More than just a glass of vino…

The Western Cape is renowned for producing exquisite wine. It is a viticulture that has been refined since the 1600s that has transformed an entire region into a sensory paradise. Vineyards flourish and the flavours are sensational.

The vineyards around Cape Town are legendary as experts praise the likes of Constantia, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek that simultaneously offer a gourmet dining experience to accompany a glass of vintage. The Overberg Region also offers incredible flavours but is considerably off the radar even though it is only a two hour drive from Cape Town. Remaining off the beaten track provides travellers with the opportunity to swirl the flavours during an intimate and personal experience.

The Overberg extends from the Cape Peninsula to the Garden Route with rustic wine farms dispersed across this verdant land. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is ideally situated between these towns to take a wine tour and it offers luxury accommodation and five-star service. There are three routes in the immediate area and that is through Stanford, Hermanus and Elim/L’Agulhas. The abundant ecological diversity combined with the proximity of the cool maritime breeze and ‘Champagne air’* are the quintessential elements that make the grapes so flavoursome.

In Stanford one can expect raging hospitality as the winemakers are eager to show off their unique taste that is derived from the rare limestone soils of Springfontein. The flirty flavours have been compared to that of Champagne and Burgundy. Wine farms dot the Hemel-en-Aarde road that leads from Hermanus to Caledon. It has developed into a gourmet extravaganza and it is highly recommended to take your time on this tasteful route. Elim and L’Agulhas provide a more down-to-earth experience and boast the geographical claim as the southernmost wine route in Africa. There are several environmental adversities that elicit intense flavours. During summer the Southerly gusting winds prevent canopy growth, this leads to a much slower ripening process that elicits the provocative tastes on your palate.

Luxury Accommodation

Grootbos is nestled between these small towns amongst forests and atop fynbos-dotted hills. Driving along the R43 you cannot even see this expansive eco-lodge. The only things visible are the endless rolling valleys, the pristine sand dunes of Walker Bay and the endless expanse of ocean. It is tucked away high on a hill where the vantage point elicits views of unsurpassing beauty, this sight can be appreciated from the suites, lodge and almost any point on the reserve. The astounding service and architecture are only complements to the beauty of the surrounding environment.

Guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine, luxurious self-standing suites and enthralling activities, all of which is included in the accommodation fee. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taste sensations that are made with fresh produce straight from the organic farm on Grootbos. The organic farm is part of the Grootbos Foundation, an endeavour to teach nature-based livelihoods to unemployed locals to encourage social upliftment through the promotion of subsistence farming.

The staff are warm and friendly and will ensure your stay is your best holiday in South Africa. The suites encapsulate lavish living with space, modern simplicity, interior comforts and windows to take advantage of natural light and the melodies of nature. The supreme luxury is only enhanced by soothing spa treatments, secluded beaches, a unique ecosystem and activities to get your heart pumping.

Embark on a unique and exclusive wine route through the Western Cape that will tantalise your senses and induce a sense of calm with the humbling scenery.

*A term coined by locals to describe how the good the air is in this region, it’s like sipping Champagne.