The 14 Must-Visit Wine Farms of the Breedekloof Valley

Ostensibly a trek, the Breedekloof Valley is actually as far from Cape Town as Franschhoek is. As the light pulls you out of the Huguenot Tunnel, a Tolkien-esque scene awaits: with the towering rock faces of the Worcester Fault rising up on each side. This formation has crumbled imperceptibly through the ages giving the Breedekloof its mix of weathered sandstone, alluvial and granite soils. The Breede River is its ancient thoroughfare, depositing this mix across the valley floor. The mountains too create distinct climatic conditions; circling the valley they trap in the cool night air, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly, concentrating flavour and retaining acidity.

The majority of the estates are family-owned. Some have been farming here for up to eight generations. Many of the winemakers have grown up together. They have further banded together to form Breedekloof Makers, a collaborative that showcases boutique productions of chenin blanc, termed “the expected”, as well as wines made from unusual cultivars, or “the unexpected”.

This is real farming country, and with it warm hospitality is delivered through pastoral tasting rooms, farm-style eateries and unique accommodation offerings with a lean towards agrotourism. Here are 14 gems to explore.

📍SLANGHOEK

Opstal Estate

“I make single vineyard wines in a minimalistic way to best portray the vintage as the only variable year after year,” shares Attie Louw. A seventh generation winemaker, his family’s farm Opstal dates back to 1847. Once known for bulk production, Attie is largely credited with putting the region on the fine-wine map with the award-winning Carl Everson chenin blanc. He also founded the Breedekloof Makers in 2015. Travel to his lofty estate to drink in panoramic views of the valley and his accomplished wines. With those same stunning views Opstal Eat delivers classic country fare. The estate also offers self-catering cottages as well as a wedding and function venue.
Wine Carl Everson Chenin Blanc 2020
Old vines (from a single vineyard planted in 1982) and wild fermentation reveal the site’s complexity; quince, peach and caramelised pineapple shot through with vervy acidity.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (tastings end at 4.30pm)
Saturday, 11am – 4pm (tastings end at 3.30pm)
Sunday, 12pm – 3pm (summer only)
Restaurant: Daily, 9am – 5pm (kitchen closes at 3.30pm)
Contact 023 344 3001, info@opstal.co.za
Where to find it Slanghoek Road, Rawsonville

Slanghoek Cellar

In the amphitheatre of the Slanghoek Mountains, find Slanghoek Cellar, an historic co-op dating back to the mid-century that is now also producing fine wines. A team of winemakers head up operations, with assistant Elaine Conradie in particular showing an affinity for chenin blanc. The Legends Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc has garnered critical acclaim throughout its vintages, as well as numerous awards, including a SA Top 10 Chenin Blanc Award. Gaze out at the mountains while tasting the cellar’s wares (there is a chocolate-truffle pairing too), take a cellar tour, and even blend your own wine. Go breathe that mountain air with its new MTB route through the vineyards and mountain streams.
Wine Legends Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2019
The richness of the sun is here, delivering tropical pineapple tones laced with refreshing lime.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday + public holidays, 10am – 2pm
Contact 023 344 3026, info@slanghoek.co.za
Where to find it 10 Slanghoek Road, Rawsonville

Jason’s Hill Private Cellar

Breëland Estate

Yet another historic family farm dating back to the early 1840s, owned in perpetuity by the Marais family. Winemaker Wickus Erasmus likes to take his time in the cellar, believing cold macerations and slow ferments best reveal this special terroir. Opening this year will be a newly built tasting room, where you can sip on the wines while overlooking the wide dam with its backdrop of mountains and vineyards. Continue soaking in the peace with a stay over at Buchukloof, which offers a self-catering cottage, game drives as well as mountain bike, running and hiking trails.
Wine Breëland Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Appetisingly racy with steely flavours of classic nettle and fig.
Contact 023 344 3129; info@maraiswines.co.za
Where to find it Slanghoek Road, Rawsonville

📍BREEDE RIVER

Mountain Ridge Wines

“You need to go out and taste in the vineyard. It starts there,” emphasises winemaker Carel Hugo on his approach to winemaking. Mountain Ridge produces both larger volume wines as well as more boutique lines from a network of 20 growers. The farm itself dates back to the early 1700s, while the winery was founded in 1949. It was originally called Romansrivier Winery, which is now the name of its critically acclaimed chenin blanc. There’s a tasting room to sample the range of wines (chenin blanc, pinotage rosé, shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon), as well as a wedding and events venue for those planning something bigger.
Wine Mountain Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Incredible value for classic cab styling, loaded with cassis and earthy nuance.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Contact 023 004 1492, marketing@mountainridge.co.za
Where to find it De Liefde Road, Wolseley

Bergsig Wine Estate

Bergsig has been owned by the Lategan family since 1843, and sixth-generation De Wet Lategan works closely with winemaker Chris du Toit. Chris has been making the wines for over two decades now and in that time has secured the winery many awards. Dedicated to his craft he says: “The wine must be in balance.” Do your own version of balance and take it slow here. Taste through the range while enjoying the mountain view, and lunch at Bergsig Bistro. Why not extend the visit with a stay at Die Kelderhuis? The newly renovated three-bedroom farm cottage overlooks the farm’s vineyards and the Bainskloof mountains. Pack binoculars for birdwatching and your mountain-bike so you can tackle the Bergsig Trail.
Wine Tant Anna Chardonnay Reserve 2021
A harmonious marriage of citrus and creamy oak with lovely length and inherent freshness.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Saturday + public holidays, 9am – 4pm
Bistro: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 023 355 1603, info@bergsig.co.za
Where to find it R43, near junction with R301, Breerivier

Botha Kelder

Botha Kelder was established in 1949 and now comprises 35 farms, producing almost 30-million litres of wine every year. The access to a wealth of fruit has seen more premium, boutique bottlings under the Amyah and Turoc Unify labels. A contingent of winemakers head different divisions, one of which is rising star Annamarie van Niekerk who can often be found in the winery’s modern tasting room. Here, taste the wines, enjoy delicious food-and-wine pairings and tuck into the much-talked-about cheese platters.
Wine Turoc Unify 2019
A vibrant Cape blend of pinotage, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz showing off juicy berry fruit cradled in fine, dry tannins.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 023 355-1740, admin@bothakelder.co.za
Where to find it R43, near Worcester

Olifantsberg Wines

“The vineyard reacts to how you care for it. If you treat it badly you’re going to see it; treat it well, it will outlive you,” enthuses Olifantsberg’s winemaker Elizma Visser. Located on the slopes of the Olifantsberg Mountain, she says the rocky terroir defines the uniqueness of the wines. Her focus and dedication to site have been noticed – she was named Young Winemaker of the Year in 2021 by Tim Atkin MW for her stellar line-up. Tastings by appointment only.
Wine Olifantsberg Grenache Blanc 2021
Delicate and mineral with lashings of lifted stone fruit; this is a love letter to site.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm (booking essential)
Contact 071 301 9440, admin@olifantsbergwines.com
Where to find it Apiesklip Rd, off R43, near Worcester

📍GOUDINI + RAWSONVILLE

Badsberg Wine Cellar

Find this historic co-op (established in 1951) at the foot of the Badsberg Mountains. This is the domain of award-winning winemakers Henri Swieger, Jaco Booysen and Cobus Kruger. Henri produces an array of premium white wines among the other more bulk ranges, showing a particular deftness with both chenin blanc as well as sweet wines. He’s been at Badsberg for over two decades, and has won the coveted General Smuts Trophy four times, among many other accolades. The tasting room, at the heart of the farm, offers wine tastings and cheese platters which can be enjoyed on the deck overlooking the valley.
Wine Badsberg Noble Late Harvest 2017
Led by chenin with just a touch of hanepoot, this is achingly delicious, with marmalade, nuts and toffee moreishness.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 023 344 3021, info@badsberg.co.za
Where to find it Grootte Vlakte, Goudini Way, Rawsonville

Belle Rebelle Winery

Winemaker with her own-name label, Mariëtte Stofberg-Coetzee sources grapes from her ancestral family farm, Stofberg Family Vineyards. Her Belle Rebelle boutique wine brand focuses on expressing the different pockets of soils found there. Alongside still wines, Mariëtte’s particular speciality is sparkling wine, and she’s won a few awards to prove it. She is also currently experimenting with the charmat method and has made the Cape’s answer to Prosecco, ‘CapeSecco’. Adjacent to the tasting room you’ll find a gin distillery, and the Ou Stokery restaurant serving up hearty country fare.
Wine A Bird In The Hand Semillon 2021
Like apricots, peach and quince wrapped in honeyed wax paper; absolutely gorgeous texture and fruitfulness.
Opening times Winery: 8am – 5pm (by appointment only)
Restaurant: Tuesday – Thursday, 8am – 4pm; Friday – Saturday, 9am – 10pm; Sunday + public holidays, 9am – 4pm
Contact 082 867 6958, mariette@bellerebelle.co.za
Restaurant: 082 511 0500, info@oustokery.co.za
Where to find it Ou Stokery, Old N1 Road (R101), Rawsonville

Du Toitskloof Wines

“Wine is like magic. You need to create something that will excite your audience and leave them wanting more,” says winemaker Willie Stofberg. Willie has been at the helm here for many years, and part of the job is manning Quest, the premium label focusing on traditional French blends. Get to know the wines (and the people of the Breedekloof) at Du Toitskloof’s brand-new tasting venue. A hub of activity, it includes art exhibitions, bottomless mimosas on weekends as well as pop-up wine bars that feature the valley’s wines. In-between tastings grab a bite to eat at Ou Meul Bakery. Like many of the other Breedekloof estates, Du Toitskloof has also taken advantage of its spectacular surroundings with scenic trails for running and mountain-biking.
Wine Quest Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022
Top notes of jasmine and citrus with old vine concentration in spades.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Saturday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 023 349 1601, info@dtkwines.com
Where to find it Old N1 Road (R101), Rawsonville

📍LOUWSHOEK

Merwida Wines

With over 800 hectares of vines, Merwida is one of the largest privately owned vineyards in South Africa. The Van der Merwe family (who have nurtured this land for seven generations) has also conserved 600 hectares of wetlands called Papenkuils. Huis Te Merwede, one of the original Merwida homesteads, would not be out of place in Gone with the Wind, so spectacularly palatial it is. Here guests can taste wines, retire to Cecile’s Tea Room for an array of eats, or even find a table outside in the estate’s lush gardens.
Wine Papenkuils Waterblommetjie Pinot Grigio 2022
Pretty honeysuckle and orange blossom lead to a light, zippy body redolent of fresh pears.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 3pm
Cecile’s Tea Room: Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 023 349 1144, 066 258 1691 (WhatsApp), info@merwida.com
Where to find it Old Villiersdorp Road, Rawsonville

Daschbosch

“I make elegant, artisanal wines from salvaged old vines and classic heritage wines from the beautiful fruit of our Daschbosch vineyards,” sums up winemaker WS Visagie. Daschbosch is a boutique label under Breedekloof winery uniWines, where the focus is on terroir-specific wines. The farm itself was granted in 1754, and the contemporary ethos is a respect for tradition by making wines from protected old vines within the vineyard portfolio. The winery hosts regular pop-up tasting events, so follow its social media for more information.
Wine Avon Clairette Blanche 2021
From vines planted in 1977, this wine manages to be featherweight yet utterly complex with beautiful stone fruit and spice.
Contact 023 349 1110, info@uniwines.co.za
Where to find it Louwshoek Voorsorg Road, Rawsonville

Kirabo Kompanjie

Kirabo Kompanjie is a boutique label owned by the Le Roux family, who have farmed this land for seven generations. They have been known to specialise in petit verdot and, with the appointment of seventh generation Ronald Le Roux, the range is expanding. The wines can be sampled at the tasting room decorated with family memorabilia and plants from the farm’s expansive gardens. There are a host of unusual pairings to try, such as the red-wine-infused vanilla cupcakes, paired with their ‘Cupcake’ wine; or shiraz ice-cream washed down with a glass of shiraz itself. Also onsite is sibling company Broers Brew craft brewery, as well as a very popular wedding venue.
Wine Kirabo Petit Verdot 2019
The perfume of violets leads to an inky, cherry-forward palate. Lush, with just the right amount of freshness.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 11am – 4pm
Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Contact 071 681 9019, info@kirabocellar.co.za
Where to find it Kirabo Private Cellar, Louwshoek Voorsorg Road, Rawsonviile

Valley of legends

When venturing into the Breedekloof, expect legends around every corner. We’re not just talking about the characters and characterful wine you’ll encounter as you taste from estate to estate… This ancient place is also a cradle of numerous African tales. The most famous is about Slanghoek (aka snake corner). It was named for an old San legend of a serpent with an emerald on its head, which held dominion over the river banks… See if you can spot it.