Wine Routes in Elgin, Grabouw and Bot River Western Cape
The wine farms in the Elgin ward, have one thing in common – beautiful location and a choice of vine sites that have all the key components to produce grapes of the highest quality.This is the coolest wine growing area along South Africa’s south coast and conveniently close to Cape Town. It has the added benefit of being bang in the middle of South Africa’s scenic apple producing region “Elgin”. There are many farm stalls just off the N2, offering great pit stops along the way.
The area is accessed by a number of stunning mountain passes, and you can incorporate a lovely self drive route into your day of wine tasting.
Some of the estates’s tasting rooms are only open by appointment, so phone them to avoid disappointment.
Paul Cluver Wine Estate, Elgin
Scientific research and constant refinement have seen the excellent matching of varietals and terroirs. The outcome is an elegant range of aromatic whites, including the rise of Riesling and the elegant Pinot Noir that consistently score well locally and internationally. Winner of Nedbank’s best “Green” wine farms in South Africa; Initiator & mentor of Thandi Wines – SA’s first black economic empowerment wine brand. Drinks Business Green Awards 2010 – Lifetime Achievement Award went to Dr. Paul Cluver.
This estate, just off the N2, between the Orchard and Houwhoek Farm Stalls, is definitely worth a visit. Wine Tasting & Sales: Monday to Friday : 9am -5pm, Saturdays & Public holidays: 9am – 3pm (Sept. – Apr.) 10am – 2pm (May – Aug.) Closed Easter Fri / Mon, 25 Dec 25 & 1 Jan. Tel 021 844 0605: Cell: 082 320 2060.
Thandi Wine Estate, ElginThandi Wine Estate was South Africa’s first agricultural Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) project. Thandi Wines (Pty) Ltd were able to become a stand-alone wine company in October 2009, to proudly handle its own brand and business development. Profits and Fairtrade premiums are ploughed back into various upliftment initiatives, such as a crèche for farm worker’s children, tertiary education bursaries and basic adult education. Enjoy the warm welcome and healthy hearty meals in the Thandi Farm Kitchen. In summer you can relax on the veranda, and in winter sit beside the log fire and sip one of their award-winning Thandi wines or perhaps some freshly squeezed Elgin apple juice. Your support is community support.
The Thandi cellar door and restaurant hours are as follows: Monday – Thursday: 07:30 to 17:00: Friday – Sunday: 07:30 to 16:30. Thandi is off the N2 to the left, shortly after Kromco and Paul Cluver farms. For more information, contact the Thandi office on +27 21 844 0041 or the Thandi farm kitchen on +27 21 844 0343.
Beaumont Wines, Bot RiverSituated on a heritage farm, dating back to the 1700s, in the quaint village Bot River, Beaumont Wines is a family run winery that produces a range of quality wines. Since the farm was purchased in the 1970’s, Raoul and Jayne Beaumont have restored the region’s oldest wine cellar and the old water mill, and actively protect the 400 hectares of pristine, fynbos-rich mountainside on the farm. Beaumont is an ideal venue for any occasion with no shortage of beautiful natural settings, award winning wines, delectable food and authentic accommodation.
Open: Monday – Friday 9H30 to 16H30: Saturday 10h00 to 15H00: Tel: +27 28 284 9194: Compagnes Drift Farm, opposite petrol station in Bot River town.
Goedvertrouw Wine Estate, Bot River
Owner Elreda Pillman runs Goedvertrouw Wine Estate, on the Van der Stel Pass between Botrivier and Villiersdorp. The historic farm has a house built in 1820, now the Bed and Breakfast, and the wine cellar still has the original ‘skietgatte’ used during the Anglo Boer War. Elreda lovingly handcrafts four cultivars, from the skilfully fashioned Pinot Noir to the wildly experimental Pardoemps – a blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage. Enjoy Elreda’s homemade meals, served on the veranda or in the cosy tasting room or homestead’s lounge next to an inviting fire. Tel: 028 284 9769: Booking Essential. No credit card facilities so cash or internet transfer is preferred. From Bot River Village, take the Van der Stel Pass Road.
Wildekrans Wine Estate, Bot River
Wildekrans Estate is a boutique winery situated near Bot River in the Southern Cape. This 1000ha estate was originally established as a mixed farming operation. Today Wildekrans still produces export quality fruit, but wine has become both a passion and priority.The terroir and climate of the picturesque Botrivier Valley, overlooking Walker Bay, has all the key components to produce grapes of the highest quality. Our classic selection of wines includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot, Warrant, Cabernet Franc Merlot and Shiraz. Join us to sample our award winning wines at your leisure. In addition to wines, a range of South African art is on show at our Tasting room. Cellar/office: Mon-Fri: 08:30 –17:00 Sat – Sun: 11:00 – 15:00. Tel: 028 284 9902/3. Directions: Take the R43 off the N2 on the way to Hermanus. Wildekrans is not far along the R43.
Elgin Vintners, Elgin ValleyWhen six of Elgin’s eco-conscious, grape, apple and pear farmers formed a partnership to plant and harvest grapes that best utilise the defining terroir of their vineyards, the outcome reflects in a range of fine quality wines. Elgin Vintners have achieved awards both locally and overseas. Our Sauvignon Blanc is achieving delightful reviews. The red wines, which are showing elegant fruit and excellent balance, are already drinking very well and will benefit even further with maturation. The Elgin Vintners flagship red, Agama, has been selected from only the best barrels to meet the desired standard of quality of The Elgin Vintners team. Other reds include a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Easy Red. Our welcoming tasting room, on Morningstar Farm, with its beautiful veranda, offers roses and birdlife on a magnificent dam, while you savour the wines. Wine Tasting by appointment only. Telelphone: +27 (0)21 859 2779 or +27 (0)83 255 1884. Directions: Morningstar Farm, Oudebrug Road, Elgin.
Oak Valley Wines, GrabouwOak Valley, planted with over 4000 oak trees, giving it the name, also has almost 500 hectares of pristine mountain fynbos and was the 7th accredited member of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative. The orchards, apple and pear, the vines, cut flowers and cattle pastures make for a beautiful picture. Oak Valley, presently has a highly acclaimed Platter 4 ½ Star Sauvignon Blanc on the market together with the Platter 4 star Oak Valley Blend and a Platter 4 ½ star barrel-fermented Chardonnay to follow in mid-2006; a Pinot Noir is being made in limited quantities with the 2005 vintage being awarded 4 stars in Platter. Tasting: Weekdays 8H30 – 17H00. Saturdays 10H00 – 14H00 Tel: 021 859 4110 or +27 (021) 859 2510 The farm is off the R321 going north just outside Grabouw.
Shannon Vineyards and Wines, Elgin
Shannon Vineyards, situated on the Palmiet River in the Elgin Valley, have put together a winning team of owners, Kevin Watt and James Downes, and winemakers, Gordon Johnson and Nadia Cilliers. Shannon Wines are produced from 12 different site specific vineyard blocks of Pinot Noir, 7 blocks of Sauvignon Blanc and a half hectare of Semillon as well as the now “work in progress” Viognier. The exciting Mount Bullet comes from the Merlot vineyard consisting of 5 clones. We strive at Shannon Vineyards to produce wines of complexity and elegance. Telephone: + 27 (0)21 859 2491: Rockview Dam Road, Elgin. Shannon Vineyards is not open to the public, visits are arranged by appointment only.
South Hill Vineyards, ElginThis exclusive boutique wine farm in Elgin, set in beautiful natural surrounds, also has a fine restaurant and is an excellent wedding venue for those who love the country. Tel: +27 21 844 0888. On Valley Road, Elgin, 7km from the N2.
The Venue, South Hills Vineyards, Elgin Valley
The Venue’s setting on spectacular wine farm, surrounded by the Kogelberg mountains, orchards, fynbos and indigenous trees, is not only attractive to flocks of birds and wildlife, but to anyone wanting to celebrate a wedding or just enjoy a great meal. Tel: +27 21 844 0888: 113 The Valley Road.Trading Hours: Monday to Friday 09H00 – 17H00, Saturday and Sunday 11H00-15H00. Closed on public and religious holidays. South Hill is located at the southeastern end of the Elgin Valley, seven and a half kilometres from the N2 highway along The Valley Road.
Iona Wine EstateThe Iona Wine Estate vineyards are on a mountain plateau 420 metres high, and here in South Africa, these cool sites are scarce. The climate and elevated terroir mean that the grapes ripen up to two months later than the Cape Winelands, and are in perfect balance. Iona is South Africa’s coolest vineyard site. Since our first release in 2001, the wines of Iona have quickly made a name as being among the finest in the world. Iona, conveniently situated on the link road from Grabouw to the Whale Coast, is surrounded by the world heritage site, Kogelberg Nature Reserve Biosphere and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Directions: Turn right off N2 onto Appletiser Road near Grabouw, then turn left onto Highlands Road and follow for 9km on tar and 5km on dirt. Phone. +27 (0)28 284 9678. Tasting Room: Please phone to arrange a tasting: Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00. Weekends by appointment only.
Oude Molen Brandy Distillery, Grabouw
The Oude Molen Brandy Distillery in Grabouw, just an hour from Cape Town, is not only a window into the fascinating process of superior brandy making, but a slice of South African history. Cognac-style brandy is being made at Oude Molen according to centuries-old techniques. The tour begins with an insightful audio-visual presentation in the audio centre followed by a guided tour that takes in the sights and sounds of a working distillery. The tour concludes with a tasting of the exceptional award winning brandies made here by master distiller, Dave Acker. The Oude Molen visitor’s centre is open daily from Monday to Friday between 08h30-1700. Distillery tours are conducted daily by appointment and light lunches and refreshments can be arranged. Cellar tours on Saturdays and Sundays are also available by appointment for tour groups consisting of more than 10 people. Tel: +27 21 859 2517: Worcester street Grabouw.
The Wine BusIf you would enjoy travelling through handpicked vineyards in style, with everything pre-arranged for a wonderful time, then the Wine Bus is for you. Relax in the comfort of our 4×4 open canopy game viewer, while we take you on a private, exclusive, off road trip, to meet a selection of wine producers. Whilst travelling through the orchards and vineyards, learn about the different production techniques; when you reach the tasting rooms, you will have the unique opportunity to taste a wide selection of wines. The wine bus caters for groups from two to four passengers and offers morning or afternoon tours. Just give us a call for further enquiries: 021 859 1989: Cell: (+27) 83 461 4567.
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