The Breedekloof-district
Out and about in Breedekloof
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
The Breedekloof district including the wards of Goudini and Slanghoek covers the upper reaches of the Breede River valley and has the village of Rawsonville at its centre. Wineries range from small boutique operations to larger co-operative cellars. An hour's drive from Cape Town, it offers scenic vistas, with stretches of vineyards blanketing the mountains. Plantings flourish on a flat landscape of alluvial valley soils but there are marked variations in soil and microclimate further up the mountains.
What to DO
• Breedekloof Wine and Tourism office is open seven days a week for you to sample and buy all the wines from the area. Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30, Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00 and Sunday: 11:00 - 14:00. Tel 023 349 1791, or visit www.breedekloof.com.
• The Breedekloof has positioned itself as an excellent getaway for adventureseeking nature lovers and the valley hosts an annual Outdoor & Wine Festival in the second weekend of October. Try trout fishing along the Molenaars, Elandsjacht and Smalblaar rivers, mountain biking or bird watching, or cast your line at Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway in the Stettynskloof Mountains. Tel 023 349 1919, www.trouthaven.co.za.
• Pamper yourself with a de-stress massage or reflexology at the Spa at Jason's Hill. To book, call 076 199 4118. • Visit the craft and tea garden at Fairhills, a Fairtrade initiative, and try their wines. Visit www.fairhills.co.za or phone 021 865 8100 to find out more.
WHERE TO STAY
• Spend the night at Eensgevonden vineyards cottages, a working wine farm with beautiful views. The homestead is a national monument that dates from 1720. Tel 023 349 1490, www.eensgevonden.co.za
• If you'd rather stay in the village itself, try Die Heemhuis in Rawsonville with its Persian rugs and Oregon-pine trimmings, giving it a romantic feel. No children under 12. Tel 084 767 1915
• The luxuriously appointed Rico Suter Country House is situated in an old mill house on the farm that produces wines of the same name. Braai baskets, dinner and picnics available on request. Tel 023 355 1663 or send an email to ricosuterwines@breede.co.za.
WHERE TO EAT
• The Bistro @ Jason's Hill off ers a menu paired to their wines. Tel 082 265 4492
• The Dam Fine Café at Boshimela is worth a visit if only to see how a cement dam was revamped into a café. Bring the children to enjoy the farm animals pecking among the tables, under a green canopy of leaves. Tel 023 344 3220
• Mill & Oaks Country Inn and Restaurant is owned by chef Gerard Creamer. On Wednesdays you can try the "special theme" evening buffet. 023 231 0860, www.millandoaks.co.za.
