Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photographer: Johan Viljoen; Recipe: chef Rory Lambson Steak and wine are the perfect match and here’s an easy ribeye steak recipe by chef Rory Lambson that will show just that. What better way to enjoy steak than made over an open fire? A juicy, flame-grilled ribeye is ideal to showcase wines […]

Written by Clifford Roberts; Photography Johan Viljoen If you’ve ever wondered why wine is so great? Wonder no more. Let the Swartland show you the way! This nectar of the gods has captivated humans for millennia, but what makes wine truly special is a unique ability. It enhances social experiences, transforming ordinary gatherings into memorable […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photography: Johan Viljoen The best travel information about the Swartland is available from the locals themselves. It’s with details from them, that you’ll be able to curate your trip, whatever you’re after, whether outdoor adventure, chats with winemakers, family-friendly excursions and more. This blog provides contact details for the best place […]

Written by Clifford Roberts; Photographer Johan Viljoen Here’s a recipe that’s a step-by-step guide on how to preserve olives – one that comes from a specialist in the premier olive growing region of the Swartland. Keeping olives like shop-bought varieties is easy. The basic steps are to harvest the olives by hand, select the best […]

How time, terroir and tenacity play a role in producing organic wines in the Swartland. Helmed by father and daughter duo Billy and Kiki Hughes, Nativo forms part of Hughes Family Wines – an ex-wheatfield turned winery where absolutely every step of the winemaking process is done by hand. A marine engineer, Billy invented a […]

Producing simple, pared back and elegant wine is what winemaker Tim Hillock is passionate about. From his family’s cellar at the foot of the Kasteelberg, Tim has been making his Syrah and Chenin varietals since 2021. Studying first at the University of Cape Town and then at Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute at Stellenbosch University, Tim […]

The Swartland, renowned for its exceptional wines and quirky winemakers, is set to embark on a coastal adventure.   Winemakers from the Swartland region are gearing up to showcase their finest wines in Velddrif, along the banks of the Berg River on the West Coast Scheduled for the weekend of 12-13 April 2024, this event promises […]

Written by Clifford Roberts; Photography Johan Viljoen Shopping for wine online rocketed after Covid lockdowns and so did wine clubs, although many winelovers still wonder: is it worth being in a wine club? We thought we’d unpack the answer, which is a big YES. At their most basic level, wine clubs unlock benefits that ordinary […]

Author & Photographer: Georgia East The oldest and most natural way of producing sparkling wine, Méthode Ancestrale produces a softer, finer bubble designed for elegant sipping. This style of sparkling wine originated in 16th century France, where monks would produce wine for religious ceremonies. Here in South Africa’s Swartland region, Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards are preserving […]