Klein Karoo / Southern Cape Wine Region

The Klein Karoo stretches along from Montagu in the west, through the towns of Barrydale, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn and De Rust towards the Langkloof in the east. North of the Klein Karoo lies the vast Groot Karoo and to its south, coastal planes spill into the Indian Ocean. Enclosed by various mountain ranges, it is known for extreme variations in soils and climate. Consequently, the Klein Karoo houses three of the most important biomes that were identified as world hot spots, namely fynbos, thicket and Succulent Karoo. Each of these important biomes houses at least 1 500 endemic species (more than in the whole of Europe) and most of these plants are extraordinary.

In acknowledgement of our unique bio heritage, the wine producers in the region commit to conservation through various projects. The Heritage Garden at Barrydale is landscaped in eight beds with each bed representing a specific habitat of the Klein Karoo. De Krans donates all profits from their Heritage Collection to the nearby Gamkasberg Nature Reserve. Boplaas devoted 2 200 ha exclusively to nature conservation objectives, while a portion of income generated by wine exports is budgeted for conservation. Wine producers like Bergwater Vineyards commits to farm in harmony with nature and to minimise all impacts on the natural environment. Herold Wines has cleared over a 100ha of alien vegetation, allowing the mountain fynbos to thrive, and Joubert-Tradauw has put aside mountain fynbos, thicket and Succulent Karoo for future conservation.

Soetvingerpol The Afrikaans name for this succulent in the Calitzdorp area is
"Soetvingerpol". Water and reserve food are stored in a thick subterranean
root.

Kwaggavy The Afrikaans name for this succulent in the Prince Albert area is
"Kwaggavy" or sometimes called "Volstruistoon" (ostrich toe).

Barrydale Wine Cellar's heritage garden Photo of Barrydale Wine Cellar's heritage garden

'Plakkie' The Afrikaans name for the succulent in the right corner of the picture is
"Plakkie" . It has medicinal value and is applied to wards.

Erica Barrydalensis Unique flower to Barrydale the Erica Barrydalensis