South Africa’s Swartland region is known for its wineries, yet it is far less visited than the more celebrated Cape Winelands. With its largely dry growing conditions, Swartland produces some of the best wines in the country and boasts stunning scenery dotted with golden wheat fields, olive groves, vineyards, and mountains.
The Swartland Wine & Olive Route comprises more than 20 producers, each different in its approach to winemaking and offering a unique visitor experience. Highlights of the route include Allesverloren estate, one of the oldest wine producers in the region, and the Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate, which produces award-winning wines and olive oils and has a variety of hiking trails to explore. Guided tours from Cape Town can take you on a tasting trip without having to designate a driver.
You can find a map of the wineries on the Swartland Wine & Olive Route website.
If planning to spend the night in the region, look for accommodation in Malmesbury, Piketberg, or Riebeek-Kasteel.
Some wineries, including Kloovenburg, have an on-site B&B.
It’s a good idea to contact the wineries prior to visiting as some (especially in the remote Paardeberg area) offer tastings by appointment only.
The town of Malmesbury, which is in the center of the Swartland Wine & Olive Route, is around 44 miles (70 kilometers) from central Cape Town. Driving from Cape Town should take less than one hour. You’ll head north, taking the N1, then the N7, and finally Voortrekker Road (R45).
Spring, from late October to mid-November, is a beautiful time to visit the Swartland region—it’s when the wildflowers are in bloom and the vineyards are at their lushest. You’ll want to avoid summer as it can be unbearably hot in the Swartland. Be aware that most vineyards do not receive visitors during harvest time, which is typically from January to April.
An hour northeast of Malmesbury, the Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve is known for its rugged landscapes. Characterized by fynbos and remarkable rock formations, the reserve is home to African wild cats, leopards, and many species of birds. Visitors can explore the area by following some of the trails, which vary from short strolls to challenging overnight hikes.