Plett Wine Route

With world-famous beaches, beautiful indigenous forests, and a laid-back coastal charm, Plettenberg Bay has long been a favourite for travellers seeking a lifestyle that is hard to beat. And a wine route along this stretch of coastline is exactly what you would expect: coolly casual, sun-kissed and brimming with delightful treasures.  

The Plett Wine Route is South Africa’s smallest and most easterly Wine of Origin region. Stretching 57 km along a picturesque coastal strip, this unique wine and bubbly-centred area has produced a number of nationally and internationally award-winning wines and a viticultural experience proves that the most interesting discoveries can blossom from the smallest of beginnings. 

Plett’s wine story is a young one, with the first grape vines planted at Bramon Wine Estate in 2000. The region’s cool maritime climate, alkaline soils, and gentle slopes created a perfect combination for creating exceptional cool-climate wines. Along with the expertise of renowned winemaker, Anton Smal, more estates were founded and the Plett Wine Route was born. It was recognised as an official Wine of Origin region in 2006. 

Today, this exciting boutique region boasts 9 producing wine farms. 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. Plett’s warm summers and mild, dry winters produce mouthwatering harvests of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir; all of which are considered the area’s signature vines. The area has become affectionately known as the “Bubbly Route,” for its production of sterling Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wines and,notably, for pioneering the first-ever Sauvignon Blanc MCC.  

Beyond the cellar, the Plett Wine Route offers a feast for all the senses. Visitors can expect intimate tasting experiences, leisurely farm-style lunches, and breathtaking views framed by the Indian Ocean and the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Whether one is a seasoned connoisseur or simply looking for a new adventure, the route can be explored on a guided tour, on horseback, or even by bicycle. 

Although recent awards are too numerous to name, it is worth noting that Newstead took the Best Producer Award at the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge 2024, while Kay & Monty shared the Double Gold podium with Newstead in the category of Extended Lees Ageing for the same awards; an astonishing achievement for two family-run wine estates on the Garden Route.

From the award-winning wines of Bitou Vineyards, Bramon Wine Estate, and Newstead Vineyards, to the welcoming atmosphere of Kay & Monty, Luka Vineyards, and Packwood, and new vineyard Whiskey Creek, each stop on the route tells a unique story of passion and dedication. With annual events and festivals celebrating the local produce, there is always a reason to raise a glass to the Plett Winelands.

Written by Janet Middleton for Plett Tourism in Wine Routes of SA