Visit the Spectacular Swartland Wine Route

Incorporating the beautiful regions of Paardeberg, Riebeek Valley, Malmesbury and Berg River, the Swartland Wine and Olive Route was established in 1986 to promote this tranquil paradise to both domestic and international travelers. Situated just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the route is the perfect weekend or day-trip getaway, and being close to the N7 it offers holiday makers en route to the Northern Cape or Namibia a worthwhile detour to break the journey.

With seemingly endless vineyards hugging the mountain slopes, fruit orchards and bountiful olive groves, the Swartland Wine Route has a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere. Each of the twenty members represented by the route offers its own unique experience as visitors explore the region, discover the winemaking history that it is famous for, and sample some of the products produced here. Many of the wineries along the route have been in the same family for generations, and the Swartland region is known for its warm hospitality.

Accommodation options include everything from luxury hotels to self-catering cottages, catering for all tastes and budgets. Farmer’s markets offer a wide range of edible goodies as well as hand-made cosmetic products designed to pamper. Small eateries, coffee shops and fine-dining restaurants provide some of South Africa’s best cuisine, made with farm-fresh ingredients. Activities in the Swartland region cater for the outdoor enthusiast, with walking and hiking trails being popular. City-slickers can get some mud on their SUVs on a variety of 4×4 trails, and adrenaline seekers can try some hang-gliding or paragliding. Horse-riding, canoeing, and clay-pigeon shooting are other activity options.

A host of interesting and well supported events take place along the Swartland Wine Route, attracting visitors from far and wide. The Riebeek Valley Olive Festival takes place in May each year and has been voted as one of the best food festivals in the Western Cape. Canoeing enthusiasts should take note of the Berg River Marathon in July, while runners will enjoy the scenic route of the Riebeek Berg Marathon. Other events include the Houtstock Swartland Afrikaanse Musiekfees in Malmesbury, MedFest in Riebeek Valley and the Swartland Revolution. Certainly, there is something for everyone who takes the time to explore the Swartland Wine Route of South Africa.