Garden Route, South Africa
The wine experience: our top 5 wine farms along the Garden Route
Uncorking the Garden Route: the wine farms you need to visit
The Garden Route sure is a prime destination if you love forests and beaches, but it’s also a hidden gem for wine lovers. Home to a growing number of boutique vineyards and family-run estates, this coastal route offers unique wine experiences shaped by cool climates and passionate winemakers. Scattered along this scenic coast, are some of South Africa’s top boutique wine producers, often overlooked and overshadowed by the larger wine estates that South Africa is known for. But these wineries are definitely worth the hype and it would be a shame for any wine lover to miss these wineries and their award-winning wines! Here’s our curated list of the must-visit wine farms where the journey is as captivating as the wines themselves.
01
Creation Wines
Located in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Creation Wines lives up to its celestial name. Founded by Jean-Claude and Carolyn Martin, this estate has innovation at its core. Their wine portfolio boasts 22 different wines, each carrying the South African Wine and Spirit Board seal for integrity and sustainability. This family-run estate takes full advantage of the region’s cool Atlantic breezes, resulting in crisp Sauvignon Blanc and velvety Pinot Noir. Their philosophy is that wine, food and art should be in harmony and that is reflected in every aspect of their offering. We love the pairing options at Creation Wines – you can expect locally inspired canapés, chocolate pairings and even have the option to do a tea and wine pairing. Let’s not forget the views – It’s as impressive as the wine!
Creation Wines
Hemel & Aarde Rd
Hermanus
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Creation Wines
02
Spookfontein Wines
Spookfontein Wines, situated in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, is an understated gem with a name that whispers mystery, but the experience here is anything but spooky. This small estate, whose name translates to ‵Ghost Fountain,’ prides itself on low-intervention winemaking. The result? A range of expressive reds like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Our favourite is their signature Phantom Red Blend, with layers of flavour that evolve with each sip. The estate’s architecture harmoniously blends with the natural landscape, with the tasting room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the valley.
Spookfontein Wines
33 Hemel en Aarde Rd
Hermanus
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Spookfontein Wines
03
Black Oystercatcher Wines
Black Oystercatcher Wines is set in the windswept plains of Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where cool Atlantic breezes and limestone soils produce wines with distinctive minerality. Their Sauvignon Blanc, one of their flagship wines, is crisp and refreshing, perfectly suited to the area’s unique climate. What we love about this spot is that you can combine your wine tasting experience with a dining experience at their restaurant and you can stay in one of their charming rustic cottages. If you time your visit right, you can even enjoy a hands-on experience where you can partake in a vineyard tour and do some grape-picking, which makes you feel part of the process.
Black Oystercatcher Wines
R317
Bredasdorp
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Black Oystercatcher Wines
04
Baleia Wines
Baleia Wines, located near Riversdale, has put this lesser-known region on the wine map. The Joubert family, the first wine producers in the area, has transformed its limestone-rich soils into a thriving vineyard that produces elegant, coastal-influenced wines. The Chardonnay is one of our favourites, with its vibrant acidity and subtle oak notes, while the Pinot Noir came in as our favourite of the red cultivars – delicate yet layered. Baleia also produces exceptional olive oil, which you can taste alongside their wines during a visit. What stood out to us was the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. We loved how welcoming the space felt – modern but warm, where you can genuinely feel the pride the family takes in their work.
Baleia Wines
N2
Riversdale
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Baleia Wines
05
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards is proof that small-scale winemaking can produce big results. This boutique estate, nurtured by Doug and Sue Lund, was established in 2016 and is famous for producing exceptional Cap Classique (South Africa’s version of Champagne). Their 2015 Blanc de Blanc was crowned the top-scoring Cap Classique in 2020, a remarkable achievement for a producer outside the traditional Western Cape Winelands. What makes Newstead special is its simplicity – no frills, just exceptional wine and warm hospitality. We loved unwinding under the shade of their ancient trees with a glass of bubbly in hand. The tasting room is intimate and personal, offering insight into the Lunds’ passion for quality over quantity.
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards
Redford Rd
The Crags
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Newstead Lund Family Vineyards
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