Helderberg Wine Route

See also Encounter Magazine's comprehensive guide on South African Wine Routes.

Rising majestically a few kilometres from the eastern shores of False Bay is the magnificent Helderberg Mountain, characterised by its eight peaks and long gentle slopes that lead down to the coastal plains and hills below.

Cooled by summer sea breezes, the vineyards on these slopes, plains and hills ejoy a near-perfect climate for some of the finest wines of South Africa. A visit to the estates and wineries of the Helderberg Wine Route will give you the opportunity to marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery and savor the unique atmosphere, wines and fare.

An original variety of wineries cater for a wide spectrum of wine lovers - estates steeped in Cape History, vibrant new-world boutique wineries, and even the largest private port producer in South Africa.

The Helderberg region has always been noted for superb red and port wines, but in recent times has also acquired a reputation for producing stunning white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

The Helderberg Wine Route offers its splendour all year round. In addition to the many fine wines available, a visit to the region may be complemented by a meal in one of the excellent restaurants, a hike or horse-ride in the mountains, a swim at one of the nearby beaches, or a visit to shops and craft market.

And if all this activity tires you out stay a few days in either world-class hotels, guest houses or one of the many bed and breakfast establishments available.

Some of the estates on the route are:

JP Bredell Wines
JP Bredell Wines produces world class and award-winning red and port wines. The farm Helderzicht was first cultivated in 1920 and since 1933 they have been proud growers and producers of handcrafted red an port wines.

Avontuur Wine Estate
Anvontuur has in the past years won over thirty gold medals, awards and class winners. The instant success of the wines lies in their difference and originality and every bottle bears testimony to the winemaker's art.

The success of any winery depends on its ability to produce quality wine. For this, there has to be a close association between the quality produced in the vineyards by the viticulturist and the quality of the wine produced in the cellar by the oenologist. This close teamwork is evident at Avontuur.

Longridge
Based on the longest ridge of the Helderberg Mountains (hence the name), Longridge Winery is a familiar name to the South African wine drinker. Longridge is a boutique winery with a difference - serving both the South African market and exporting to more than 20 countries.

The winery itself is a beautiful, stylish building surrounded by vineyards and with tremendous views overlooking Table Mountain, Table View and False Bay. The tasting room and picnic area are open to all, and three labels are available for tasting - Longridge, Bay View and Capelands.