Wine Route

The small, picturesque village of Botrivier lies in the foothills of the Houw Hoek Mountains, en route to Hermanus. The Bot River, after which the hamlet is named, meanders its way through a fertile valley surrounded by mountains covered in fynbos, historical wine farms, and fields of wheat.

Within a 10km radius, the wine traveler can experience real country hospitality and taste wines made from the oldest vines in the region as well as the latest, most innovative varietals from new plantings. From historic and traditional wineries to the most modern, state-of-the-art cellars, the common denominators are a warm welcome; handcrafted, top quality wines; a commitment to biodiversity, and the desire to share hours of sociable sipping with fellow wine lovers.

https://www.botriverwines.com/estates/

The Elgin Valley, one of the Cape’s most beautiful fruit growing areas, is literally an hour’s drive from Cape Town and one of the Western Cape’s better-kept secrets in the sense that it is yet to be inundated with crowds over weekends.

Who wouldn’t want to remain schtumm about this gorgeous fertile valley filled with vineyards, orchards, forests and sweeping views of mountains that hover in a way that feels not only protective but slightly magical? The drive from Cape Town to the Elgin Valley is not only worth a mention but remains one of the most beautiful. The N2 heads up Sir Lowry’s Pass where, on a clear day, views over False Bay are simply spectacular. You then descend into the Elgin Valley, over the mountain – hence the term ‘overberg’.

People are craving authentic experiences that feed the soul. The world, as we knew it, has changed. Travel, as we knew it, has changed. And with a myriad of wine regions in South Africa all offering excellent food and entertainment, it is the hidden gems and heart-warming experiences that people seek. We guarantee that real experiences and wide-open spaces awaits you in the Elgin Grabouw Valley and that you will leave this region feeling rejuvenated.

The Robertson Wine Valley association was formed in 1983 to cohesively improve the local wine industry, promote the valley as a tourism destination and uplift the community. Today we proudly represent over 50 wineries and tourism establishments from the towns; Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson. Our valley is situated a merely 2 hour scenic drive from Cape Town on the renowned Route 62 and nestled between the majestic Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountain ranges with the graceful Breede River running through the valley.

https://www.robertsonwinevalley.com/

The youngest wine route in South Africa and just 90 km outside of Cape Town, the Breedekloof wine route lies in the Breede River Valley, which stretches from Gouda in the west, McGregor in the south, Montagu in the east and the Tankwa-Karoo National Park in the north.

Breedekloof Wine Route comprises 22 wineries in the Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini and Breede River areas, ranging from small boutique cellars to estates. Superb bistros and restaurants in the Breedekloof Valley offer a variety of dishes for the visitor to area, mostly on the wine farms themselves.

As you make your way into Franschhoek you will notice that most of the farms still bear their original French names, some complete with a spectacular Cape Dutch homestead, towering oaks, and rolling vineyards. You will find an array of cellars, ranging from quaint boutique wineries that cater for those in search of something unique to the large cellars that offer visitors organised tours and tastings.

The fertile Franschhoek Wine Valley is home to some of South Africa’s noble cultivars and classic styles. These range from superb whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Chenin Blanc, to the full-bodied reds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The area also produces some of the country’s extraordinary Méthode Cap Classiques, which can all be enjoyed during a trip along the Franschhoek MCC Route.

The wines made by the Vignerons de Franschhoek can be tasted, paired with wonderful food available from Franschhoek’s restaurants, many of which are found on the wine estates. Have a look at the Franschhoek Food and Wine Route for more options.

franschhoek.org.za/vignerons-de-franschhoek/