Slanghoek valley
Having visited the area before, I am discovering the valley anew; a place responsible for producing some of South Africa’s best value-for-money wines. Slanghoek Valley, to my despair, is situated just 8km outside Rawsonville (a town one would not exactly consider to be winelands postcard material). But, as you exit town, the change in scenery is immediate.
Taking the winding road towards Slanghoek, the mountains part to reveal a basin of lush greenery and scenes I associate with Pierneef paintings. Surrounded by the Du Toitskloof Mountains in the east and backed by the Slanghoek Mountains in the west, the area isn’t sparse on beauty. In winter, these mountains are snow-capped, which makes for spectacular photography.
I am told by locals that the area is renowned for offering great camping spots on the banks of the river which snakes its way through these parts. The snaking Breede River and the twisting mountain ranges are also the geographical units from which Slanghoek Valley draws its name – but the legend of Slanghoek is more entertaining.
According to legend, a snake carrying an emerald on its head once patrolled the marshlands here. Those looking for riches were advised to ambush the snake while it was drinking water – this was the only time the emerald would not be resting on its head. However, the snake would, upon spotting someone absconding with its emerald, bite its own tail and cartwheel after the thief. But, if the thief should achieve success, he was urged to hide his stash under cow dung, as the snake was believed to generally avoid it.
Today, the snake’s marshlands have been replaced by the vineyards of the five wineries that comprise the Slanghoek wine area: Jason’s Hill, Breëland, Opstal and Mountain Oaks, some of which deliver a portion of their crops to Slanghoek Winery, a co-op turned private company.
Situated in the Breedekloof area near Worcester in the Western Cape, Slanghoek was once one property belonging to JC Rossouw, great-grandfather to Ivy du Toit, winemaker at Jason’s Hill, my first stop on my visit to the region. Still a family run operation, Jason’s Hill (tel 023 344 3256) has been struggling to make its mark on the wine scene since its official establishment as private cellar in 2001. Ivy opted to showcase her red wines on the day, but the ones I tasted (a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage and a red blend) were slightly robust – although good value at sub-R60 per offering. A big attraction to Jason’s Hill is its bistro, one of the stops where visitors can find something to nibble on. The bistro offers basic, but fulfilling food with views over the vineyards and mountains.
Those looking for a treasure chest of value-for-money wines are advised to travel just a little bit further up the road to Slanghoek Winery (tel 023 344 3026), founded as a co-operative wine cellar in 1951, a consistent performer at Wine magazine’s annual Best Value Wine competition. Nearly all the wines here carry the distinctive red Best Value tag, and it is easy to understand why. The most expensive wine at the cellar is the oak-aged Noble Late Harvest at R95 – the rest of the wines are all under R40.
Focused on everyday drinking wines, Slanghoek’s produce is a fairly broad range of offerings; a selection that is bound to provide visitors with something likeable. The Crème de Chenin 2010, made from grapes picked just at the onset of noble rot, is a steal at R28. The whites are pleasingly quaffable and, although you should be more selective when it comes to the reds, there is really little to fault given the price points.
The enthusiasm of the Slanghoek producers permeates every sip of their wines – they are so eager to share their product that it is almost impossible not to enjoy them!
A case in point is Opstal Estate (tel 023 344 3001), where the wines, when enjoyed in the company of effervescent winemaker Attie Louw, are transformed into something quite special, which I realised is the crux of any visit to the Slanghoek area – the valley should rather be approached as a package.
Situated in the Breede River Valley region, the Slanghoek ward has made a concerted effort to establish its individual identity against wine districts Worcester and Robertson. The climate here alone distinguishes the valley from its neighbours. Slanghoek is situated in a higher rainfall region, comparable to that of Jonkershoek in Stellenbosch, according to Pieter Carstens of Slanghoek Winery. Apart from long, wet seasons, day temperatures are also lower, with the mountainous landscape providing a variant in slopes and micro ‘terroirs’, enabling farmers to dabble in more than just Hanepoot. That said, where neighbours Worcester and Robertson have managed to establish an identity – the former known for its brandy and fortifi ed production, the latter for its Chardonnay and sparkling wine offerings – I struggled to identify one cultivar or style of wine that singles out the Slanghoek Valley. But fortified and natural sweet wines impressed the most, with everyday white wines adding to the appeal. Being a ward comprised of but fi ve wineries, a wine enthusiast visiting here may want to travel further in search of more options – Goudini, Badsberg, Groot Eiland, Deetlefs and Du Preez are all within driving distance.
However, if the goal is to incorporate the personalities, scenery, food and wines as a whole, then a visit here is pleasant.
There are individuals, like Sakkie du Toit at Slanghoek Mountain Resort, realising the importance of unique tourism offerings (he’s just unveiled his luxury log cabins on a dam), which suggests that the area is slowly uncovering its full potential.
In the future, Slanghoek Valley is sure to attract and please with more than just its value-for-money offerings.
WHERE TO STAY
Opt for the cosy cottages at DIE EIKE, some five kilometres outside Rawsonville. Rooms here are surrounded by vineyards and majestic oak trees, contributing to a tranquil environment. Rates are R600 per double room.
Tel 082 451 2231
SLANGHOEK MOUNTAIN RESORT offers self-catering chalets and safari tents and has recently added beautiful selfcatering log cabins overlooking a dam stocked with trout (pictured below).Rates for these are R1 200 per cabin for two people. Also, enquire about the conservation fee discount.
Tel 023 344 3138
WHERE TO EAT IN SLANGHOEK
For standard but enjoyable fare, head to Bistro@Jason’s at Jason’s Hill.
Tel 023 3443 256; www.jasonshill.co.za
If you are in the mood for something more unique, try the restaurant at Opstal, which boasts great views of the vineyards and mountains beyond.
Tel 023 344 3001; www.opstal.co.za
