indwe magazine – Dec 2005

Swartland Wine Route
The Swartland area was originally called “Het Zwarte Land” by Jan van Riebeeck, referring to the characteristic dark colour of the indigenous Renosterbos, which appears black at certain times of the year. It didn’t take farmers of the area long to notice how the natural beauty of the area could contribute towards the growing of excellent vines.
The changing landscapes of the Swartland make for varied microclimates, enabling the cultivation of a wide selection of wines. A large percentage of the vines in the area are grown under dry land conditions. Because the vines are not irrigated, the wines are of an excellent quality with various concentrated flavours, making it much sought after for blending with wines from irrigated vineyards. The Riebeek Valley in the Swartland region is also known as ‘Shiraz Country’, as the climatic conditions are ideal for growing grapes that produce distinctive red wines.
Allesverloren Estate
Nestled at the foot of the Kasteelberg Mountain in the picturesque Riebeek Valley, lies Allesverloren Estate. The estate was passed into the hands of the Malan family in 1872, making it the oldest wine estate in the Swartland district. Because of the area’s varying meso-climates, the Allesverloren estate is renowned for creating big, robust red wines. In 1998 the 1996 Allesverloren Shiraz earned the winemaker, Danie Malan, the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year award. But it’s not only Danie’s wine that has people talking. In 2000 the 1993 Allesverloren Port earned him the sought-after Peter Schultz Award for excellence in Port production.
Babylon’s Peak Private Cellar
Marking the most southerly point of the Swartland Wine Route is Babylon’s Peak. It lies nestled in the slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, between Malmesbury and Paarl. Some of the highest vineyards in the Swartland region are found here – about 700m above sea level. The private cellar is situated on the farm Nooitgedacht, which has already been in the Basson family for four generations. In 2003 a dream came true for Stephan Basson when he decided to renovate the old cellar and start producing his own wine. The name ‘Babylon’s Peak’ is derived from a very high granite peak on the farm, which is known to local people as ‘Babylonstoren’. Babylon’s Peak sets very high standards to the wine bottled under its label; 2003 was the first vintage year and only two wines were bottled.
Citrusdal Cellars
Founded in 1957, Citrusdal Cellars continues a fine tradition of winemaking first initiated in the fertile Olifants River Valley, 180km north of Cape Town in the early 1700s, when the valley was the major gateway to the interior for explorers and fortune seekers. Today more than 100 growers contribute to Citrusdal Cellars brands, and these have become acclaimed around the world as wines of distinction. Based in the tranquil village of Citrusdal, the cellar produces fine wines from the fertile golden valley and the magnificent mountain ranges framing it.
Het Vlock Casteel
Johan Vlok is the proud owner of Morester farm, which is situated in Riebeek Kasteel. Johan has been farming here for the past 20 years, with table grapes as the main agricultural product. They also produce wine grapes, peaches, nectarines, citrus fruit and for the last five years also olives. Johan’s wife, Ansie, makes the most mouth-watering delicacies from these products. From jams and chutneys, to olive oils and olive relishes, Het Vlock Casteel offers a true country experience in a friendly environment.
Kloovenburg Vineyards & Olive Estate
Your first stop upon entering the romantic Riebeek Valley is historic Kloovenburg. Here, on the contours of Kasteelburg Mountain, grapes were planted as early as the mid 18th century. Continuing the pioneering tradition, Kloovenburg Estate was also the first olive producer in the Swartland, with the first trees being planted in 1988. Today, the visitor to Kloovenburg enjoys a feast of choice. Faced with a sensuous selection of award-winning export olive products ranging from sun-ripened olives, tapenade and fine olive oil to luxurious skin creams and soaps, as well the du Toit family’s acclaimed Shiraz and Chardonnay noble wines, you can only succumb to the vintage charms of this delightful venue.
Lammershoek Winery
The farm Lammershoek was first proclaimed in 1718 and the adjacent farm Welgelegen in 1847. In 1995 both farms were acquired by Paul and Anna Kretzel, who also manage the farm and winery. In 1999 the Stephan family from Germany obtained a 50% share. The vineyards of Welgelegen and Lammershoek lie on the back slope of the Paardeberg Mountain, on the border of the Paarl and Swartland region in the heart of the winelands. Because of the farm’s location and the area’s ideal conditions for growing grapes, the winemaker is able to create wines of outstanding balance.
Meerhof Wine Estate
The history of Meerhof dates back to 1661, when Pieter van Meerhof was sent to discover this abundant land by his great friend Jan van Riebeeck. Today the estate is owned by Cobus Kotze and the Kotze family trust. The farm was bought in 1961 as mainly a wheat and sheep farm. Up until 2000, the few grapes that they did grow were delivered to Riebeek Cellars, but then Cobus decided to realise his dream and turn the estate into a wine farm, producing its own range of wines under the Meerhof name. The cellar is ideally located in the nook of the Kasteelberg Mountain, where one can enjoy breathtaking views over the Riebeek Valley with a glass of fine wine in hand.
Nieuwedrift Vineyards
Nieuwedrift Vineyards is an intimate winery, situated outside the charming town of Piketberg. The farm is run by the 7th generation of the Mostert family, resulting in it being a family business where hospitality and personal attention are of the highest importance. The winemaker, Johan Mostert, was awarded the Swartland vineyard block winner in 2003/04, although he has only produced Chenin Blanc and Shiraz wines to date. The winery consists of a small cellar, a restaurant and a tasting room. The restaurant incorporates part of the original stables and is decorated with Johan’s wife’s paintings. It exudes a rustic charm, giving visitors a tangible sense of the wholesome farming lifestyle.
Porterville Cellars
Set in the picturesque town of Porterville, where lush green vineyards grow abundantly on the slopes of the Vier-en-twintigriviere Mountains is Porterville Cellars. Grown on the farms of 115 members and representing widely differing microclimates and soil types, the grapes are used to create the unique and relatively unknown range of fine wines from the Porterville Wine Cellar. The stylishly decorated tasting room has ample seating for up to 60 guests, where visitors are invited to savour some of the valley’s finest wines.
Pulpit Rock Winery
A stark rocky outcrop just outside Riebeek West marks the home of Pulpit Rock Winery. The rockface, known as Pulpit Rock, forms the foundation of the earth on which the thriving vineyards grow. It is from this valley that the finest grapes are selected for the purpose of producing an uncompromising wine of excellence. Pulpit Rock Winery offers visitors a range of premium wines produced under the Pulpit Rock Label, their flagship, and Cape Haven, their commercial range. Magnificent views and personalised service ads to the truly unique experience in the stylish wine tasting centre.
Riebeek Cellars
Riebeek Cellars, established in 1941, is located in the heart of the artistic town of Riebeek Kasteel. Lush vineyards grow on the wrinkled slopes of the majestic Kasteelberg Mountain, providing the winemakers with distinct quality grapes. The charm and tranquillity of Riebeek Kasteel, with its artistic community, is reflected in the Riebeek Cellars brand. A range of excellent wines are produced under the name, including their flagship, A Few Good Men, Riebeek Cellars Reserve as well as Riebeek Cellars Collection. A visit to this cellar is a journey of reliving the grandeur of a legacy of the Huguenot Winemaking tradition over the centuries.
Riebeeck Olive Boutique
A tapestry of trees welcomes you into the entrance of Riebeeck Olive Boutique. Juliana Meredith stands ready to share her wealth of knowledge on olives and olive production. The Olive Boutique, owned by Juliana and Michael Meredith, offers the ‘Ultimate Olive Experience’, where row upon row of olive products invite you to take your taste buds on an exotic trip. Juliana also produces her own range of beauty products which are ideal for a present or some self-indulgence. The boutique also stocks some of the valley’s finest wines, complementing the display of olives and cheeses. A visit to the boutique is a must.
Swartland Winery
Swartland Winery, the largest producer in the Swartland region, is situated near Malmesbury. In 1948 the Swartland co-operative was founded by 15 farmers, and by 1950, 48 farmers were supplying 2,500 tons of grapes annually. Today the winery is the 3rd largest co-operative cellar in South Africa, producing approximately 1.2 million cases of wine a year. The winery handles every aspect of production, from harvest right through to delivery, resulting in the production of wines that meet only the highest of standards. The wines produced under the Swartland name include their premier range, Indalo, Swartland Wines, Eagle Crest and d’Vine.
Winkelshoek Wine Cellar
Winkelshoek is a rugged thatched roof establishment set between the majestic Piketberg Mountains and rolling wheat fields of the Swartland. It serves as a one-stop shop where all the wines of the Swartland Wine Route can be found. It acts as representative of all the Swartland wineries, providing one focal point for tasting and buying these exquisite wines. It is conveniently located on the N7 heading north from Cape Town and south from Namibia. Winkelshoek is a must stop for any traveller as it also has a curio shop, farm stall and country style restaurant.
The Swartland Wine Route is expanding rapidly. The Cheese Mouse & Wine Fly is situated just outside Malmesbury on the N7, where wines and olives of the region can be bought. Ongegund, located on the road between Malmesbury and Riebeek Kasteel, is another olive producer in the valley, while Org de Rac Domaine is the latest addition to the route’s excellent wine cellars.
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