wine along the coast
Cederberg Mountains
In recent years the Cape West Coast became known for its collection of activities and interesting destinations like the endless flowers carpets in the spring, game reserves, foodie spots that drew their inspiration for their menu from the ocean and the surrounding vegetation and charming, small towns with friendly residents that operate small hotels and B&B’s right of the shore. Knowing Capetonians are adding a visit to a few wine estates and wineries in the area to try and enjoy the somewhat different tastes and aromas of the wines produced in this region, to their West Coast trip. Different to other wine regions of the Western Cape, the West Coast is a little warmer in climate, the vineyard slopes are gentler, and soils are different. That has led to a pallet of new undertones to your known wine verities. Whether it’s a self-drive road trip with friends or family, or an organised West Coast wine tour, a northbound trip on the R27, with Cape Town at your back, will bring you to the gateway of the West Coast Wine Route, at the small town of Darling, from where you can head east to Malmesbury on the N7. Further east is Riebeek Kasteel, where stunning wine and olive tastings are available. Head back to the N7 through the Berg River biodiversity into the Swartland for an organic wine tasting. Continue over the Piekenierskloof Pass and into the Cederberg to experience South Africa’s highest altitude vineyards with superb wine tastings. Namaqua West Coast Namaqualand is a biodiverse region, showcasing a vast array of endemic species. From June to October, Namaqualand is resplendent with a carpet of beautifully coloured wildflowers, guaranteed to wow visitors from near and far. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and cool afternoon breezes, the region produces some excellent and award-winning wines. The Olifants River region is home to three of the biggest wine cellars in the country. The terroir of the Olifants River can be described as diverse in a climatic sense. The biggest climate driver in the area is the Atlantic Ocean and proximity to the sea determines the climatic conditions. The red and yellow/brown sandy loam soils are well suited for a range of cultivars for quality wine production. Sip and savour the region’s offerings at Namaqua Wines, Klawer Cellar and Lutzville Vineyard. Visit www.westcoastwineroutes. co.za for detailed information on the estates mentioned above. Cederberg Mountains Tucked away in the Cedarberg Mountains, you’ll find the Cederberg Private Cellar. This historical wine estate, found at the foot of the Sneeuberg Mountain, not only holds more than five generations worth of winemaking history, but also boasts the title of having its vineyards at the highest altitude in South Africa.
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l Hello Cape Town June 2021
