Stretching across a mere 57km between Harkerville and the Crags, the Plettenberg Bay Wine Route is one of the smallest wine routes in South Africa. Being small certainly does not stand in their way, though. In fact, it seems that the Plettenberg Bay Wine Route was born to stand out.
The recently sold Bramon Estate was the very first to plant grapes back in 2000, with then owner, Peter Thorpe, at the steer. This bold move eventually grew into another South African Wine of Origin region and today, the Plettenberg Bay Wine Route boasts at least eight producing wine estates. It soon became known as the "Sparkling Wine Route", with many of the wine farms taking to making boutique-style Cap Classiques, ideal for the region’s polo culture and with it being a colder climate region, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir also thrive here.
Experienced winemakers like Anton Smal and Jaco van der Watt were key to introducing the Plettenberg Bay Wine Route. And together with Sollie Sauerman and Vicky Gent from Packwood, Gloria Strack van Schyndel from Plettenvale Wines, and the brand-new Telluric’s Megan van der Merwe, they are putting Plett on the map.
Telluric
Telluric is a brand-new addition to the Plettenberg wine region, with the acclaimed Beau Constantia’s Pierre and Cecily du Preez extending their vision from Beau to Bitou. The name is derived from the Latin word, Tellus or Tellur which means "of the earth" or "from the soil". Evidently, the essence of the word is what inspired Pierre and Cecily to explore their relationship with the earth through the lens of viticulture.
Telluric wine estate’s southeastern slopes overlook the Plettenberg Bay coastline and with a small batch of Pinot Noir already in aged oak barrels, Telluric is bound to become yet another favourite along the Plettenberg Bay Wine Route.
In addition to their wines and a soon-to-be-launched tasting room, they also have a lovely new restaurant called Zoox, and their padel courts – a first for the area – will surely lure many a wine lover and sports enthusiast.
Kay + Monty Vineyards
Home to many retired polo ponies and a working vineyard, this stunning property is worth a visit for various reasons. The small, family-owned wine farm is located less than 30 minutes from Plettenberg Bay and boasts a lovely private villa – a perfect base to explore Plett and its surrounds from. Hiking, biking and running trails surround the property and, of course, there’s wine.
Kay + Monty Vineyards offers four boutique wines with names close to home. These include a Sauvignon Blanc, a rosé, a red blend and a beautiful Cap Classique. Sample these at the tasting room, which forms part of their restaurant – an old orchid greenhouse that’s been converted into a cosy setting with a fireplace, bar and glass-walled eatery. Also keep an eye out for events happening on the estate throughout the year.
Bramon Wine Estate
With it being the very first wine estate of the Plettenberg Bay Wine Route, a visit to Bramon Wine Estate is inevitable. Bramon is proof of the saying, "where there’s a will, there’s a way" and with their non-traditional bubbly and other magnificent, Crags-born wines they have paved the way for this unique and evolving wine route.
At their popular restaurant – set within the vineyards – you can overlook the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the adjacent Elephant Sanctuary as you indulge in delightful cuisine paired with their wines. A must-try: Their incredible freshly baked breads.
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards
The beautiful setting of Newstead is where one would want to relax and linger – a welcoming, intimate space that invites visitors to explore the wines and indulge in seasonally guided food offerings.
Newstead’s old farmhouse has been renovated into two private, two-sleeper self-catering suites that are located on their Pinot Noir vineyards. Whether you’re visiting for your honeymoon, a polo vacation or just a break from reality, it’s the perfect setting for a morning coffee overlooking the vineyards, or slow sundowners under a nearby pear tree.
Luka Vineyards
Known for their generous hospitality, exquisite cuisine and outstretched lawns, this Harkerville-based wine farm is another must-visit attraction.
Overlooking a lovely lake, Luka Vineyards offers one of the most tranquil wine tasting settings with some of the most delicious dishes to pair your wines with. Their picnic bookings opens today (14 November 2023) and are the perfect fit for lazy summer days.
Finally, the local wine shop, Beau Du Jour Café, recently launched their Carpe Vinum TukTuk Tours – a fun and unique way to explore the Plettenberg Bay Wine Route. And, if you enjoy the outdoors, a visit to Packwood Wine Estate is a must as they have various neighbouring SANParks hiking trails to explore.
The Plettenberg Bay Wine Route is an ever-evolving, standout attraction, adding to Plettenberg Bay’s long list of exciting experiences.
Plett Tourism is a great source of information on both the Plettenberg Bay Wine Route and happenings in the area. Visit their website on www.plett-tourism.co.za.
Photos: Plett Touris