Characterized by high-altitude terrain, distinct summer rainfall patterns, and unique local climates, the Midlands’s wine map is anchored by two distinct estates: Abingdon Wine Estate and Highgate Wine Estate.
For the traveling oenophile, exploring this region offers a refreshing departure from traditional tourist routes, combining dramatic mountain and mist-belt landscapes with exceptional cellar-door hospitality.
Weaving a wine route through KwaZulu-Natal means pairing world-class, experimental cool-climate viticulture with some of South Africa's most iconic tourism landmarks. Travelers frequently base themselves along the legendary Midlands Meander, a sprawling arts and crafts route that winds through rolling green hills, artisan studios, and country farm stalls.
Just a short drive away lies the historic Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where a striking sculpture by Marco Cianfanelli marks the spot where the iconic leader was arrested in 1962, inviting deep historical reflection before heading out to taste local cultivars. Further north into the region's cultural calendar, the annual Hilton Arts Festival hosted at Hilton College draws theatre lovers, artists, and performers from across the country for a weekend of celebration.
For outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, the area also hosts the world-famous Midmar Mile at the Midmar Dam near Pietermaritzburg, drawing thousands of open-water swimmers every February to compete in the crisp highland waters.
Abingdon Wine Estate: Pioneers of the Midlands
Perched at a striking 1,140 meters above sea level in the picturesque Lions River region of the KZN Midlands, Abingdon stands as the province's pioneering estate. Established when the Smorthwaite family purchased the farm in 2000 and planted their first vines in 2004, the estate released KZN's first certified estate wine in 2007.
Abingdon is the only farm producing certified wine estate wines from grapes from the farm. They have a total annual production of roughly 10 000 bottles and produce a range of 9 -12 different wines each year.
Operating with a compact footprint under vine on Clovelly and Griffon soils that offer vital drainage during heavy summer rains, the estate takes a strictly hands-on approach to viticulture, producing 100% estate-grown certified wines.
The high-altitude environment introduces crisp cool-climate dynamics that influence the ripening cycle, contrasting sharply with traditional coastal vineyards. Led by father-and-daughter team Ian Smorthwaite and Laurie Cooper, Abingdon has crafted over 120 different styles of certified wines, including expressive single-vineyard bottlings of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Nebbiolo. Visitors can experience these offerings in the estate tasting room – enjoying single-vineyard expressions by the glass or bottle - paired with relaxed country dining at the farm's weekend restaurant.
Laurie is the Chairperson of the Sommeliers Association of South Africa, Runner up – Best Sommelier of South Africa 2023 & 2025, Winner – Moët et Chandon Best Young Sommelier 2019, Founder and owner – KZN School of Wine and SASA Level 2 Certified Sommelier.
It opened in 2015 and offers official Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses. It is the only wine school in KZN to offer internationally recognised wine qualifications.
Highgate Wine Estate: From humble produce to Midlands craft
Venture further along the Midlands Meander next to the well-known Piggly Wiggly village, and you will find Highgate Wine Estate. The property's roots trace back to 1996 when the Kassier family purchased a small hydroponic farm, initially selling fresh produce straight from a tractor-drawn trailer.
Driven by a passion for local food and wine, Rudi and Cindy Kassier expanded the farm, establishing Highgate Wine Estate an bottling their inaugural estate vintage in 2016.
Now the family business has been passed to their daughter Cathryn Kassier and her husband Tom Herselman. As one of the province's certified wine farms, Highgate works with unique inland KZN terroir that presents both viticultural challenges and rewarding, singular flavour profiles.
The estate's microclimate yields small-batch, limited-release wines that capture the distinct personality of the Midlands land. Highgate produces a dedicated range of 100% KwaZulu-Natal estate wines, alongside a playful in-house handcrafted Limoncello made from estate-grown lemons. Beyond tastings, visitors can join cellar and vineyard tours led by Cellar Master Tom, enjoy monthly wine tasting events, exciting shows (Grease, Chicago and Burlesque) to mention a few and enjoy brunch and lunch in the beautiful red-brick restaurant (made from 80% reclaimed materials such as Victorian red clay bricks from historical buildings), or explore the estate as a countryside wedding and event destination.
On the same property, sits the vibrant Piggly Wiggly Country Village, that serves as a bustling hub for locals and tourists exploring the Midlands. This family-friendly destination features a wide selection of artisan shops, coffee spots, and local eateries, alongside outdoor entertainment that includes a fun zip-line experience (the Piggy Zip) offering an extra dash of adrenaline right over the countryside landscape. Visitors often spend a morning browsing craft stores or soaring down the zip-line before settling down at Highgate for an afternoon wine tasting and a leisurely lunch.
The KZN Midlands proves that exceptional South African wine isn’t bound by Western Cape borders. Driven by high-altitude grit, fierce passion, and a fearless spirit of innovation, Abingdon and Highgate have put KwaZulu-Natal firmly on the winemaking map. So, the next time you head up the Meander, skip the usual routes, pack your curiosity, and taste what happens when a new frontier raises the bar.
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