Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photography: Johan Viljoen The history of the Swartland – one of South Africa’s leading and arguably, most exciting wine regions. As with any evolution, the Swartland’s journey from bulk wine stalwart to world-renowned home of top quality, sustainably farmed and interesting wines is punctuated by numerous milestones. The following list highlights […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts, Photography: Johan Viljoen The Swartland region, just north of Cape Town, has captivated the wine world with its beauty, vineyards, and pioneering winemaking. If you’re planning a trip to explore the area, the sheer number of exceptional producers can be overwhelming. The Swartland is also one of the most expansive of […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts, Photography by Johan Viljoen The Swartland is renowned as a champion of old vine wines. It is home to many of the oldest commercial vineyards in South Africa. Getting down to the brass tacks of old vine heritage is tricky, though. As is the case everywhere, the facts of who owns […]

Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photographer: Johan Viljoen The concept of “natural” wine is ancient, but for most novice wine drinkers, it remains a mystery. Swartland producers are among the most outspoken on the category, which makes a visit to the region an ideal place to learn more. Natural wine refers to a philosophy and a […]

Written by Clifford Roberts; Photographer Johan Viljoen Wine marketers often talk about blending, but what is a blend? It’s generally understood to refer to the use of different grape varieties for the compilation of a wine. Blending is, however, much more than that and is used in many ways – even in the making of […]

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 […]