Message from Swartland Wine Route Manager Jolene Janse van Rensburg

I would like to extend a personal invitation to you to visit the Swartland Wine Route and to experience our beautiful diverse area. Traditionally a wheat producing agricultural region, the Swartland has in recent years embraced tourism and now offers numerous activities and facilities for visitors.

Unlike other wine routes the Swartland Wine Route is not centered around one town, but covers a large area stretching from the Paardeberg in the south to the Berg River in the north.

Malmesbury, home to the head-office of the wine route, is situated approximately 70 km from the Cape Town and is the business capitol of the Swartland. The impressive historical buildings dotted around the town forms part of the Malmesbury Historic Walk, which includes the local Museum. Malmesbury’s annual Musiek oppi Lande Festival held in August is a must for Afrikaans music lovers.

The Paardeberg area, just south of Malmesbury in the direction of Paarl, is an off-the-beaten-track destination for those interested in outdoor activities such as 4X4 and hiking trails. Visiting one of the private cellars and meeting the locals in the Paardeberg is part of this unique and very personal experience.

The quaint villages of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West nestle at the foot of Kasteelberg (“Castle Mountain”) approximately 20km from Malmesbury. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves the area, affectionately known as the Riebeek Valley, is home to many artists and creative individuals. Visitors are encouraged to visit the very popular Riebeek Valley Olive Festival during the first weekend in May and the Riebeek Shiraz & Art Weekend in September.

Piketberg and the Berg River form the northern border of the wine route. Piketberg consists of two very different areas – the town with the surrounding farms of wheat and vineyards, and the Mountain. Piketberg’s Mountain is a secret gem! A trip up the mountain is a must for any visitor, as the natural beauty comes as a great surprise to almost everyone who sees it. Fruit orchards abound and the natural vegetation flourishes with proteas, restios and ericas of every description. Horse riding and hiking are some of the activities on offer.

Not to far from Piketberg lies Porterville at the foot of the Olifants and Groot Winterhoek Mountains. Climatic conditions vary from dry, hot summers with powerful thermals, making it the ideal location for hang-gliding. Porterville is famous for the rarest of flowers, the Disa Uniflora, which appears during the months of January – February in the Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve. A variety of outdoor activities is on offer, of which Waterval with its 22 constant waterfalls is a must see.
The wineries are spread throughout this unique region with its varying landscapes and climates, resulting in a diverse wine production area.

Daily wine tasting, cellar tours and sales are offered at most cellars. Some of the wineries – especially those in the remote Paardeberg area – offer tasting by appointment only.

Come see and taste for yourself! Visit the sensational Swartland with its fascinating landscapes and truly exceptional wines.

JOLENE JANSE VAN RENSBURG
WINE ROUTE MANAGER