Article by Kate Liquorish on Food 24
10 years ago you’d never have guessed that Plettenberg Bay would be producing award-winning wines and MCCs.
Lo and behold, as you drive along the N2 between Knysna and the Crags, you’ll see sign after sign for their fantastic new showcase of South African wine estates. They’re small, boutique wine farms, nurtured with the utmost care and when you visit them you’ll feel and taste the love.
Renowned wine maker Anton Smal has been the brains and the experience behind many of Plett’s award-winning new wines and he’s helped to create a burgeoning industry that’s only getting bigger and better. Plett is now the proud bearer of 18 wine producing farms, 8 of which can be visited.
The Sasfin Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival
This year’s event will take place on the 9th and 10th of October. It started with bang in October 2014 hosting 9 local Vineyards, an array of sumptuous dining stalls and a fantastic line-up of live Music including SA favourite Watershed, which was followed by a week of events including a cycling wine route race, a cheese making course, a country fayre and a contemporary music and arts day. This year is set to be even better.
Crags Winelands Tour on Horseback
Hog Hollow Horse trails are now offering a Plett winelands tour on horseback which sounds just magical! In a nutshell it’s an educational Crags Winelands Tour exploring the indigenous ancient rain forest and wagon trails as well as a trot or canter over beautiful emerald fields. You’ll get to savour delectable tappas-style snacks accompanying local wine tastings at three wine farms namely Bramon Wine Estate, Newstead and Redford Lane Wines.
Contact Debbie on: 0827713745 or debs@hog-hollow.com
If you’re not sure which wine farm to visit, check out The Heath
If you’re short of time and not sure which wine farms to visit there’s an easy solution for you: Pop into the Tin Shack Tasting Room which is located at The Heath on the N2 just a few kilometres before Plett (coming from Knysna). They offer full ranges of all of the 8 Local wine farms you can visit in Plett and have 4 options by the glass per day, their pricings are really reasonable and they serve delicious local cheese and charcuterie platters and seriously good burgers! (There’s also a play area for the kids.)
Wine farms
Bramon
Plett’s very first Wine Estate boasting a great restaurant set amongst the vineyards and gardens and a convenient tasting cellar for…well…tastings and drive-by purchases it’s a definite must-visit and it’s just off the N2 at The Crags making it oh-so convenient. Their award-winning MCC is delectable and the Sauvignon blancs are making waves across the garden route.
Newstead
They make the most exquisite Sauvignon Blanc as well as a great Chardonnay and MCC. They’ve also newly released a great Rose MCC and a Pinot Noir which I have yet to try. Pop in for a tasting or book ahead to enjoy gorgeous cheese platters and breads (made in their very own oven) overlooking mountain vistas with your choice of cultivar.
The newest edition to the Plett wine route, it’s beautifully situated overlooking a damn and forestry. They’ve made a gorgeous white blend that’s fruity and full of flavour, as well as an MCC that’s light and refreshing. They’re family-run and dedicated to ensuring your utmost satisfaction. Platters are available and they’ll be opening their restaurant in the next few weeks so watch this space!
By appointment
Packwood
The greatest variety in terms of wine: an award winning Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir MCC as well as a subtly oaked chardonnay, pinot noir and chardonnay/pinot noir MCC. You can book ahead for their cheese and wine luncheons made from their very own dairy and garden produce and served on their beautiful terrace.
Luka Wines
A boutique wine farm with an award-winning sauvignon Blanc, great views and a herd of resident Springbok.
Plettenvale
They’ve expanded to add a dry rose, sauvignon Blanc and Pinot noir to their inventory, but their Brut Rose MCC is still their frontrunner.
Anderson’s
The vineyard overlooks the Keurboomstrand and Robberg Peninsula. They make a lovely ‘Leto Venus’ Sauvignon Blanc.
Rare Earth Vineyards: lauren@rare-earthretreats.co.za or 011 327 3920
They make a quirkily named ‘Sav’ Sauvignon Blanc and a ‘Champu’ MCC, both of which are delightful (The ‘Sav’ tastes similar to Newstead’s Sauvignon Blanc). They only recently setup a tasting room so it’s quite new, but they are more than hospitable and charming.
By Kate Liquorish on Food 24
