Rawsonville

Discover the beauty and splendour of the Slanghoek Wine Valley

There are plenty of reasons to visit the picturesque Slanghoek Valley on the Breedekloof Wine Route. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, and you’ll find some of the most spectacular scenery in the country in this valley, not to mention the friendliest people, great quality award-winning wines and an abundance of activities. Irrespective of the weather, snow capped mountains or warm sunshine days, any time is ideal to visit the Slanghoek Valley.

Outdoor enthusiasts to the area are spoilt for choice as the valley offers an abundance of activities for adventurers - 4x4 routes, canoeing on the Breede River, hiking trails, trout fishing – as well as range of quaint guest houses and hospitable restaurants in the vicinity.

All Slanghoek cellars are within a few minutes drive of each other. First stop, just a few kilometres after turning off the N1 opposite Rawsonville, is Jason's Hill Private Cellar. Tucked away at the foot of the Slanghoek mountains, is where you’ll find this striking family owned cellar. Winemaker Ivy du Toit keeps alive the tradition of vine growing and wine making for the 5th generation in the Du Toit family. Besides producing excellent wines, the farm has a wide range of other fantastic features. Try the restaurant, Bistro@Jason’s, which offers patrons a gastronomic experience while drinking in the mesmerizing view which surrounds the farm, a health and wellness centre and a hiking trail through the winelands.

Surrounded by the majestic Slanghoek mountains, from which the cellar derives its name, is where you’ll find Slanghoek Cellar. The valley’s geographic position, varied soils and microclimate are reflected in the unique character of Slanghoek’s internationally renowned and award-winning red, white, sparkling, dessert wines and port. Innovative technology and modern cellar equipment enable the cellar master to produce wines that boast prestigious awards. Other not-to-be-missed activities include their scheduled “Blend&Bottle” sessions, where visitors are invited to blend their own bottle of wine under the knowledgeable guidance of their winemakers. The cellar also boasts a newly redesigned mountain bike route, offering a scenic ride along the mountains, through vineyards and mountain streams, where you might even catch a glimpse of a Springbok or two along the way!

The tasting room and restaurant at Opstal Estate, which has a wine history dating back to 1847, boasts breathtaking views of the valley and facilities are elegant and sophisticated, yet the service remains gracious and enthusiastic with a laidback vibe. Diners can enjoy a blazing fire during the cold winter months and, during the summer months, a spectacular view from one of the many outside tables which overlook the vineyards. This sixth-generation run estate also offers a conference centre which can accommodate groups of up to 40 people and is conveniently located near self-catering cottages providing groups the opportunity to book overnight stays if required. Opstal Estate is also the perfect Winelands venue, offering breathtaking views of the picturesque Slanghoek valley.

Nestled in the magnificent Slanghoek Valley on the slopes of the Badsberg Conservancy you will find the Slanghoek Mountain Resort, a haven for those who appreciate spectacular views and the natural beauty of the indigenous fynbos, with adventure filled walks for nature lovers to waterfall sites, lookout points. Weather permitting, Saturday mornings provide the perfect time for the kiddies horserides, or if mom and dad prefer to do a vineyard outride, this can be booked upon arrival. The beautiful 18-hole putt-putt course situated on a fynbos hill, not only provides hours of fun, but also spectacular views. The first of the farm dams offers Blue Gill fishing for the entire family whilst the second dam houses trout for fly-fishing (catch and release). To accommodate guests, the resort has self catering chalets and a tented camp, as well as camping with own tent or caravan facilities. Swimming pools offer relief during the hot summer months.

With its rugged beauty, this small valley is fast becoming a draw card to visitors for whom its gorgeous scenery, surrounding winelands and family-run cellars are all rather appealing.

Photos:
1. Slanghoek Wine Valley
2. Jason’s Hill Private Cellar
3. Slanghoek Mountain Resort
4. Slanghoek Wine Cellar
5. Opstal Estate and Restaurant
6. Slanghoek Wine Valley