Believe it or not, the Western Cape isn’t the only province that boasts a wine route. Although the wine cellars and farms are more concentrated in the West, the Northern Cape has its wine route that takes you through mountains, over arid valleys, and along the Orange River.
The Northern Cape’s wine route spans a 350 km radius from Upington, so extra planning and road trip snacks are required.
Orange River Cellars
Orange River Cellars (ORC) is one of the world’s largest wine cellars and was established in 1965. It now includes four wineries that span a 300-km stretch along the Orange River. The Straw Wine, Lyra wines, and award-winning Orange River Cellars Red Muscadel are among their top sellers.
Guests can visit its production cellars to spend time in the small tasting rooms, but the best place to go is the Orange River Cellars in Upington. Visitors can access the most comprehensive collection of wines in this cellar and taste between five and seven wines. Their pairing menu is out-of-this-world delicious, or you can curate your own platter of wines and snacks that appeal to you.
Landzicht
Landzicht was established in the 1990s but gained its national recognition when its Landzicht 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won Best in South Africa at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show in 2017.
Its two cellars are in Jacobsdal and Douglas, offering dedicated wine-tasting rooms. Among their wine range, they offer Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot, Colombar, Ruby Cabernet, Chenin Blanc, Petit Verdot, and Red and White Muscadel. Both tasting rooms also offer brandy and gin tasting.
Bezalel Wine and Brandy Estate
Based on the outskirts of Upington, Bezalel Wine and Brandy Estate is easily recognised from kilometres away by its huge solar plant and tower mirror. It was established in the 1990s and is the first private cellar in the region.
Bezalel boasts a diverse wine range, including Pinot Noir, Viognier, Shiraz, Columbar, Gewurtztraminer jeripigo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Port-style wine. Further, the estate boasts a selection of brandies, liqueurs, and whisky.
You can visit this wine and brandy estate for tastings and a meal at their Bezalel Garden Cafe restaurant and brewhouse.
Die Mas
Picture: Jordyn Johnson
The journey to Die Mas takes visitors alongside the irrigation canal and through vineyards, as well as past the notable Pink Padstal.
The wine farm offers a range of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinotage, along with their gin selection.
Die Mas is a popular destination for visitors who can indulge in a delectable wine pairing while looking out over the vineyards. The restaurant also offers a delicious menu if you feel like eating out.
Pictures: Unsplash
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