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 events.
Here’s the reason wine stands out
The answer to why is wine so great is how well it shares, and there are few places to experience this as at a festival of wine.
In addition to the chance to learn more, from the people that make it, wine festivals like the Swartland Open Day of Wine and Olives are opportunities to share experiences with fellow wine lovers.
It’ll be clear then, that wine is not just a beverage: it’s a journey through time and culture. That’s why wine is so great! Each bottle carries with it the history of its region, the passion of its makers, and the uniqueness of its terroir.
The Swartland wines are as much about the soils and climate as they are about the people.
What makes Swartland wine and olives so good?
The Swartland wine region has long represented the avant-garde of South African wine, thanks to winemakers who were keen to carve their own, individualistic path.
The history of the movement is well-known and centred on the making of natural wines. Today, the spirit of this endeavour remains, ensuring that the Swartland has become known for its incomparable hospitality, diversity of wines and styles, and pioneering spirit.
The same pioneering gumption was the reason olives were first established here too. Today, the region has some of the most innovative producers with a national and international reputation for quality.
Experience the Swartland at its Open Day on July 27
The Swartland Open Day of Wine and Olives takes place on July 27. The focus of the event is activities at 20 participating wineries. This is the ideal opportunity to get to know the full range of wineries, from celebrated powerhouses to small, maverick producers.
The programme includes tastings and pairings, from pre-release wines to flights of older vintage wines. Food offerings naturally include a range of olives and olive preparations, but also the chance for picnics, fire-side meals, pizzas, soup, steaks, roosterkoek, burgers, brownies, ice-cream and more. Selected venues cater specifically for children too.
Wine cellars will also be open for visits on the day, some of them new and others that are usually closed to visitors.
Each event has its own pricing, with numerous offerings being free of charge. Check the programme and keep in mind that advanced booking for most of the experiences is essential.
The participating wine and olive producers are Riebeek Valley Wine Co., Wightman & Sons, Swerwer, Mullineux, Swartland Winery, Nativo (The Hughes Family Wines), Kloovenburg, Het Vlock Kasteel, AA Badenhorst Family Wines @ Kalmoesfontein, Yellowwood Winery, Hofstraat Kelder, Allesverloren, Pulpit Rock Winery, Porseleinberg, Schenkfontein, Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards, Org De Rac, City On A Hill, Intellego and Testalonga.
For the full programme, see our events page.
• The Swartland Wine and Olive Route is a member organisation comprising the biggest representation of wine and olive producers of the Swartland region.