The Plettenberg Bay wine region is something of an insider’s secret. It’s also one of the most scenic of the Western’s Cape’s wine routes. Vineyards sprawl on the slopes of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and border thick, impenetrable forests, coupled with sparkling oceanic vistas—the route stretches from Harkerville to the Crags.
It’s also one of the youngest wine regions in South Africa, with 18 official producers it was awarded Wine of Origin status in 2005. The Plett region is fast making a name for itself in the production of Méthode Cap Classique and other cool-climate suited wines such as pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.
Caroline and Peter Thorpe of Bramon Wine Estate planted the first vines—sauvignon blanc—in 2001, resulting in an MCC. The area currently produces eight MCCs and as such has been dubbed the “Bubbly Route”.
There are currently three wine estates, Bramon, Packwood and Plettenvale. All the other wine farms (growers) produce and bottle their wines at the Bramon Wine Estate under the assistance of winemaker Anton Smal.
The Plettenberg is ideally located for easy access to visit the local wineries to sample their delicious wares. It’s not all wine-tasting though, our guests can enjoy the wine and scenery while also taking part in activities such as meandering through the Winelands on horseback, on a horse-drawn carriage, by bus with a guided tour, on a cycling trail or with a guided hike. Many of the farms also have restaurants and picnic options as well as outdoor activities such as birdwatching, fishing, hiking and MTB.
Bramon Wines
The first estate to produce wine in Plett, Bramon Wines is situated in The Crags, a beautiful, mountainous area. Try the Bramon Sauvignon Blanc MCC.
Tip: Book a lunch table amidst the vineyards.
For more info, visit: www.bramonwines.com
Newstead Lund Family Wines
Also in the Crags is this charming, family-run estate. Planted to sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir, along with a number of award-winning wines, the beautiful setting also plays host to a country-style restaurant.
Tip: Look out for picnic season!
For more info, visit: www.newsteadwines.com
Luka Wines
An award-winning sauvignon blanc winery overlooking the Knysna Elephant Park Valley.
Tip: Ask to meet the two springboks.
For more info, visit: www.lukawines.co.za
Packwood Wine and Country Estate
Enjoy a wine and cheese lunch here surrounded by indigenous forest. The estate makes still wines as well as an MCC.
Tip: There are over 950 pasture-fed Jersey cows on this estate. So your cheese lunch is as local as it gets.
For more info, visit: www.packwood.co.za
Anderson’s Wine
Possibly the wine farm with the most magnificent views, it overlooks Keurboomstrand and Robberg Peninsula. Tastings by appointment.
Tip: the impressive wildlife on this farm boasts caracal, bush pig and bushbuck as well as sightings Fish Eagle and the Knysna Turaco.
For more info, visit: www.plettwinetours.com/wine-farms/anderson-wines/
Kay & Monty Vineyards
This boutique wine farm has a beautiful, contemporary tasting room and restaurant that was formerly a greenhouse for orchids. The wall-to-floor windows look out over sprawling lawns, paddocks and a farm dam.
Tip: Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage wine tour between Kay & Monty Vineyards
and nearby Lodestone.
For more info, visit: www.kayandmonty.com
Lodestone Wine & Olives
Find this sublime wine farm in the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The majestic surroundings are planted to sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and Semillon, and they produce MCC as well as still wine. Adjoining the tasting room at Lodestone is a restaurant, which overlooks a dam.
Tip: They also farm proteas, honeybush tea and olives.
For more info, visit: www.lodestonewines.co.za
Speak to our Travel Desk who will happily make bookings for any of the above.
Main image credit: Plettenvale Wines
