Wine Estates of Walker Bay

Walker Bay Wine Estates

Walker Bay is situated in the Cape Overberg Region, less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Although once known as a sleepy seaside retreat with a small population (a reputation to which it still holds, to a large extent), this area is now gaining popularity amongst local visitors and international tourists for a number of reasons.

One of the most significant of these is the fairly recent establishment of a number of wine farms. Walker Bay is situated between Cape Agulhas and False Bay and is home to the well-known holiday hotspot of Hermanus.

The Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley is one of the most productive regions in terms of the production of wines. It has the ideal climate, as the icy wind from the Atlantic Ocean cools it down. In addition, the mountains, which surround the valley, lock in clouds and the resultant moisture, so that the vines get plenty of water.

The Onrust River is another aspect of this valley’s geography, and is an integral part of its irrigation. Some of the best known wine farms in the Walker Bay Wine Route include Bouchard Finlayson, Cape Bay and Whalehaven Wines. These, as well as many of their contemporaries, are open for public visits and tastings. The most popular wines produced in Walker Bay are currently Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but the variety is virtually unlimited.

For more information about this wine route see Walker Bay Wine Route or view the individual wine estates of this region below.