6 Wine Farms to visit on the Worcester Wine and Olive Route.
Come to Worcester and explore the unexplored.
I was recently invited by Worcester Wine Route to come and explore Worcester, Western Cape, South Africa for the day. Worcester and the surrounding area has so much to offer.
The Worcester wine route is lesser known than the Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Durbanville Hills, and Constantia Wine routes, but definitely not lacking in variety and quality.
Just over an hour out of Cape Town on the R43, Worcester is the perfect weekend getaway.
6 Must visit wine farms on the Worcester Wine and Olive Route:
1. Stettyn Family Vineyards
Stettyn Family Vineyards – On the road less travelled, you will find Stettyn Family Vineyards. Nestled between the Eastern foothills Klein Drakenstein Mountain Range and Villiersdorp you will find Stettyn Family Vineyards, owned and run by 8th Generation of winemakers.
This wine farm is all about family and tradition. The family has handcrafted their signature wines using the different slopes and soil types to their advantage.
Dog and Child Friendly: Bring the family as the tasting room is child friendly and dog friendly. Enjoy a cheese platter at the tasting room.
Wine to try:
· Chardonnay & Pinot Noir 2020
· The Guardian (Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz 60 / 40%)
· Soon to be released Babelki Chardonnay / Pinot Noir Brut ( special because the label ahs been specially designed to have braille on the label)
2. Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar ( Cellar only open by previous arrangement)
Alvi’s Drift wines need no introduction to many. Im sure we have all drank a bottle of two of these award winning wines.
Alvi’s Drift is steeped in history and the family is more than happy to share their knowledge and love for wine. Alvi’s Drift takes it’s name from the low-water bridge across the Breede River which links the two sides of the family farm. Inspired by the first Albertus Viljoen “Alvi” Van Der Merwe, the bridge was built in 1928 and is still in common use today, affectionally known by the local community as “Alvi’s Drift”.
Wines to Try:
· Verreaux Pinotage
· 221 Special Cuvee
· Chardonnay Brut Nature Pinot Noir (Cap Classique – Sparkling Wine)
3.Cilmor Winery
https://worcesterwineroute.com/cilmorwinery/
Cilmor Winery is located on the R43 between Worcester and Villiersdorp.
Named after the founder Cecil Morgen, who had a vison for this winery.
You may have drunk Cilmor wines without even knowing it. Cilmor produces wines for other wine farms , private labels and store brands. Most of their wines they export in bulk.
The winery is also 100% Fairtrade Certified. (Which you can read more about in their Fairtrade section).
Cilmor has their own ranges of wines under their own label. I particularly liked the The Cilmor Premium Collection wines are hand-crafted to reflect the best characteristics of each individual cultivar.
Cellar tours are available by appointment. It si work doing the tour, the shear scale of their premises and production is immense.
Wine to try :
· Cilmor Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc 2019
· Cilmor Limited Edition Wooded Chenin Blanc Viogner 2019
4.Aan de Doorns
Im so incredibly excited to have found this gem of a wine farm. Their quality of wine is outstanding while their prices will make you do a happy dance!
Aan de Doorns, established in 1954 is situated 8km out of Worcester on the R43.
Their wines are highly respected in the wine industry and have numerous awards and accolades.
Their recently finished event room is the perfect venue for a wedding or private function.
Wine to try:
· Muskadel 2017 ( Im not a fan of dessert wines but this blew me away!)
· Sauvignon Blanc 202
· Pinotage 2018
5.Nuy Winery
When in Worcester stop by Nuy on the hill for lunch or try their Dessert and wine pairing. The views, oh the Views! I could have sat their all day taking in the surroundings.
Nuy on the hill is a family friendly restaurant with something on the menu for everyone.
The unique location of the winery allows for favorable grape growing. Nuy winery is at the base of the Langeberg mountains. Winter and Spring the temperatures remain low due to snow in the nearby mountains. These lower temperatures makes the grapes grow slower , resulting in more flavorful fruit.
Nuy doesn’t only produce award winning wines, they also produce Brandy and Gins.
What to drink:
· Legacy Celine MCC
· Legacy Potstilled Brandy
6. Conradie Penhill
Conradie Penhill wines is situated between the Nuy Valley and Robertson. They produce top quality artisanal wines . Created in 2015 when Gareth and Kathy Penny joined with CP Conradie a 5th generation wine maker at Conradie Family Vineyards.
This award winning wine farm produces exceptional quality wines. They deserve the accolades they have received.
Wine to try:
· Conradie – Pinotage 2019
· Penhill – Shiraz 2016
· Penhill Sauvignon Blanc 2019
The Worcester Winer Route and could soon be the new “it” wine route.
The wines produced here are at exceptional quality but at bargain prices. I’m returning to stock up.
Come and visit the Worcester wine and love route. It really is the valley of friends. At each wine farm I visited they greeted me like an old friend.
Visit the Worcester Wine Route Website for more information. https://worcesterwineroute.com/
Note: I support the responsible consumption of alcohol, please Drink responsibly. Alcohol reduces driving ability. Drinking alcohol and driving is illegal in South Africa, be responsible book a taxi or shuttle.