Did you know that Plettenberg bay has 18 Wine farms? Several already producing award-winning wines and Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines, slowly rivalling other wine producing areas in the Western Cape. This is one of South Africa’s newest wine of origin regions and they are creating a variety of cultivars, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rosé, along with their expanding Méthode Cap Classique varieties.
The area, situated along the Garden Route, is South Africa’s smallest wine growing region, with 58 hectares of the 100 000 hectares planted countrywide. Plett’s wine region is the country’s most easterly cultivar and stretches 57 km along the thin coastal strip from Hakkerville to the Crags. Set in the valleys and hills, the vineyards are framed by the Indian Ocean on the south side and the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the north – an extraordinary natural amphitheatre that could possibly be considered South Africa’s most scenic wine region.
Here are but a few of the top notch Plett wineries to add to your ‘must visit’ bucket list.
Bramon Restaurant Wine Estate Plettenberg Bay
Visit the Bramon Wine Estate to enjoy a wide range of activities from wine tasting to enjoying a lunch at the estate’s ever-popular restaurant set in the vineyards. Situated in a mountainous area called The Crags, it is the first estate to pioneer vineyards in the Plettenberg Bay area, only 20 km away from the town itself. The previously family-run estate pushed the boundaries of wine-making with their award-winning, non-traditional and traditional Méthode Cap Classique bubblies and still wines, collecting national and international awards.
The Plett wine route is most certainly up and coming. It is a great developing story of small town relationships coming together, resulting in unique venues, wines and restaurants for seasonal visitors and residents alike. Kay and Monty Vineyards is a wonderful example of this and is somewhere you should definitely spend some time.
Located in the heart of Harkerville, conveniently between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, just 500m off the N2 en-route to the Knysna Elephant Park. Their award-winning Sauvignon Blanc is legendary, sip it slowly at Luka Café. On-site you will also find a full-service bar and a coffee shop offering delectable cakes & delicious coffee. They also offer & pairing experience, as well as excellent breakfasts and lunches prepared by our Chef Richie.
Packwood Wine and Country Estate
Packwood is a small down to earth garagiste winery on a beautiful large country estate, a unique destination off the beaten track. Located in Harkerville surrounded by pristine indigenous forests & nature in abundance. Sip and savor their wines, bubbly & homemade farmhouse cheese lunches, all 100% sustainable. Served in a relaxing environment with wonderful views across the farm.
Newstead has been described as the best kept secret inside the South African wine industry’s best kept secret. Visit Newstead Wine estate in the Plettenberg Bay Winelands to taste, buy, explore or linger. Whether it’s for wines or a meal, they like to keep it real.
Elegance and sophistication meets simplicity at Bitou Vineyards. The estate extends along the banks of the Bitou River and holds the gateway to Plettenberg Bay. Formerly Bitou Polo, the property was host to many events and tournaments, inviting both local and international players to enjoy this world class venue and its amenities.
For more information about Plett Winelands see www.plettwinelands.com
