South Africa: Western Cape: Breedekloof

Breedekloof - Nature's Playground

Award winning wines and a natural playground consisting of crystal clear streams and majestic mountains await visitors to the Breedekloof region.

Just one-hour drive from Cape Town, Breedekloof includes 23 wineries in the Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini and Breede River areas which range from small boutique cellars to estates and large co-operative wineries.

Wine Of Origin District

The Breedekloof region was recently awarded "wine-of-origin" status. The concept behind this is to identify wine producing areas which are differentiated by soil type, climate and location - all factors which impact on the character of the wines produced. In order to qualify for this status, an area must be able to show that these factors produce wine with a distinctive character. The Breedekloof has a diverse climate, soil type and the influence of mountain slopes, which assist the wine makers in producing wines of exceptional quality.

Fruit of the Vine

The cellars and estates in the Breedekloof produce "new world" style wines, that are upfront, complex, yet well balanced. Our white wines range from dry to semi-sweet, with chardonnay consistently performing above standard and being awarded a wide range of accolades. Our red wines offer typical red & black berry characteristics, spicy and peppery, with intense colour, soft tannins and are full and complex, as well as easy drinking. Pinotage performs extremely well in the area. The accolades awarded to our dessert wines speak for themselves.

Breedekloof wineries have excelled in various competitions throughout 2006, snapping up 97 medals at Veritas 2006, as well as 39 medals at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2006. At the prestigious SA Young Wine Show, the Breedekloof wineries stole the limelight by walking away with the 2 top awards: Groot Eiland received the sought after General Smuts trophy, which goes to the overall 2006 SA Champion Young Wine, for its Merlot / Ruby Cabernet blend, while Badsberg was recognised for its ability to produce a range of wines of consistently high quality by being awarded the Pietman Hugo trophy. Deetlefs Estate was awarded the SAA CEO Trophy for the Best Winery in South Africa, as it has the most wines listed onboard the airlines flights in 2007. The latest accolade goes to Bergsig Estate, who was awarded gold at the prestigious Chardonnay du Monde 2007 in France for their Chardonnay 2005.

Breedekloof is Conservation Conscious

Home to the 1st conservancy in the Western Cape wine region, the Breedekloof boasts with 7 wineries (including 2 co-operatives) already having obtained their BWI membership. Through BWI our producers have conserved 5 560ha. BWI - Biodiversity Wine Initiative - is a pioneering partnership between the SA wine industry and the conservation sector. The goal is to minimise the further loss of threatened natural habitat, and to contribute to sustainable wine production.

Perfect Marriage of Wine & Outdoor Adventure!

There is so much more to the Breedekloof than superb wineries, as the beautiful environment is home to a wide range of outdoor activities including access to some of South Africa's best trout fishing spots along the Molenaars, Elandsjacht and Smalblaar rivers. There are also a number of scenic cycling routes and mountain biking trails.

The craggy mountain ranges, fynbos and endemic bird life attract plenty of hikers, while horse-riding through the vineyards is a treat for young and old. Those who prefer motorised transport can quad bike through the vineyards or tackle challenging 4x4 excursions.

With Fine Wine Goes Fine Dining…

And naturally, with fine wine goes fine dining and the Breedekloof has a number of restaurants, bistro's and coffee shops, situated on wine estates as well as in the town of Rawsonville. These fully licensed facilities offer country cuisine in elegant surrounds with breathtaking views of the mountains and vineyards.

Where to Stay

When choosing where to stay, Breedekloof has a diverse range of accommodation facilities, including bed & breakfast accommodation, self-catering chalets, backpackers and camping & caravan facilities. Most of the accommodation establishments are situated on wine farms, in the mountains or along the banks of the Breede River.

For those who love to spend a night under the stars or in a tent, head for Skilpadfontein campsite, situated on the banks of the Breede River; the Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway, situated along the banks of the Holsloot River; or the Slanghoek Mountain Resort, which offers caravan & camping area on the banks of the Slanghoek stream.

Self-catering accommodation includes: Avondrood Mountain House, Buchukloof Mountain Hut, Blaarfontein Farm House, Die Heemhuis, Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway, Eensgevonden Vineyard Cottages; Gevonden Farm Cottage, La Bri, Olivino Guest Cottage, Rosy Vine, River Edge Accommodation, River House, Roetwa Farm Cottage, and Slanghoek Mountain Resort (3-star & AA-recommended).

Guest Houses / B&B accommodation includes: Die Eike Farm Accommodation (3-star & AA-recommended), Grietjiesdrif Guest House, Merwida Country Lodge, Monte Rosa Guest House (4-star) and Sutherland House.

The ATKV Goudini Spa has two hot mineral baths - one indoor and the other beneath the blue, Cape Winelands sky. The resort offers a selection of self-catering accommodation and a wide variety of recreational facilities, including tennis, hiking and children's activities. Comprehensive, modern conference facilities catering for groups ranging from 500 to 700 are also available.

Team Building, Conferences, Weddings

Various venues in the Breedekloof make for the perfect setting for either teambuilding getaways or conference groups from 10 - 1 000 delegates. The majestic mountains and sweeping vineyards offer the perfect backdrop in making the "big day" even more unforgettable, with wedding venues ranging from wine farms to wine cellars.

So if you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an exciting team building experience, an inspiring conference facility or a romantic wedding venue, look no further than Breedekloof!

Information and pictures provided by Breedekloof Wine & Tourism

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