The Klein Karoo Wine Route in the Southern Cape is home to the most diverse wine regions in South Africa. The easternmost wine-producing region in the country stretches along Cape Route 62 in the west to the Outeniqua in the east, making it the longest wine route in the world.
Most of the vineyards in the Klein Karoo are planted on the upper slopes in the rich alluvial soil along riverbanks. Most are grown organically due to the relatively drier climate.
The renowned route winds through quaint towns and vineyards, offering a unique and historic journey of South Africa’s winemaking tradition. Exploring this tradition here promises an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious traveller, here’s a brief guide to the distinctive wineries that await your discovery:
Drie Berge Winery
This award-winning winery is located on the R318 near Montagu. Drie Berge is a wholesale alcoholic beverage company run by the Jordaan family since the mid-1960s.
It is well-known for its brandy and Muscadel, which received many accolades over the years – including gold medals from the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits awards.
Products are available at the cellar, as well as distributed nationwide.
- Location: Bordeaux, Montagu
- Contact: 023 614 1305 | admin@drieberge.co.za
Montagu Wine Cellar
The Montagu Wine Cellar was established in 1941 as Montagu Muskadelboere Koöperasie. Since then, it has grown significantly while still keeping with the tradition of making Muscadel via Monis Marsala and Moscato in the same cellar that it started with.
Today, the renowned cellar, crowned ‘Champion wine cellar of the region’ produces white and red muscadel.
Wines are marketed locally and can arranged to be delivered nationwide.
- Location: 1 Cinsaut Street, Montagu
- Contact: 023 614 1125 | sales@montaguwines.co.za
Montagu Wine & Spirits Co
This is the home of the original Montagu Muscadel. Montagu Wine & Spirits Co was established in January 2010 by the cellars Rietrivier and Uitvlucht.
A diverse range of wines are produced here, including Sauvignon Blanc in the higher elevations and Muscadel (Muscat d’Frontignan) in the fertile riverbeds.
Around 10 producers supply the grapes for the production of these wines.
- Location: Rietrivier Cellar, on the R62 between Montagu and Barrydale
- Contact: 023 614 1340 | wine@mwswine.co.za
Boplaas Family Vineyards
Boplaas has been distilling spirits since 1880. The first order of potstill brandy casks was sent to Cape Town by ox wagon for delivery to London (taxes could be paid with brandy in those days).
Boplaas’ copper potstill remained inactive for nearly 70 years following the repeal of distilling licenses in the early 1920s. In 1989, it was revived thanks to legislative changes. In 1993, Boplaas launched its inaugural estate brandy, Boplaas 5 Year Potstill Brandy, which was served at Nelson Mandela’s presidential inauguration banquet.
- Location: Boplaas Family Vineyards & Distilling, Saayman Street 2, Calitzdorp
- Contact: 044 213 3326 | boplaas@mweb.co.za
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