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Plettenberg Bay, or Plett as the locals call it, is South Africa's smallest wine growing region, with only 58 hectares of vineyard planted across the nation. 

It is tiny, youthful, dynamic, and prospering, and it is without a doubt South Africa's most picturesque wine area. The wines from this region are truly wonderful, and should not be missed if you are in the area. 

Plettenberg Bay wineries are largely family-owned, with a reputation for forging new ground in the Plett area. Bramon set the stage for the development of wine in the region by planting Sauvignon Blanc as their first vines in 2000. 

With its richness of natural beauty, the Plett wine area provides a true countryside wine tasting experience with breathtaking vistas. If you want to have a long, lazy lunch amidst the vineyards, most wine estates offer wine sampling, cellar door rates, and great meals.

Book here for your incredible Plettenberg Bay wine tour, and make sure you have enough place in the baggage to bring some extra bottles home.

Where is Plettenberg Bay Wine Area?

Plett's wine area is the newest and the smallest wine region of South Africa. It spans 57 km along the thin coastal strip east of the Western Cape.

Unique terroir of Plettenberg Bay Appellation

Plettenberg Bay has an extremely moderate marine temperate climate with rare extremes of rainfall or temperature. Cape Seal, at the southern extremity of the Robberg Peninsula, defines the harbour and separates it from the open Indian Ocean. It's one of the distinctive “J-shaped” bays on the southern cape coast. The Tsitsikamma and Langkloof Mountains to the north hold moisture on the southern slopes of the mountains and prevent temperature extremes from reaching the bay.

The climate of the region favours cooler-climate wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Due to the alkaline level of the soils, the majority of the wine region's wines have very little sulphites.

History of Plettenbert Bay Wine Region

Plettenberg Bay, commonly known as Plet or Plett, is an old town in the municipality of Bitou in South Africa's Western Cape. Early Portuguese explorers named the place Bahia Formosa, which means “beautiful bay”. 

Caroline and Peter Thorpe, founders of Bramon Wine Estate, planted the first Plettenberg Bay grape plants in 2001. Plett is currently one of South Africa's “Wine of Origin” areas, albeit the smallest. There are now 18 wine farms in Plett wine region, including these wine-producing estates.

What is Plettenberg Bay Wine?

Plettenberg Bay's warmth allows diverse grape varietals to nourish and mature. The region's wineries, however, concentrate on the development of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. The vineyards run from Harkerville to the Crags, and harvesting takes place between February and April. The classic Champagne method is used to make 8 Méthode Cap Classique type wines under the WO label due to the high temperatures in the Crags. Plettenberg Bay's wine area has earned the title “Bubbly Route”. 

Food to Pair with Plettenberg Bay wine

Taco de Camarones, Shrimp Tacos 

Taco de camaron is a type of taco that is filled with shrimp and additional toppings such as tomatoes, onions, cilantro, mayonnaise, or pico de gallo. Shrimp tacos are popular in Baja California and are frequently served with lime or lemon wedges on the side.  It makes a great pair with Plettenberg Bay Chardonnay sparkling wines.

Quiche Florentine

Quiche Florentine is a French meal with Italian influences—a pastry crust filled with eggs, milk, cheese, spinach, and fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. The pie can be seasoned with black pepper and nutmeg if desired. 

Quiche Florentine is typically eaten for breakfast, brunch, or celebratory occasions, and it is best if let to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This meal with its custardy filling set in a buttery pastry is best with local higher-acid Pinot Noir.

Tonosalata 

Though simple to make, Greek-style tuna salad is filled with traditional Greek spices. Along with tuna pieces, the salad mostly consists of chopped veggies and a variety of optional toppings such as capers, olives, and herbs. 

It's either tossed in a creamy dressing or seasoned simply with olive oil and lemon juice. Tonosalata is best served cold, with crunchy rusks, and crispy fresh white wine.

Places To Visit in Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay – Tourists' Second Home during Peak Holiday Season

Plett is a resort town filled with panoramic beaches, mountains, crystal blue water streams, making it South Africa's most preferred holiday destination. The relaxed and calm environment at Lookout beach near Hill street and Central beach near BeaconIsland Resort are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. In addition, Plet's Robberg Nature Reserve is an unspoiled spot to enjoy nature and wildlife, whale watching, and hiking. If anyone visits there in March, celebrate a profound Wine & Bubbly Festival and taste wines from various wine farms.

Knysna Elephant Park

The Knysna Elephant Park (founded in 1994) was South Africa's first facility to shelter and care for orphaned African elephants. The park has cared for and raised over forty elephants over the previous two decades. Elephant safaris in Knysna are a Garden Route highlight for both young and old, who will love feeding and caressing these majestic beasts. 

People plan themed weddings, meet, feed elephants, stroll alongside them, and enjoy dawn and sunset experiences in the breathtaking Garden Route backdrop. Relax in the calm natural settings, which include virgin woodland, wild flora, and mountain vistas.

Visitors may really touch an elephant at the Knysna Elephant Park, learning how magnificent and spiritual this is.

Robberg Nature Reserve

Robberg, located on the Garden Route 8 kilometers south of Plettenberg Bay, is both a natural reserve and a World Heritage Site. It is one of the world's most recognizable and traveled peninsulas. The splendor of Robberg Nature Reserve is legendary, and if you have a chance to be in the Plettenberg Bay region, it is a must visit spot. Robberg, a National Monument featuring prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artifacts, attracts people from all over the world. The gorgeous peninsula is home to a plethora of fynbos, vegetation, and sea life, all of which delight the senses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Plettenberg Bay

How many wine farms are there in Plettenberg Bay?

The Plettenberg Bay wine region now contains 18 wine vineyards spanning from Harkerville to the Crags.

Map of Wineries in Plettenberg Bay

Discover the locations of wineries in Plettenberg Bay