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 […]

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 […]