Out and about in Elgin
Out and about in Elgin
Terroir is the notion that wines should taste of the place where the grapes grow. We invite you to travel with us as we explore South Africa's different wine-growing appellations.
South Africa's Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classification systems of Europe. Today the WO classification recognises "geographic units", "regions", "districts" and "wards" in order of size from biggest to smallest.
INTRODUCTION
Ascend the Hottentots Holland mountains via Sir Lowry's Pass from Cape Town and you enter the high-lying ward of Elgin, part of the Overberg district. Traditionally an apple-growing region, this cooler viticultural area is starting to produce wines with exceptional fruit expression, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir doing particularly well.
WHAT TO DO
• Explore the Green Mountain Eco Route, the result of local landowners coming together to promote conservation, sustainability and social upliftment. Under this banner, all manner of country activities are promoted, the four-day Green Mountain Trail being a highlight for hikers. Tel 021 844 0975, www.greenmountain.co.za.
• The annual Elgin Open Gardens sees residents of the area opening their beautiful private gardens to the public. This year it takes place over the weekends of 31 October and 1 November, and 7 and 8 November. Tel 021 848 9146, www.elginopengardens.
• Visit the Oude Molen brandy distillery, where you will see Big Bertha and Long Tom, the large copper potstills affectionately named after famous artillery pieces. Tel 021 859 2517, www.oudemolen.co.za.
• For more information, see www.elginvalley.co.za.
WHERE TO STAY
• Get up close and personal with nature when you stay at the Elgin Hills Luxury Tented Camp. Tents are built on a solid base and set among the trees on the hills above the Palmiet River. Tel 021 846 8120, www.elginhills.co.za.
• Rockhaven Farm provides a luxury guesthouse situated among orchards, groves of olive trees and lavender. The main house sleeps eight and boasts a large farm-style kitchen, dining room and living area with views across the private dam and surrounding mountains. Self-catering cottage also available. Tel 021 849 8518, www.rockhavenfarm.co.za.
WHERE TO EAT
• For "country gourmet" cuisine, eat at Gordon Manuel @ The Venue on South Hill Vineyards. Manuel's cooking is based on traditional French methods and utilises the superb natural produce that the Overberg region has to offer. Tel 021 844 0033, www.southhill.co.za.
• For more relaxed eating, try The Bear & Barrel. Locals claim that the hamburgers and steaks are "the best in the Western Cape". Tel 021 859 2042. There's also Houw Hoek Farmstall and Coffee Shop on the N2, just before the pass of the same name, which serves more-than-passable breakfasts and lunches. Tel 028 284 9015, www.houwhoekfarmstall.co.za.
