Nestled in the foothills of the Tsitsikamma mountains, by the edge of the sea in the Western Cape, sits the idyllic Plettenberg Bay. Plett is known for its long pristine beaches with beautiful scenery of the bay and Robberg peninsula stretching out into the ocean. The Garden Route has a Mediterranean climate with most of the rain falling in the winter. The cool ocean wind with moderate climate and rich clay soil creates the perfect conditions for growing grapes and making wine.
Plett’s wine farms are relatively young compared to the wine lands of the Stellenbosch region, but that does not mean that the wines disappoint. Many farms have achieved international accolades for their wines. Plettenberg Bay wine is best known for producing white wine and champagne but some vineyards has recently started producing red wine. There are a total of nine farms in and around Plett, all of them have stunning views and each their own story to tell. Most of the farms have wine tastings, offers great food and wine tours that usually operate during the holiday seasons. Call in advance to find out about what the wine farm has to offer.
The wine farms in the Crags are one of the favourite spots for many locals and visitors alike. There are five wine farms in the Crags including; Lodestone wines, Kay and Monty, Newstead, Redford Lane Wines and Bramon. The wine farms are situated close to each other which make doing wine tours easy. There are organised wine tours that can be done through Plett wine tours or do it yourself by cycling through the fynbos on Redford road that connects all the wine farms. The mountains and the polo fields create the perfect back drop and go perfectly with a cold glass of bubbly after a cycle on a warm day. The Crags is also well known for hosting local and international Polo events at the Kurland Estate, most of the big events are held in December.
Luka vineyards and Packwood Wine and Country Estate are a mere 10km drive from Plett towards Knysna, both make an excellent stop for a great meal and wonderful wine selection. A little closer to Plettenberg Bay is the Bitou vineyard which is located 5km outside of Plett. The beautiful wine farm was once a Polo field with the old stables now serving as the wine cellar. Bitou vineyard is a fairly new wine farm and creates wonderful Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) and Sauvignon Blancs and a soon-to-be new addition of Malbec. Plettenvale Boutique Wine Estate is a family-run vineyard that is a ten-minute drive from Plettenberg Bay. This beautiful vineyard was the first to produce rose wines in the area and Plettenvale create wines for every palate. Their Brut Rose MCC won the best Brut Rose MCC in South Africa at the ROSE ROCKS in 2015. Be sure to contact them in advance for a wonderful wine tour of the winery followed by incredible wine pairings with cheese and chocolate.
Belle Balance Hideout is situated inside of the serene Plettenberg Bay Nature Reserve and is the perfect getaway destination to sit and take in the beautiful views of the Tsitsikamma mountains with a glass from some of the local Garden Route vineyards. This luxury lodge a mere 20 minutes drive from Plettenberg Bay perfectly situated to be your perfect hideout away from home when exploring the region. If you are looking for luxury accommodation in Plettenberg Bay with a difference then make Belle Balance your holiday destination on the Garden Route. The Belle Balance Blog gives regular updates of wonderful experiences and memorable activities to do during your stay at Belle Balance on the Garden Route, South Africa.