Insider’s guide to Breedekloof Wine Valley
South Africa’s most generous wine route offers so much more than just wine! Travellers and wine lovers are increasingly opting for visits to the lesser-explored Breedekloof Wine Valley, as this wine hamlet – just over an hour’s drive outside Cape Town – is becoming a trendy weekend escape. Apart from offering dramatic mountain views, the valley also offers a range of activities that caters to all tastes: whether it is a thirst for the outdoors, for something a bit more literal in the form of wine, gin or even craft beer, or even a game drive, it is easy to see why this valley is vast becoming a popular destination for those ‘in the know’.
Follow these tips for activities and places worth exploring
Cut through the valley on a bicycle
Explore the Slanghoek Valley, a small hamlet along a 13km mountain bike route that boasts majestic scenery and, in spite of its rugged terrain, inspires tranquillity. The route starts and ends at the Slanghoek Cellar, and includes criss-crossing of streams with bridges and cycling through a fenced wildlife camp with game. It’s the perfect activity for families and beginners, but there is an additional 4km trail for those seeking a challenge. Cyclists should register for the route to gain access. Registration fee: R20, under 10’s must be accompanied by an adult. Info: Slanghoek 023 344 3026, info@slanghoek.co.za
‘Wanna-be-Italiano’ course at Picardi Place
Food lovers absolutely have to visit Picardi Place for this establishment’s interactive Italian pasta making courses. Chef and owner, Jaco Brand, hosts guests for the day during which they are taught to make pasta from scratch – and of course, pasta and wine go hand in hand! After the first pasta-making phase, guests get to enjoy organic wines from Mountain Oaks Estate – where after it is back to the kitchen to do final preparation on the pasta dishes. Picardi Place has a permaculture vegetable garden where guests get to pick fresh produce to add to their pasta dishes, allowing for a fully interactive farm-to-table experience. Naturally, guests get to enjoy the fruit of their labour at the end of the day! Info: Jaco Brand at Picardi 082 788 9019, jaco@picardiplace.co.za
Harvest Waterblommetjies at Picardi Place (July – Sept 2017)
Picardi Palce also offers a full day Waterblommetjie bredie course – accompanied with a farm experience to harvest your own Waterblommetjies! To warm up after a rather wet experience (these flowers grow in water), guests get to enjoy a tasting of Dagbreek wines. The day ends around a wooden table enjoying a generous and more-ish Boland Winter meal. Info: Picardi Place 082 788 9019, jaco@picardiplace.co.za
Handcrafted sundowners at Stofberg Family Vineyards
Gin culture has boomed over the last two years with gin tastings and bars opening throughout South Africa. This trend is alive and kicking in the Breedekloof Wine Valley, where Mariëtte Stofberg, of Stofberg Family Vineyards, is distilling her own craft gin, called The Old N1 Fijnbos Gin – and handcrafted tonic water – alongside their boutique offering of family wines. Surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains and vineyards, guests can enjoy this handmade gin, which is infused with buchu and honeybush, served with their selection of craft blue, pink or white tonic water. These tastings, presented by Mariëtte herself, cost R20, and can accommodate up to 30 people per tasting, group bookings of up to 30. Info: 082 8676 958, mariette@stofbergfamilyvineyards.co.za
Go for more! Enjoy a hearty Sunday lunch at Opstal
No visit to the Breedekloof Wine Valley is complete without a visit, and associated lunch, at Opstal Wine Estate. This estate’s restaurant is renowned for their delicious, and hearty, homemade Sunday lunch – inspired by generous, home-cooked, farm-style lunches. Meals are served in the cosy restaurant which boasts expansive views of the Slanghoek Mountains. Expect to pay R95 for generous portions of tender leg of lamb, Asian pork, roasted potatoes and pumpkin fritters. The restaurant caters for children and pets are welcome! Opstal restaurant is open from 9am – 3pm on a Sunday. Info: 023 344 3001, wine@opstal.co.za
Cupcake, wine? Visit Kirabo Private Cellar for a wine pairing with a sweet twist
Kirabo Private Cellar, is another boutique-wine producer from the Breedekloof Wine Valley. This establishment is headed by the 5th generation Le Roux-family, a passionate clan of winemakers who are all involved in running the farm’s daily operations. Visitors are encouraged to try this estate’s popular cupcake-and-wine pairing, while kids can try a cupcake and juice pairing. Beer lovers shouldn’t leave before having a taste of this estate’s craft Broers Brew Beer that is served on tap! Info: 083 228 5191, info@kirabocellar.co.za
Secure your piece of paradise at Dwarsberg’s Trouthaven
If it is tranquillity and serenity you are after, then look no further than Trouthaven at Dwarsberg. This hideaway is an extremely popular camping spot and it is easy to understand why: it offers some of the most spectacular camping spots on the banks of the crystal clear Holsloot River which teams with trout. With only 11 camping spots available, visitors are advised to book way in advance to secure their piece of paradise – which is made all the more tranquil with a strict ‘no daytime’ visitors rule applying. Info: 023 349 1919, info@trouthaven.co.za
Historic wine tasting at Deetlefs Wine Estate
Deetlefs Wine Estate is one of the oldest estates in the Breedekloof Wine Valley and well worth a visit. This estate has been in the same family’s hands for 7 generations, and is a cornerstone in the history of winemaking in the valley. Deetlefs offers wine lovers customized group wine tasting sessions. You select and design the tasting session, they customize the experience at your cost. Even though the wine estate does not have a restaurant, gourmet burgers can be arranged on request. Info: 023 349 1260, bea@deetlefs.com
You can’t go wrong with Chenin Blanc
A group of winemakers in the Valley – the Breedekloof Makers – are elevating Chenin Blanc to another level by aiming to bring attention to the quality and diversity of Chenin in the region. The valley has been synonymous with Chenin Blanc for decades – some farms are home to Chenin Blanc vines planted as far back as 1692. The unique geography of the valley ensures slow ripening of the grapes, layering complexity and lending nuance to the wines. Wines bottled by cellars under the Breedekloof Makers umbrella showcase the unique terroir of this beautiful valley – can be bought, and tasted at the Breedekloof Wine Valley Tourism Office: 023 349 1791, info@breedekloof.com
View art at Slanghoek Art Gallery
View exquisite art by acclaimed and upcoming South African artists in the picturesque Slanghoek Valley. The Slanghoek art gallery is the only gallery in the area. Visitors are treated to a unique art experience, enjoy local cuisine in the Resort’s Café whilst you discover (or rediscover) the joy of viewing exquisite art pieces. Corné Theron, the artist and gallery curator, also paints your family, wedding or individual portraits. Info: 073 227 2187, slanghoekgalery@gmail.com
Bosjes Chapel makes the perfect wedding venue
Designed by architect Coetzee Steyn of Steyn Studio, the Bosjes chapel has a dramatically curved, flowing roof that makes the entire building appear to float on two large ponds of water. The atmosphere of the Chapel gardens is quiet and serene, yet breathes a sense of life and energy in which guests delight. The Chapel seats 120 guests with a beautiful 360 degree view over the valley. From inside there are spectacular views, whilst guests enjoy the peace of the immediate environment. Info: 023 004 0496, info@bosjes.co.za
Bird watching at Bergsig
Close to Bainskloof Pass and Ceres, renowned for its many walking trails and surrounded by snow capped mountains in Winter, Bergsig is a photographer’s paradise. In addition to the breath-taking scenery, Bergsig is also known for the 150-varied species of birds. Several bird watching days are held each year to monitor different species. The Hadeda, Marshall Eagle and Fish Eagle have been spotted. Bergsig offers a bird watching route with hides to get bird watchers close to the action. Mondays to Fridays 8am – 5pm, Saturdays 9am – 4pm. Info: 023 355 1603, wine@bergsig.co.za
Jason’s Hill’s Hiking trail
Jason’s Hill offers nature lovers a 6,6km hiking trail with two waterfalls, a running stream for drinking water and varied fauna and flora. Two leopards and an abundance of other animal life can now be added to the attractions of this popular trail. Depending on your level of fitness, the hike can take up to 4 hours to complete. During weekdays, the award-winning hike starts at Jason’s Hill Private Cellar between 9am and 11am or 10am and 11am on a Saturday. Hiking trail: R25, note – caution. Info: 023 344 3256, info@jasonshill.co.za
Wine tasting at Badsberg
Badsberg is committed to the production of quality wines year after year. This dedication together with modern cellar equipment enables Badsberg’s cellar-master and his team to produce a range of quality wines that are regularly awarded. Visitors are invited to taste a great variety of white, red and dessert wines paired with photos by Hansen Preuss. Eight Badsberg wines are paired with eight of Hansen’s photos. Every wine and photo has a story. The Badberg wine tasting centre: Monday to Friday9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm. Info: 023 344 3021, enquiries@badsberg.co.za
Game drives at Buchukloof
For the more adventurous, Buchukloof in Slanghoek area, offers fantastic outdoor activities: game viewing, bird watching, rock climbing, as well as ‘kloofing’ – where the brave at heart can jump from cliffs into natural pools – as well as bass fishing and mountain biking are all listed here. Guests who book a stay-over at Buchukloof’s Cottage, also has access to the on-premises waterfall. Info: 078 575 2365, elizma@maraiswines.co.za
What: Breedekloof Wine Valley, Cape, South Africa getaways
Web: www.breedekloof.com
WS
