Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photography: Johan Viljoen Holidays and winelists have more in common than one might expect. They often go together. In the Swartland, pairing great accommodation with a journey of wine discovery is even easier given the region’s offering of premier, wine-focused places to stay. Both wine and comfortable lodgings have one thing […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts ; Photography: Johan Viljoen; Recipe: Lawrence Smit, Café Myrtledene When we think of olives, it’s easy to picture sun-drenched terraces, warm breezes, and the leisurely warmth of summer. Their briny bite and lush, oil-rich texture feel like the very essence of sunny, al fresco dining. From chilled pasta salads and foccacia […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photography: Johan Viljoen Get to know wines of the Swartland and you’ll soon spot a trend: a remarkable number of labels written in Afrikaans. It’s not by chance, and it’s worth looking at in the year the language reaches a milestone. It was 100 years ago, in 1925, that Afrikaans became […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts Photography: Johan Viljoen (unless otherwise specified) The Swartland wine region has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once perceived as a rural backwater primarily known for wheat farming and as a source of wine for bulk production, it has evolved into a globally recognised hub for exceptional, terroir-driven wines. The metamorphosis began in […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photography: Johan Viljoen A road trip is a perfect blend of adventure and freedom, but a little planning goes a long way in ensuring it’s enjoyable. Of course, a road trip is a destination in itself, but exploring a region like the Swartland near Cape Town, takes it to another level. […]

Written by Clifford Roberts; Photography Johan Viljoen We love focaccia, which is why we present: the recipe for the best focaccia this summer! At its most basic, focaccia is a flat, oven-baked bread made with yeast and olive oil. It’s hugely popular because it has a multitude of variations and is super versatile. You can […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photography: Johan Viljoen If there’s one special character to Swartland wineries – beyond, of course, the quality of the wines – it’s their ability to carry off a great party. This doesn’t only apply to the good humour and devil-may-care vibes of many of its winemakers when they’re on the road, […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photography Johan Viljoen There’s always something new in the Swartland. Where this question pertains to wine, new vintages are a consistent feature across winelands of the world. Not all happenings can however be measured equally. The Swartland continues to capture the imagination of wine lovers. The quality of wines from the […]

Written by Clifford Roberts; Photography Johan Viljoen National Heritage Day was recently celebrated on the 24th of September 2024. It aims to recognise South Africa’s cultural wealth and wine is certainly part of this treasure. The Swartland is home to the largest collection of old vines in the country, but arguably also comprises the most […]