The picturesque Breedekloof Wine Route is situated between Worcester and Paarl in the Breede River Valley, and includes Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini and Breërivier. It is walled by the Slanghoek and Du Toitskloof Mountains in the west and south-west, and the foothills of the Hex River Mountains in the north-east. The Breedekloof winelands are the only South African wine-growing region with sign
ificantly alkaline soils. The Breedekloof Wine Route has been in existence since 2002, and the Breedekloof district received Wine of Origin status in 2006. Comprising 27 wineries, of which a third are large-scale co-operatives, the Breedekloof winelands are one of the Cape’s largest wine-producing areas. The Breedekloof district is exceptionally diverse with distinct variations in soil, climate, and topography that allow the region to produce a wide variety of wines. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Wine production takes place alongside the Breede River, on river terraces along the valley floor, and the upper and lower mountain slopes, where alluvial soils vary from loam to river gravel deposits. Despite many vineyards' proximity to the Breede River, winemakers here are increasingly moving towards sustainable, non-irrigated cultivation, and producing smaller, terroir-focused batches of wine, to the delight of oenophiles looking for superb vintages to cellar for future enjoyment. The Breedekloof winelands produce New World wines known for their quality and easy drinking appeal, with Chardonnay and Pinotage among the best performing. Red cultivars typical of the Breede River wine route are cabernet sauvignon, merlot. White varieties include sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc and small blocks of semillon and viognier. Boland hospitality is legendary, and it’s no coincidence that the term soetes (sweet) applies equally to the area's acclaimed natural sweet and fortified wines, and the wine route members who are genuinely delighted to welcome you. Good hosts and good stewards of their scenic valley, a growing number of eco-conscious Breedekloof wineries are working with organisations like the Biodiversity Wine Initiative, Cape Nature Conservation, and the Cape Leopard Trust to safeguard the Breede River Valley’s biodiversity and beauty. Enjoy the fruits of the Breedekloof Wine Route's labour in- and ex-cellar, when you go trout fishing, birding, canoeing, or white-water rafting in the area. You can also explore the Breede River’s back roads by mountain bike, on foot, or on horseback. Or simply relax with a bottle or two of Breedekloof wine. There's a great view just about anywhere you go here!
