The historic town OF Malmesbury is within easy reach of Cape Town and the West Coast. (Information about the Malmesbury Historic Route can be obtained from the Malmesbury Tourism office.) The small wineries on this itinerary offer authentic experiences and an opportunity to meet and socialise with the locals – you can be assured of a warm welcome and a unique outing. These smaller outfits are usually owner-managed, however, so make sure you book before you leave – the farmer or winemaker could very well be otherwise occupied with farming activities if you arrive without warning.

09:00
Depart for the Swartland. Drive from Cape Town along the N7, north to Malmesbury. After about 55 km, take the Hillcrest road to your left (if you get to the Abbotsdale or Malmesbury turn-offs, you’ve gone too far). Follow the road to Abbots Hill winery.

10:00–11:00
Abbots Hill Winery (Tel: 082 492 0692) is the pride and joy of Dianne and Cameron Baine. A rustic old dairy shed, currently being renovated, is utilised as a cellar. Taste some of their wines and enjoy tea/coffee with Dianne and Cameron before continuing your trip.

11:00
Depart via Malmesbury and the R301 (Klipheuwel Road) to Nassau Winery.

11:30–13:00
Nassau Winery (Tel: 022 482 2145) is the Lambrecht family’s concern – wheat, sheep and wine are the focal points on this beautifully kept model farm. Wines are bottled under the Black Ridge label. Sample some of their wines and drive through the vineyards before heading back to Malmesbury.

13:00
Enjoy lunch in one of Malmesbury’s many eateries before heading for the Cheese Mouse and Wine Fly, just off the N7 about 10 km north of the town.

14:30–15:00
At the Cheese Mouse and Wine Fly, sample cheeses and stock up on homebaked treats, along with a range of Swartland wines, while the kids feed the ducks, chickens, potbellied pigs and other small game in the small-animals enclosure.

15:00
Depart for Cape Town after a fabulous Swartland country experience.

OPTIONAL: Combine this one-day excursion with an overnight stay and continue your wine experience the next day in the Paardeberg or the Riebeek Valley, or head north towards the Berg River.

Swartland Winery, situated outside the historic town of Malmesbury, was established in 1948 and has become the biggest cellar on the route and one of the 10 largest in the country in terms of export volume. Over the past few years a number of interesting smaller wineries have sprung up around the town; all are worth a visit should you be interested in meeting the locals and having an authentic agri-tourism experience. Bookings are essential for visits to the smaller wineries.

08:30
Depart for the Swartland. Drive from Paarl along the R45 to Malmesbury. About 3 km before you reach Malmesbury, you will find Swartland Winery on your left- hand side.

09:15 – 10:00
Swartland Winery Sample the wines of Swartland Winery (Tel: 022 482 1134), the largest winery in the region with a capacity of 23 000 tonnes. The winery offers variety of wines to suit every taste. The easy-drinking Swartland Shiraz/Malbec as well as the Indalo range come highly recommended. Swartland is one of the few wineries in the area that has fortified wines included in
their product offering.

10:00
Depart via Malmesbury and the R301 (Klipheuwel Road) to Nassau Winery.

10:20–11:00
Nassau Winery (Tel: 022 482 2145) is the Lambrecht family’s concern – wheat, sheep and wine are the focal points on this beautifully kept model farm.
Wines are bottled under the Black Ridge label. Sample some of their wines and drive through the vineyards before heading to Joubertskloof.

11:00
Depart for Abbots Hill Winery via Malmesbury and the N7 going south.

11:20–12:10
Abbots Hill Winery (Tel: 082 492 0692) is the pride and joy of Dianne and Cameron Baine.
A rustic old dairy shed, currently being renovated, is utilised as a cellar. Taste some of their wines and enjoy tea/coffee with Dianne and Cameron before continuing your trip.

12:10
Depart for Malmesbury.

12:25–14:00
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the coffee shops or restaurants in Malmesbury.
(look at the website www.malmesburytourism.co.za for information).

14:00
Depart for Nuweland Winery, situated 7 km from Malmesbury on R315 towards Darling.

14:10-15:15
Juan Louw Jnr bottled his first wines at Nuweland Winery in 2008, and the Muscat de Alexandria (Hanepoot) and Muscat de Frontignan were awarded four stars in the 2010 John Platter wine guide. For the next five years Juan will be focusing on perfecting his recipe for unfortified white and red blends.
Juan’s mom, Mariëtha, is famous for her delicious chutneys, jams and preserves, also sold under the Nuweland label.
Tractor rides can be arranged on this working wheat, sheep and wine-grape farm.

15:15
Depart for Franki’s Vineyards, on the farm Eenboom about 15 km from Nuweland, in the heart of the newly established Tweekuylen Bavaria. From Nuweland, follow the R315 for approximately 3,5 km in the direction of Darling. Turn off on the gravel road to the farm Elsana and follow this road for about 9 km. At the T-junction turn left and continue for about 4 km to Eenboom farm.

15:45–17:30
Franki’s Vineyards Franki’s Vineyards winemaker Erica Joubert harvested the first Grenache in 2009 and bottled the Mourvèdre ’08 in the same year. An ideal getaway for families, Franki’s Vineyards boasts four-star guest accommodation, as well as a collection of classic cars.
Meals and overnight accommodation can be arranged.

Overnighting at Franki’s Vineyards is recommended.

OPTIONAL: Combine this one-day excursion with an overnight stay and continue your wine experience the next day in the Paardeberg or the Riebeek Valley, or head north towards the Berg River.

08:30
Depart for the Swartland. Drive from Cape Town along the N7 north to Malmesbury. Turn off to Malmesbury and follow the road signs to the R45 to Paarl. About 10 km from Malmesbury in the direction of Paarl there’s a turn-off to the Paardeberg on the right-hand side. Follow the dirt road for 3 km to Annex Kloof (Tel: 022 487 3870).

10:00–11:00
Enjoy a wine tasting with Annex Kloof’s owner/winemaker Hugo Basson. This farm is known for its Malbec, which won a trophy at the National Young Wine Show in 2006.

11:00
Depart for Babylon’s Peak Private Cellar on the farm Nooitgedacht. Follow the gravel road from AnnexKloof for about 6 km. Nooitgedacht is the second-last farm on this road, on the right-hand side.

11:15–13:00
Stephan and Inalize Basson will welcome you at Babylon’s Peak Private Cellar (Tel: 022 487 1614) on the farm Nooitgedacht, in the area known as Aprilkloof. You can’t beat this region for breath-taking views, and the best way to see them is on a 4X4 excursion up the mountainside through indigenous fynbos. Taste some of Stephan’s wines – his famous Babylon blend and Syrah are well worth it - before departing.

13:15 
Depart for Dragon Ridge Wines at Fynbos Estate (Tel: 022 487 1153). From Babylon’s Peak Private Cellar, follow the gravel road back past AnnexKloof, turn left at the first road that you can through vineyards. You’ll come out at a cross-roads; turn left again. Follow that road until you see the sign for Fynbos Estate.

13:40–15:00
A leisurely wine tasting and lunch on the verandah of the Victorian homestead at Fynbos Estate is a rare pleasure. (Bookings for meals are essential.) Winemaker/owner Johan Simons loves to cook up a storm and entertain guests. During harvest season the Estate offers winemaking weekend packages, and accommodation on the farm is available throughout the year.

15:00
Depart for Cape Town after an enjoyable experience in the countryside.

OPTIONAL: Combine this one-day excursion with an overnight stay and continue your wine experience the next day in the
Riebeek Valley or Malmesbury surrounds, or head north towards the Berg River.

The twin villages of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West are fondly referred to by the locals as the Riebeek Valley. Nestled against the slopes of Kasteelberg, Riebeek Kasteel is known for the many artists who have moved into the area. Wine cellars and olive producers are open to the public, and during olive season guided tours of the olive oil presses can be arranged.

09:00
Depart for the Swartland. Head north from Cape Town along the N7. Take the Malmesbury turnoff, then follow the R45 past Swartland Winery in the direction of Paarl. Turn off on to the R46 towards Riebeek Kasteel/Ceres.

10:30–11:00
Meerhof Winery (Tel: 022 487 2524), situated on the Bothmanskloof Pass, overlooks the Riebeek Valley. The cellar was named after Pieter Meerhof, the doctor who accompanied explorer Pieter Cruytoff’s party that discovered the Valley in 1661. Tea/coffee and sandwiches can be enjoyed at Meerhof (to be arranged beforehand). Sample some of Meerhof’s wines and drink in the views of the Valley.

11:00
Depart for Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate (Tel: 022 448 1635), over the pass and down the other side towards Riebeek Kasteel.

11:15–12:30
The historic farm Kloovenburg lies at the foot of the Bothmanskloof Pass, against the backdrop of the Kasteelberg. Owner Pieter du Toit makes the wine, while his wife Annalene produces the olive products. Taste some of the wines, olives, infused olive oils, olive preserves and dried olives, or linger in the shade of the old oak trees.

12:30–14:00
Enjoy a light lunch at Merlot, the restaurant at Het Vlock Casteel (Môrester farm, Tel: 022 448 1433). Het Vlock Casteel is known for its variety of local produce, including chutneys preserves, ice-cream sauces and olive products.

14:15–15:00
Sample olives, tapenade, chocolate-olive salami and other olive products at the Riebeeck Olive Boutique (Tel: 022 448 1368). The boutique has combined forces with Swartland Winery and now offers very special wine-and-olive pairings.

15:00-15:45
Pop in to De Oude Kerk Museum (TEL Leatitia Mans 022 448 1584), the original Dutch Reformed church building in Riebeek Kasteel, for a short talk on the history of the Valley and a tour of the premises.

15:45–17:00
Visit the Riebeek Cellars wine shop on the town square (the shop is open on Saturdays and Sundays) or sample some wines on the premises of the cellar itself. Riebeek Cellars offers a number of wine ranges to suit anyone’s taste. If time allows, explore Riebeek Kasteel’s town centre on foot and visit the various art galleries and shops. Enjoy coffee at one of the restaurants on the square before heading home.

17:00
Depart for Cape Town after an enjoyable experience in the countryside.

OPTIONAL: Combine this one-day excursion with an overnight stay and continue your wine experience the next day in the Valley.

Riebeek West is situated 4 km from Riebeek Kasteel. The Riebeek Valley is known for its excellent Shiraz and, combined with the beautiful surroundings, colourful residents and numerous quaint restaurants, the area is a must on the itinerary of anyone who wishes to explore the heart of the Swartland. Steeped in history, Riebeek West is also noted for the fact that two of South Africa’s major political figures were born here: Jan Smuts on the farm Ongegund and DF Malan on the farm Allesverloren.

09:00
Depart for the Swartland. Head north from Cape Town on the N7. Take the Malmesbury turnoff and follow the R45 past Swartland Winery (wine-tasting here is optional) in the direction of Paarl, then turn off on to the R46 towards Riebeek Kasteel/Ceres.
Continue through Riebeek Kasteel to the town of Riebeek West.

10:30–11:30
Taste some wine and go on a cellar tour at Pulpit Rock Winery (Tel: 022 461 2025). The wines, especially the Chardonnay and Pinotage, impress and so does the state-of-the-art wine cellar. Pulpit Rock has a restaurant with a beautiful view of the valley; groups can be accommodated by prior arrangement. A tractor ride through the vineyards and game enclosure can also be arranged for groups.

11:30
Depart for Jan Smuts Museum, just down the road.

11:45–13:00
Visit the Jan Smuts Museum (TEL Mercia Bester 083 348 2587) at the PPC cement factory, situated on the farm Ongegund, where Jan Christian Smuts was born on 24 May 1870.

13:00-14:30
Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at the renowned Allesverloren Wine Estate (Tel: 022 461 2320). This is one of the oldest farms in the area and belongs to the Malan family. Statesman DF Malan was born on the farm and the original homestead and residence of the current owner is a national monument. The estate boasts a lovely conference and wedding venue, ideal for hosting tour groups for lunch or dinner. Meals can also be enjoyed at the Pleasant Pheasant restaurant on the farm.

14:45–15:30
Browse through the interesting antiques at The Kasteelberg Trading Centre.

15:30
Depart for Cape Town after an enjoyable experience in the countryside.

OPTIONAL: Combine this one-day excursion with an overnight stay and continue your wine experience the next day in the Riebeek Valley, or head north towards the Berg River where the only organic wine cellar of the Santam Swartland Wine & Olive Route awaits discovery.

The Piketberg and Winterhoek mountains near Porterville with their indigenous fynbos flora are a drawcard in the Berg River area. Numerous outdoor activities, such as horse riding, hiking, biking, fishing and even hang-gliding, are on offer here. The quaint town of Koringberg is slowly but surely becoming a favourite destination for city slickers wanting a quiet country breakaway. The wineries in this area offer diverse experiences and include the only organic wine farm on the route.

08:30
Depart for the Swartland. Head north from Cape Town on the N7, past Malmesbury and Moorreesburg, to Piketberg.

10:00-11:00
Johan Mostert and his artist wife Karin will welcome you at Nieuwedrift Vineyards (Tel: 022 913 1966). Karin’s paintings decorate the tasteful wijnhuis on the farm. Johan is a passionate winemaker and he loves to share his experiences and knowledge with others. Tea/coffee and/or lunch can be arranged for groups.

11:00-11:10
Depart for Org de Rac. Head north along the N7 and you will immediately see the impressive vineyards and buildings of Org de Rac on your left-hand side. Cross the Berg River and turn left at the sign to the winery. The turn-off is about 4 km from that of Nieuwedrift.

11:10-12:10
Org de Rac (Tel: 022 913 2397) is the only organic winery on the Santam Swartland Wine & Olive Route. They are accredited by the SOIL Association of Bristol and adhere to strict criteria for the cultivation of their grapes and cellar practices. Sample some of their unique wines and drink in the beautiful views from the front verandah of the tasting room. A tour of the state-of-the-art cellar and bottling line, as well as a visit to the game enclosure on the farm, are recommended. An olive orchard was established in 2008 – the first olives will be harvested in 2013. Lunch can be arranged for groups.

12:10–13:00
Wines from most of the wineries on the Santam Swartland Wine & Olive Route can be sampled at the Winkelshoek tasting centre (Tel: 022 913 1092). A talk about the brandy they bottle for KWV and their niche products, such as Fruits from Africa, Pippa granadilla liqueur and Royal Vodka, can be arranged.

13:00–14:30
Enjoy lunch at the Spur restaurant at Winkelshoek.

14:30
Depart for Houtconstant along the R44 to Porterville.

15:00-16:00
Houdconstant farm (Tel: 022 487 2233) boasts the Greenacres Garagiste @ Houdconstant where Fan Olivier and a couple of his friends enjoy making wine on small scale. They are also involved in promoting the increasingly popular Jacob’s Quest wines and are eager to share their story and wine with visitors.

16:00
Depart for Cape Town after an enjoyable experience in the countryside.

OPTIONAL: Overnight in Porterville and continue exploring the Santam Swartland Wine & Olive Route the next day.