Swartland
The Swartland Wine Route encompasses a wide and diverse area stretching from the Paardeberg and Malmesbury in the south to Citrusdal in the north, including the Riebeek Valley and Piketberg areas.
Originally called 'Het Zwarte Land' by Jan van Riebeeck, the indigenous renosterbos flora still turns the uncultivated areas a characteristic dark colour in summer – hence the name Swartland. (Swart is the Afrikaans word for black.)
In the north, the majestic Cedarberg mountains offer some of the finest scenery in the Cape. Hiking trails take you through mountain fynbos, past cedar trees and rock formations, and over clear mountain streams. The Cedarberg Wilderness Reserve and the nearby Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve are officially designated Wilderness areas. Citrusdal Cellars obtain some of their grapes from vineyards planted in the Cedarberg – the higher lying vineyards contribute grapes with an unusual concentration of flavour from which wines of exceptional quality are produced.
Org de Rac Domain, situated on the banks of the Berg River near Piketberg, is the only organic winery on the route. Endorsed by the SOIL Association of Bristol, strict standards for organic farming and production are upheld on the farm. Organic means that no chemicals, pesticides or herbicides were used in the growing of the grapes. Only compost and organic materials with indigenous vegetation for mulching are used in the vineyards. The position of the vines also allows the prevailing winds to assist in keeping the vines free of pests.
Kasteelberg ('Castle Mountain') forms the backdrop for the towns Riebeek-Wes and Riebeek-Kasteel. The vineyards of Allesverloren Estate, Pulpit Rock Winery, Kloovenburg Vineyards, Meerhof Cellar and Riebeek Cellar adorn the lower slopes of the mountain, while indigenous fynbos cover the higher reaches. Short walking trails lead past vineyards and fynbos, offering spectacular views of the beautiful Riebeek Valley.
Paardeberg forms the southern border of the route and is an 'off the beaten track' destination. A huge granite rock – known as Babylonstoren, meaning tower of Babylon – is surrounded by mountainous terrain with indigenous flora, and stands central to the area where it can be seen from afar. The private wineries Lammershoek and Babylons Peak reap their harvest from the vineyards planted in the deep, fertile soil of the Paardeberg. Adventurers and 4x4 enthusiasts can explore the challenging Paardeberg 4x4 route with its endless views of the Swartland.
