and Piekenierskloof. He says of the latter: “With its extreme conditions at 900 m above sea level, a grape (if it could talk) would tell you that this is the spot that produces tough vines and top-class wines.” Try the Piekenierskloof Chenin Blanc (R94.99) and Grenache (R99.99) at Woolies. marraswines.co.za
5 Stock up on olives
Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate in Riebeek-Kasteel is where the Du Toit family produces its famous olive products and wines. Visitors are invited to taste their way through everything from cured olives to tapenades, dips and salts, while the estate-grown wines can be sampled in the wine cellar. The play park is perfect for keeping children occupied and the self-service Inni Bos eatery offers light meals. There’s no hurry to leave – you could book a night or two at Die Pastorie on the farm. kloovenburg.com
6 Blend your own bottle
Now this experience is worth planning ahead for. On the first Sunday of every month, the Riebeek Valley Wine Company
7 Discover a unique wine shop
If you’re just passing through with no time to book ahead (a number of Swartland wine farms request that you make tasting appointments), The Wine Kollective in Riebeek-Kasteel offers a selection of local wines from “the small, the famous and the utterly unknown wineries situated within a two-hour donkey ride from Riebeek-Kasteel”. It also offers free weekend tastings – expect wines from the likes of David and Nadia, the Sadie Family and Fram.