Knysna, a dreamy coastal space

Knysna,

a dreamy coastal space

Knysna, a name as unique as its picturesque coastal location; a place where the ocean meets jagged coastal cliffs that flow into fynbos belts and indigenous forest, which eventually meets with a majestic stretch of the Outeniqua Mountain range. All of this is what makes this corner of the Southern Cape so exceptional.

It’s here that history, people and nature have shaped a special kind of place and sculpted the region with its rare and spectacular cultures formed around wood, boats, mining, farming and elephant mysteries. The Greater Knysna District consists of the sleepy town of Sedgefield to the west, the interesting hamlets of Karatara and Rheenendal to the north, and the main town of Knysna itself which forms the eastern border.

Knysna town is cocooned by rolling hills and a large estuary that connects with the Indian Ocean through the enormous riven cliffs known as the Knysna Heads. These spectacular protruding cliffs played a huge part in the development of the town in earlier centuries. They formed the entrance to a safe portal and secure anchorage for passing ships on their trade routes, adding to the trade market that thrived in Knysna at the time. The wood trade was the reason why many flocked to the town and evidence of its early years is solidly imprinted in numerous buildings, museums and the boat building culture of Knysna.

The area’s rich farmlands lend themselves to the development of dairy and vegetable farming. There are a few natural resources, such as gold, that also played a part in the economic and historical development of Knysna. Many foreigners made Knysna their home, even though prospects were not always good and involved endless hard work.

A popular tourist destination

These days, the Knysna region is mainly a tourism destination offering the traveller a diverse space in which to enjoy adventure, scenic views, food, culture and family-friendly activities. Knysna is a central hub for those that wish to mountain bike, hike, run, sail, paraglide, surf, or just enjoy the diversity of natural outings the area has to offer. To the west, you can enjoy long stretches of beach at Brenton-on-Sea, Buffels Baai, Platbank, Cola Beach, Myoli Beach, the Sedgefield Estuary Mouth and the pristine Swartvlei Beach, home to Gericke’s Point.

This coastal area contains unspoiled estuaries and naturally formed lakes that appeal to water lovers, fishermen and birders. Head towards the mountains and you can experience the lush green forest and rolling hills of fynbos, ideal for those who wish to escape into nature. Gravel roads and tracks lure hikers, cyclists, 4 x 4 enthusiasts and back road travellers to this region.

Welcome to Knysna, where most things happen naturally - with a little local flair

Knysna boasts one of the world’s best farmers markets. Situated in Sedgefield, the market is famous for its excellent fresh produce and locally made products. You won’t have to travel far to find eateries, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops that are family-friendly and where the welcoming smile of a local is always ready to greet you. Knysna and the areas surrounding it provide a wholesome environment for those who wish to leave the city behind and breathe fresh air and enjoy the wide-open spaces that the Garden Route has to offer.

For more information on accommodation and activities, visit www.exploreknysna.com

Most successful producer at Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2020

Top performing winery in 2021 Platter’s Wine Guide with seven 5-star wines

The modern history of Kleine Zalze starts in 1996 when Kobus Basson purchased the property to realise his family’s dream of producing wines of outstanding quality in combination with a lifestyle estate that affords residents the experience of luxury country living.

Kleine Zalze’s philosophy is simple: success begins in the vineyards. Exceptional wines are made possible by careful management of the farm’s extensive natural assets through innovative canopy management and selecting varieties and clones specifically suited to the various soils and slopes.

The wines are produced by traditional methods with minimal cellar intervention but supported by modern equipment. Kleine Zalze wines are marked by a classical structure and complexity matched by a vibrant flavour intensity. Discernibly South African in style, they are refreshing, beautifully balanced and well-suited to food.

These factors, together with the attention to detail and personal approach that goes with being a family-owned estate contributes to the ongoing success of the wines of Kleine Zalze – the awards and accolades bestowed on the wines of Kleine Zalze are testament to this.

This year however, Kleine Zalze achieved new heights by being named Top Performing Winery of the Year by Platter’s South African wine guide, arguably the most comprehensive guide to South African wine and one of the most highly regarded in the world.

The guide, bestowed the title on the winery, which saw no less than seven of its wines achieve the five-star apex rating whilst a further six wines received a four-and-a-half-star rating.

The announcement came just weeks after the experienced judges at the esteemed Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show named Kleine Zalze its Most Successful Producer Overall for 2020.

To complement the award-winning wines, the Kleine Zalze Restaurant offers timeless, honest, authentic dishes - not necessarily fine dining but certainly top-quality delicious food. The menu at the Kleine Zalze Restaurant offers a selection of plats du jour; a collection of delicious dishes inspired by classic cuisine. Alongside the plats du jour chef Nic van Wyk created a small selection of tapas plates, perfectly pitched for a lighter meal at the restaurant or to complement a wine tasting.

The new culinary approach is also designed to ensure seamless integration of the food and wine experience on the estate. The wine tasting centre offers different tasting options to showcase the wines of the estate. Guests can enjoy a Cap Classique Cellar Selection or Vineyard Selection. For the first time guests can enjoy tasting the full range of exclusive Family Reserve wines. There is also a summer tasting where a selection from the different ranges can be tasted.

The Kleine Zalze Restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday in the evenings.

Wine-tasting and light snacks from the tasting room are offered daily. The tasting room is open for sales till 18h00 but tasting ends 17h30.

Visit Kleine Zalze just outside Stellenbosch for a stellar experience. Tel: +27 218800717 l E-mail: restaurant@kleinezalze.co.za or sales@kleinezalze.co.za l www.kleinezalze.co.za