discover the award-winning local wine estates being featured at the festival
Stretching from Harkerville to The Crags, the Plett Wine Route is one of the smallest and most dynamic wine production regions in South Africa. At its heart are a handful of small, privately-owned wine farms crafting exceptional still and sparkling wines from the cool-climate varietals that thrive here.
KAY & MONTY VINEYARDS
Once a rambling protea farm and dairy, Kay & Monty Vineyards is now a charming 220-hectare wine farm, polo estate and wedding venue. The land was purchased in 2004 by Chick Legh, who planted the first vines five years later and produced its maiden vintage in 2012, making Kay & Monty one of the early pioneers of the Plett Wine Route.
Chick’s legacy is honoured by his family, general manager, Jennifer Woods, and winemaker, Anton Smal, who work closely together to craft interesting, innovative wines that Chick would have loved.
BRAMON WINE ESTATE
Established 25 years ago, Bramon Wine Estate was the first farm to plant vines in the area, effectively founding the Plett Wine Route when it was granted “Wine of Origin” status in 2006. Since then, Bramon has become known for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc Cap Classique (incidentally the first grape to be planted on the farm and a signature varietal for the region), and is today a popular tapas restaurant and wedding venue.
THAT WINE DEMESNE
Comprising a single hectare of vines in which grows a single varietal – Pinot Noir – That Wine Demesne is a tiny wine farm with big ambitions. From this one, unassuming block of Burgundy grapes on the edge of a deep gorge cooled by mist and sea breezes, has sprung forth a series of award-winning vintages; most recently the 2022 Take Root, which won Double Gold (91/100) at the Gilbert & Gaillard Awards last year.
NEWSTEAD LUND FAMILY VINEYARDS
Current holders of the “Producer of the Year” title from the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, Newstead proudly flies the flag for the Plett Wine Route on the local and international stages. Founded by Doug and Sue Lund in 2006, the family has meticulously crafted a vineyard that exudes honesty, surprise and delight in every bottle. Visitors are invited to explore, linger, and savor award-winning wines, all while enjoying the serene beauty of the vineyard and its surroundings.
PACKWOOD WINE ESTATE
Sitting in Harkerville, equidistant between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Packwood is a small boutique wine estate that benefits from five generations of farming knowledge to produce exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visitors are invited to sip and savour the unqiue range of wines while enjoying a lunch of fresh farmhouse cheese (made from their own pasture-fed jersey cows), home baked bread, preserves and salad from the garden.
LODESTONE WINE & OLIVES
Just down the road from Kay & Monty Vineyards in The Crags, Lodestone comprises two adjoining farms nestled in the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains at an elevation of 250 metres. Apart from three award-winning Cap Classiques and a Pinot Noir, the estate also produces a cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil blend, honey bush tea and king proteas. A brand new tasting room allows visitors to sample their wines and olive oil, and serves a range of light meals crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
TELLURIC
Although Telluric – the latest venture from Pierre and Cecily du Preez, owners of Beau Constantia – isn’t yet producing its own wines, they will be joining us at the festival to spread the word about the new farm and share some treats from the kitchen at Zoox.
Please note: Over 18s only
