About Swartland Wine Route
The Swartland Wine Route in the Swartland, an area synonymous with wheat and sheep farming, is just 40 minutes' drive north of Cape Town.
Meaning ‘black country' and named after the indigenous Renosterbos, which turns a dark colour at a certain time of the year, the Swartland wine route extends from Darling on the west coast down to the Oliphants Mountain at Porterville in the east and includes Malmesbury, Riebeek Valley and Piketberg in the north.
Did you know? South Africa's most popular grape variety is Chenin Blanc followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Colombard.
The vineyards of the Swartland Wine Route lie along the banks of the Berg River and in the foothills of a number of imposing mountain ranges that lie in the Swartland, producing a constant blue and black backdrop to the beauty of the vineyards.
Initially the Swartland was renowned for its full-bodied red and fortified wines but the area has recently produced some top-table white wines and continues to produce top port-style wines.
Most of the vines are grown under dryland conditions, although some of them are irrigated towards the end of the dry and very long summers. Because the vines are not irrigated they are favoured as a blend with wines produced from irrigated vineyards due to their excellent quality and flavour.
For additional information about the Swartland Region, attractions, things to do and events and festivals see Swartland Information & Attractions or, to view the individual wine estates of the Swartland Wine Route, see Swartland Wine Estates.
Need to Know
WhereSwartland Wine Route, From Malmesbury to Darling in the Swartland Region, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenSee individual wine estates for their opening times.
OvernightStay in Swartland Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
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Additional Reading
You might also be interested inPopular Wine Routes of the Western Cape
For information about the most popular wine producing regions in the Western Cape visit the routes below, or for information about each wine estate, see Wine Estates (sorted by regions and viewable on maps).
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Swartland

Sonkop @ Fynbos Estate
Sonkop at Fynbos Estate is ideal for nature lovers craving some solitude. It is situated a kilometer from the farmstead inside of the nature rese...

AA Badenhorst Family Wines
AA Badenhorst Family Wines offers accommodation in an authentic farm hideaway, set against the slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain. Situated just 6...

Caracal @ Fynbos Estate
Caracal offers accommodation on an estate with direct access to the nature reserve. The estate offers wonderful food and wine, comfortable accomm...

Abbotts Hill
Abbotts Hill is a farmhouse on top of a hill, surrounded by vines and views of the rolling valleys in Swartland. Love yourself. Spoil yourself wi...


The Silo @ Kalmoesfontein
Silo @ Kalmoesfontein is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. It has one open plan master bedroom furnished with a king size bed, luxury cotto...

Blou Porselein Guestfarm
Blou Porselein Guestfarm offers comfortable self catering accommodation in two units on a working farm. Choose from our 6 sleeper Blou Porselein ...

Honey Badger at Fynbos Estate
Honey Badger Cottage is a large farm cottage 200 metres from the Farmhouse. The estate offers wonderful food and wine and a relaxed and easy atmo...

Melkkamer @ Kalmoesfontein
The Melkkamer offers accommodation on an authentic farm hideaway just 60 minutes drive from Cape Town; this is the perfect place to get away from...
Things to do in the area

Dragonridge Winery
Fynbos Estate produces about 200 tons of grapes each year, half of which are sent to Swartland Winery. The rest is used to craft small quantities...

Duckitt Nurseries
Duckitt Nurseries was established in 1979, and is situated approximately 3km south of Darling on the west coast of South Africa. Duckitt Nurserie...

Cloof Wine Estate
Cloof Wine Estate, located in the charming region of Darling, lies just 75 kilometers from Cape Town, making it an easy escape from the city. Thi...

Swartland Wines
The Swartland Co-operative was founded by 15 members and the Swartland Winery was established. When Jan van Riebeeck first saw the land and all i...

Abbotts Hill Wines
Abbotts Hill Wines are produced on Hillcrest Farm. It all began from the owner's initial passion for red wine. He had the desire to produce win...

Lammershoek Wine Cellar
Lammershoek means ‘lamb's corner' and is said to owe its name to the sheep and their lambs who sought safety and shelter in the forests around th...

Nassua Winery
Nassau Winery is one of the wineries situated south of Malmesbury, the main business centre of the Swartland. It lies on the Lambrecht's family ...

Babylon's Peak Private Cellar
The winemaker of Babylon's Peak Private Cellar is Stephan Basson. The cellar is built on the farm, Nooitgedacht, which the Bassons have owned fo...

Badenhorst Family Wines
Hailing as the winemaker for Rustenberg, Adi Badenhorst decided to branch out on his own to establish AA Badenhorst Family Wines. He has owned a...
Accommodation convenient to Swartland Wine Route
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