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Explore the Best Wineries in Cape Agulhas

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

The Cape Agulhas wine region is South Africa's southernmost point. The majority of the vineyards are located in the little community of Elim. This charming town is a historic site in its entirety and is situated on a peninsula that is bordered by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. 

In the wine community throughout the world, Cape Agulhas has become somewhat of a sensation due to its distinctive terroir. The dominant south westerly and south easterly breezes are cold and strong, resulting in a very mild ripening season that is ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and promising for Semillon and Shiraz. 

The tremendous variety of thriving flora, plentiful birds, protected wetlands, and great white sharks roaming the ocean reflects the area's balance with nature.

Read more about Wineries in Cape Agulhas to visit. Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Cape Agulhas during your visit to the region.

Where is the Cape Agulhas Wine Region?

Cape Agulhas is a one-of-a-kind wine-growing location in the Western Cape's Overberg region, on South Africa's southernmost tip. Cape Agulhas is 170 kilometers southeast of Cape Town in the Overberg area. The land is divided into various settlements, each with their unique significance. It is made up of Elim (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well-known wine area), Bredasdorp, L'Agulhas, Suiderstrand (a popular tourist destination), Klipdale, and Protem.

Unique terroir of Cape Agulhas appellation

The winemaking region of Cape Agulhas has a distinct terroir, which has resulted in some remarkable and one-of-a-kind wines. The grape farms are approximately 16 kilometers from the seashore and are mostly focused around the town of Elim. The Cape Agulhas terroir's climate is determined by two factors: closeness to two oceans — the Indian and Atlantic, which wash Cape Agulhas at the same time — and continually blowing strong winds. As a result, the grapes receive minimal precipitation and need artificial irrigation. Even in the summer, the air is kept chilly by strong gusts of wind. The average yearly temperature does not surpass 20 degrees. This makes Cape Agulhas the coolest wine region of South Africa.

The chilly Atlantic Ocean winds that blow are powerful. These reduce the ripening season and slow the process, resulting in a grape that has ripened at a leisurely tempo. As a result, the Sauvignon Blancs from this region are already well-known across the world, while the Shiraz and Semillon varieties are gaining recognition for their unique aromas. 

Soil type in each subdivision is different  including shale and sandstone, laterite (coffee stone), and granite, with clay content mixed together. This makes the region excellent for wine growth. However, the region's predominant terroir is laterite soil. Laterite, often known as coffee-stone, has a high clay concentration, which means it can store more water than sandy soils. It produces intense tastes as well as smaller grapes with thicker skin.

History of Cape Agulhas wine region

Portuguese navigators named the cape Cabo das Agulhas—Portuguese for "Cape of Needles"—after observing that the direction of magnetic north (and hence the compass needle) matched with true north in the vicinity around the year 1500. 

The first batch of alcoholic drinks made from local grapes was made back in 1824, but it wasn't until the late 1990s of XX that the business truly started to take off. As a result, while Cape Agulhas is a young location, its wines have already achieved a reputation outside of the country.

What is Cape Agulhas Wine?

Cape Agulhas wines are made from the most popular worldwide red and white grape types, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, which are also popular among local growers. Other grapes used include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Cape Agulhas wines have a distinctive refined and elegant taste due to chilly temperature, which causes the berries to develop more slowly and keep a harmonious acidity. The scent of wines is also influenced by the soil: the grapes grow in mountainous terrain on shale-sandy and rocky soils.

The Cape Agulhas winemakers' pride is dry white wine from the Sauvignon Blanc varietal, which is regarded as one of the best in the country. It has a delicious aroma that is rich, vibrant, and thick, with strong herbaceous notes, tropical fruit tints, and white pepper. Other red and white wines  from the Cape Agulhas area, several of which have won the highest medals in international contests, are equally intriguing.

Food to Pair with Cape Agulhas wine

1. Quiche au Fromage, Tasty Goat Cheese Pie

A thin flaky pastry shell is topped with a delightful cheese combination in this savory baked French delicacy. Traditional open tarts are made with classic cheeses like Gruyère, Camembert, or Roquefort, which are combined with a delectable custard of eggs, milk, or crème fraîche. 

The creamy filling is frequently topped with fresh herbs or a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg. The cooked quiche has a delicious crunchy crust, a creamy middle, and a flawlessly browned top. Quiche au fromage is a popular dish in French markets and on traditional French restaurant menus.  It works well as a light main dish and in a pair with Cape Agulhas Sauvignon Blanc.

2. Panna e rucola risotto, Risotto with Cream and Rocket

Risotto with panna e rucola is a typical Italian rice dish. Risotto rice, stock, onions, butter, grated cheese, rocket, cream, salt, pepper, and dry white wine are common ingredients. The onions are cooked with the rice, white wine, and stock after being sautéed in butter until tender. 

The risotto is cooked slowly and constantly stirred. Near the conclusion of the cooking time, grated cheese and cream are added to the risotto, which is then combined, perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper, and topped with chopped rocket. This creamy risotto is best served warm, with extra grated cheese on the side.

Places to visit in Cape Agulhas

1. Affordable Accommodation, Beach Houses, Nature and Much More

Cape Agulhas is a municipality with a distinct culture, offering a variety of entertainment activities. It has beaches, lighthouses, hiking trails, small hamlets to discover traditions, and so on. The region is indeed a perfect place to spend a weekend with your loved ones. It consists of various wineries located across the nine subdivisions of Cape Agulhas, surrounded by magnificent vineyards and landscapes. In addition, natural parks like De Mond Nature Reserve and Agulhas National Park have made the district worth visiting.

2. Agulhas National Park

Agulhas has always had its mystery and adventure, and it continues to captivate the imagination of modern explorers. The famous 'Cape of Storms,' which wrecked numerous ships on the way to the east via Cape Agulhas, is one of the mysteries linked with this region. 

The Khoi-khoi people captured fish using cleverly designed tidal traps thousands of years ago, leaving their mark on the landscape. Things to do at Cape Agulhas National Park include exploring Africa's southernmost point, climbing the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and admiring the vistas, viewing southern right whales between June and November, and meeting the uncommon African Black Oystercatcher.

3. De Mond Nature Reserve

De Mond Nature Reserve is located near the mouth of the Heuningnes River, which is a two and a half hour picturesque drive from Cape Town. This is a beautiful natural reserve that runs beside an estuary until you reach the most beautiful beach. A wildlife preserve that is ideal for strolling, resting, fishing, bird watching, and picnicking. It is advised to arrive early to find a shaded parking area and go to the beach or simply relax beneath the milkwood trees with a picnic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wine is Cape Agulhas famous for?

Cape Agulhas is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc with balanced acidity, tropical fruity aroma and little salty taste.

Where is Cape Agulhas?

Cape Agulhas is located in the Overberg area of South Africa, 170 kilometers southeast of Cape Town.

Why is Cape Agulhas worth visiting?

Due to its location at the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas is particularly well-known for the rare geographic extremes that makes unique local wines. This is also the exact place where the chilly Atlantic Ocean and the balmy Indian Ocean meet. 

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Cape Agulhas