The wineries situated close to Malmesbury, the main business centre of the Swartland, range from a private company to small privately owned cellars. Spread out over a large area, the wineries produce diverse wines due to the differing soils and climates of the area.
Although summers here are typically very hot and dry, some farms catch the cool sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean and hence have a cooler climate. Soils range from sandy (ideal for Rhone cultivars) to deep red and fertile (perfect for dry-land vineyards), while others derive from granite.
Wineries in the Malmesbury region
Abbotts Hill Winery has grown out of the owners’ dream to produce wine that is unique and recognisable as being from the Malmesbury region.
Cheese Mouse and Wine Fly offers cheeses, homebaked treats and a range of Swartland wines.
Franki’s Vineyards has about 22 hectares of unusual red and white grape cultivars, a rooibos tea plantation and a collection of classic road and competition cars.
Nassau Winery is a family concern. This wheat, sheep and wine farm offers a unique country experience to be enjoyed by young and old.
Four generations of the Louw family have lived on the farm Nuweland. Dry-land wine grapes, wheat, cattle and dormer sheep are farmed here, and its gourmet preserves are much in demand. The Nuweland Muscat de Alexandria and Muscat de Frontignan both got four stars in the 2010 John Platter wine guide.
Swartland Winery, with its tasting room situated in a beautiful manor house, offers a wide variety of quality wines in various brands, including the premium Idelia and Indalo ranges, the Eagle Crest range (exclusively available at the winery) and the well known Swartland Winery wines. Bookings for tour groups and cellar tours are essential and meals can be arranged on request.
