From Plettenberg Bay, a short drive in any direction and you can find yourself deep in purest countryside: lush forests, haunting Tsitsikamma mountain vistas, rolling farmland, fynbos, and – for the last two decades – vineyards producing limited quantities of cool-climate wines in the country’s smallest “wine of origin” region.
It’s all thanks to a farmer named Peter Thorpe, who planted his first sauvignon blanc vines on Bramon Wine Estate 22 years ago, having identified climatic similarities between the Garden Route and winegrowing regions in New Zealand. Until then, no-one had ever considered growing wine this far east of the Cape’s traditional winegrowing regions.
By 2006, Plett was declared a wine region, with grapes grown on farms stretching between the picturesque rural hamlets of Harkerville and The Crags, known for cooling sea breezes and indigenous forests. Over the years various small-scale vineyards have come and gone, mostly focused on white varietals, and several offering intimate tastings and farm-style lunches out of their boutique cellars...
Bramon
What began as just a few hectares (experimentally) under vine kickstarted a farming revolution for the Garden Route. Today, over 20 hectares produce grapes for a range of award-winning wines and bubblies, including the first South African Méthode Cap Classique made from 100% sauvignon blanc grapes. Situated in The Crags, where tall mountains loom overhead and several world-class animal sanctuaries serve as useful family entertainment, Bramon is a warm, welcoming and thoroughly laidback spot to unwind and enjoy a sybaritic afternoon, without a hint of pretence. There’s place for children (and dogs) to play as you feast on mezze platters or order picnic crates from the indoor-outdoor restaurant (very easy-going: you tick off your desired tapas and tuck in as they arrive) – if you’re lucky (or reserve), you’ll get a table between the vines.
Kay and Monty Vineyards
With sumptuous mountain views and a setting deep in the rural wonder that is The Crags, Kay and Monty Vineyards has just 7.5 hectares under vine – great things have been achieved with what’s grown here, however. Its first wines were produced in 2012, immediately garnering gold medals and a string of stars – its distinctive sauvignon blanc and popular Champu MCC are more than worthy of a visit (and they recently released their first rosé and red blend). Along with wonderful wines, there are the beautifully prepared artisanal platters served in the Tasting Room.
Newstead
With a focus on organic farming techniques and preference for producing small quantities of high-quality grapes, Newstead’s Lund Family Vineyards is authentic and unpretentious. The first MCC produced here was a 2012 Blanc de Blanc that won a double-gold at the Michaelangelo Awards, a direct reflection of the specialness of the terroir, the quality of the grapes and the focus of the wine-making. Today, when you visit, there’s every chance the MCC will be sold out – good thing, then, that the Bubbly Bar is well-stocked and also serves craft beers and gin-infused cocktails. It’s worth lingering for the food, too – the restaurant does pizzas as well as dishes put together from what’s in season and whatever’s fresh from the garden.
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