Valley Winelands
The inland wine areas of the Western Cape are flanked by majestic mountain ranges, with a Mediterranean climate that’s perfect for wine production. Although the inland areas do not receive as much ocean breeze as the coastal regions, the rocky soil, in which the vineyards thrive, has allowed the production of wine in the area since the 18th century.
The Breede River Valley, in which many of the area’s vineyards are grown, boasts free lime in its soil, creating a sandy to organic rich, often hydromorphic mix of land. It has often been said that the warmer climate of the inland produces grapes that are more suited for bulk- and distilling wine. Some of the wine estates in the area have become quite successful commercially, placing emphasis on the gorgeous natural landscape and family-orientated atmosphere of the surrounds.
The Breedekloof Valley has a reputation for producing a superb variety of wines along the mountain slopes and Breede River. Worcester has a hotter climate than its neighbouring areas, with vineyards nestled in the Breede River Valley. The area is acclaimed for its reddish-brown soils and production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc, as well as the lesser known Columbar. The Bonnievale Valley is known for its fertile soils, varied terroir and production of elegant wines such as Cinsault and Chardonnay.
Roberston winelands area is a popular tourist destination, with visitors flocking to the area annually for various wine festivals. It is home to historically important wine estates and the popular Klipdrift distillery, and varieties like Merlot, Pinotage and Viognier are produced in the region.
One of the lesser-known routes of the inland area is located in Tulbagh, who take innovation in viticulture very seriously. Wine estates in the area were the first to introduce night harvesting in SA, which has been adopted by several wine producers throughout the Cape. The Obiqua, Winterhoek and Witzenberg Mountains create a beautiful valley to the south where winds cool the vineyards and allow for the production of quality grapes.
Klein Karoo
The semi-desert climate of the Klein Karoo seems to be the ideal area for grape growing. Who knew? It’s mostly known for sheep and ostrich farming, but has since joined the vino making party in an attempt to diversify the Western Cape’s wine portfolio. The warm temperatures are moderated by breezes that start in the late afternoon, and cool nighttime temperatures.
Wine production here is largely centred around fortified "port-style" wine and Muscadels - sweeter wines with a rich, creamy texture. Towns like Montagu, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn and De Rust have pioneered Klein Karoo wines, producing various varieties of grapes due to the area’s range of microclimates.
Calitzdorp is famous for producing traditional Portuguese cultivars, which is unique to the area, resulting in sought-after Calitzdorp blends. Champion Muscadels and Cape Port are synonymous with Barrydale and Ladismith, and full-bodied Shiraz, as well as lighter wine styles for easy drinking are produced in Montagu and De Rust.