West Coast Wine Route

WWest Coast wine estates do things differently. You’ll have to make appointments to visit many of the wineries because their winemaker is off in the vineyards saving endangered tortoises, conserving succulent Karoo vegetation, harvesting by moonlight, or crushing grapes the old-fashioned way – by foot. 

At Vredendal’s Namaqua winery, thousands of hectares of vineyards literally flow to the ocean’s edge. Here, fussy sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs are nursed beside the Atlantic, while colombard and chenin blanc thrive on the valley floor thanks to careful canopy management and micro-irrigation techniques. Have a bite to eat, and buy some of their super-affordable boxed wines to take with you. 

At Lutzville, the second largest cellar in South Africa, you’ll find some superbly crafted, well-priced red and whites; and you’ll be glad you made the trek to Tierhoek as their chenin blanc, shiraz, grenache noir, and straw wines are attracting critical acclaim. 

Most of Stoumann’s wines are exported, but if available, buy the Vin de la Tortue as the proceeds go towards saving Namaqualand’s geometric tortoises. 

The West Coast Wine Route is home to a number of boutique and garagiste producers. On the outskirts of Vredendal, visit newcomer Bellpost wines. Head on to Cape Rock wine estate where, in addition to award-winning Rhône style reds, you can sample their mourvèdre, grenache and a Portuguese-style capa roca. 

Teubes and Sir Lambert wine estates, owned by the Teubes family, are not-to-be missed. With all of the smaller West Coast producers, it's a good idea to make an appointment before visiting their wine estates. 

Detour south-west to Seal Breeze winery for 100% handmade wine, or head coastward towards Bamboes Bay where Fryers Cove vineyards are situated to taste their exceptional sauvignon blanc. 

Klawer Cellars wines are super-quaffable and kind to the wallet; also try their unusual African Ruby Rooibos Vermouth – a rooibos-infused red muscadel. 

TTravel tips & planning  info 

Who to contact 

Vredendal Namaqua West Coast Tourism Office 

37 Church Street, Vredendal 

24 hour hotline: 082 608 7554  

Tel: +27 (0)27 201 3376  

E-mail: info@visitnwc.com  

Vanrhynsdorp Namaqua West Coast Tourism Office 

Tel: +27 27 201 3371 

E-mail: tourism@visitnwc.com 

How to get here  

The Olifants River Wine Route is 270 km from Cape Town, on the N7; or follow the R27 from Cape Town, along the West Coast. Most of the Olifants River producers are west of the N7. 

Best time to visit  

In early August and September, the West Coast is transformed into a wonderland carpeted with wildflowers. The MadeliefieMakietie, one of South Africa’s largest music festivals takes place at the end of October in Vredendal. 

Things to do 

In Vanrhynsdorp visit the Kokerboom Succulent Nursery, and the Latsky Radio and Van Rhijn museums; in nearby Clanwilliam visit the Clanwilliam Dam, Pakhuis Pass, Cederberg Wilderness Area and Ramskop Wildflower Garden. 

What to pack  

Though the West Coast is typically rainy in winter, sun protection is recommended year-round. 

Where to stay  

Vredendal: Melkboomsdrift Lodge, Tharrakamma, River Lodge and Van Rhyn Guest House

Lutzville: Matjieshuisjkraal in the Griqua Development Trust at Ratelgat, or the Golden Grape.

What to eat  

The West Coast, particularly Paternoster, offers some of South Africa’s most authentic and exciting dining. Wolfgat was voted the Best Restaurant in the World at the World Restaurant Awards recently. The West Coast is also renowned for its excellent seafood, table grapes, raisins, honey, rooibos tea and rooibos related products. 

Related Links 

• West Coast Wine Route 
• Cape West Coast