Halfway between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas lies a region that still resembles a lyrical landscape that drew generations of tired souls southward in search of sun-kissed dreams.
Sir Robert Stanford, a British soldier, could have settled anywhere in the world, but he choose the gentle rolling hills of Stanford, situated 25 minutes outside Hermanus.
Stanford was a progressive farmer and soon turned the farm into a thriving enterprise, along with seven other farms he purchased. But luck turned against him and after returning from a trip to England he discovered his land in ruins. The farms had been stripped and some even sold by the people he left in charge. His beloved farm Kleine Riviers Valley, where the present day Stanford village is located, was sold for a pittance to a Phillipus de Bruyn at auction. Sir Robert Stanford returned to England and passed away in Manchester in 1857 at the age of 70.
After De Bruyn sold the first plot of the new village he decided to call it Stanford. The first wines from the region were produced in 1890 and when Hugenot Izak du Toit bought the farm in 1909, he added more vineyards and a winery. Du Toit must have seen the potential in the soil, as the vineyards on the granite slopes overlooking the Kleinrivier Valley are ideal for producing wines which are an expression of the unique cool climate terroir.
The small village town of Stanford.
Today Stanford is the only town in the Overstrand proclaimed as a heritage site and recently it once again made history by establishing South Africa’s 21 wine route – the Stanford Wine Route. Visitors to the new route can visit 8 wine farms in the region, each with their own unique offerings.
“The idea to establish a wine route has always been on the cards and although this has taken longer than anticipated, we are overjoyed that the plan has come together” says Chairman Tariro Masayiti from Springfontein. “And we are most grateful for the financial assistance provided by the Overstrand Municipality in this regard.”
Chairman of the Stanford Wine Route – Tariro Masayiti. Under his leadership South Africa’s 21st wine route is destined for greatness!
Scroll through the galleries below and discover the wine farms to visit on the Stanford Wine Route.
Boschrivier
This small family-owned wine farm belongs to the De Villiers and lies at the foot of the picturesque Akkedisberg Mountain range with the Klein River running along the edge of the farm. The Bosch River – running along the upper part of the farm – was the inspiration for the wine label. The first bottle of Boschrivier Shiraz was produced in 2001. In 2013 three new wines were added to the range: Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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- The farmhouse and tasting room at Boschrivier
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- Boschrivier prides themselves in Shiraz.
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- A selection of cheese from Kleine Rivier Cheese Farm overlooking the Boschrivier dam.
Wines to try: Boschrivier Cabernet Sauvignon
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri: 08:00 – 17:00
Raka
Piet Dreyer, the owner of Raka, does not only have the magical ability to trick fish onto his boat, he also knows how to turn grapes into superb wines. In 2002 Piet decided to swap the ocean for the wine industry after spending more than three decades in the fishing industry. The farm and its wines are named after his beloved black fishing vessel, Raka.
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- Owner of Raka – Piet Dreyer
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- Raka is a family run concern with son Joseph taking charge of the cellar, Pieter managing the farm and vineyards, only daughter Jorika looking after the marketing and parents Piet and Elna ever present to entertain visitors with their relics and anecdotes from days of yore.
Wines to try: Raka Spliced (excellent value at R50) and the Raka Figurehead is simply to die for!
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 09h00 – 17h00
Saturdays / Public Holidays: 10h00 – 14h30
Closed on Sundays, Good Friday, Christmas Day.
Sir Robert Stanford
This majestic wine farm is situated about one kilometre before the town of Stanford and lies on the southern slopes of the Kleinrivier Mountains, believed to be the southernmost mountain range in South Africa. It is one of Walker Bay’s oldest wine establishments dating back to the 1890’s. More than 200 Fynbos species, a bounty of wildlife and vineyards managed to exist in harmony and has earned the estate a Biodiversity and Wine Initiative Championship award. Enjoy a delicious and freshly prepared meal at Madré’s Kitchen and don’t forget to pop in at the Stookhuis distillery, situated a stone throw away from the tasting room.
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- The tasting room at Sir Robert Stanford
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- Owner of Sir Robert Stanford – Jan Malan
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- Take a tour of the farm with the Stanford Vineyard Tram.
Wines to try: Sir Robert Stanford The Hansom
Opening hours:
Thursday – Sunday: 8am – 4pm
Stanford Hills
Stanford Hills is situated right next door to Sir Robert Stanford Estate. The original old farmhouse, believed to have been built in 1855 by the founder of the village, became a school for girls and today offers accommodation, complete with modern amenities, to tourists visiting the area. Keen to grab a bit to eat? The restaurant’s chalkboard menu offers wholesome and delicious food, fresh from the farm, that pairs perfectly with Stanford Hills’s range of wines.
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- View from the Restaurant and Tasting Room.
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- Range of wines.
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- Ideal for two families or groups of friends, the farmhouse sleeps eleven in total. It has a wonderful outside area with braai facilities and a private swimming pool.
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- Outside courtyard that leads onto the private pool at the Manor House.
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- The farm offers some incredible views over the valley.
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- View from the bedroom I stayed in at the manor house.
Wines to try: Jacksons Pinotage
Opening hours:
Thursday – Monday: 8.30am – 5pm
Vaalvlei
Vaalvlei is the smallest producer on the Stanford Wine Route with a mere 3 hectares under vines. The farm, established in 2005 belongs to Naas Terblanche, a passionate conservationist and winemaker. The Terblanche family is committed to conservation and strive to protect the indigenous plants and birds of the region and in particular the 13 frog species that occur in their wetland. With his passion for the environment Naas not only opted to choose the endangered Western Leopard Toad for his wine labels but also runs a permanent audio visual display in his tasting room. Bonsai lovers who visit the farm are in for a real treat. I’ve never seen so many different bonsai trees under one roof in my life!
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- This photo only represents a quater, if not less of Naas’s wife’s bonsai collection.
Wines to try: Vaalvlei Shiraz
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday by appointment.
Springfontein
A dream to create a project involving family and friends inspired owner Dr. Johst Weber to purchase the Springfontein in 1994. The cool, windy Walker Bay climate and limestone soils proved to bring out the best in the Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, the grape varieties they decided to specialize in. Winemaker Tariro Masayiti and horticulturist/viticulturist Hildegard Witbooi work side by side to coax the very best grapes from their unique terroir for their selection of handcrafted and utterly delicious wines. The new Springfontein Bar(n) opened on 1 October, promises a new pairing experience with snacks and wine. The farm also offers accommodation in a handful of beautifully decorated cottages. The restaurant run by Michelin starred chef Jürgen Schneider and his partner Suzanne, can give the world-renowned Test Kitchen a run for its money!
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- Hildegard Witbooi and Tariro Masayiti.
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- View from the vineyards at Springfontein.
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- Dessert of the year!
Wines to try: Try them all. It’s really good!
Opening hours:
Tasting: 7 days a week.
Restaurant: Dinner from Wednesday through Saturday – Lunch from Thursday through Sunday · lunch service starts at 12:30 pm · dinner service starts at 6:30 pm.
Walker Bay Vineyards
Virtually around the corner from Sir Robert Stanford is Walker Bay Vineyards, a boutique wine estate which is also home to the Birkenhead Brewery. The winery conducts tours of the brewery, wine and beer tastings and runs a restaurant and pub that not only offers mouth-watering meals but also the most spectacular views of the Klein River Mountains. Alternatively you can settle down on the vast green lawn with a sumptuous picnic, enjoying a magnificent sunset.
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- View from the rolling green lawns.
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- Great wine!
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- Birkenhead brew
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- Breakfast.
Wines to try: Walkerbay Chardonnay
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
(Restaurant kitchen closes at 4pm)
Misty Mountain Wines
This is the first winery visitors will encounter when travelling from Hermanus. Legend has it that the name comes from the fog that develops on the lagoon quite close by and ascends the mountain leaving it veiled in a misty shroud. Of the farm’s 46 hectares, 16 ha are mostly under Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz vines. Four hectares higher up on the property are earmarked to be planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for their first Méthode Cap Classique.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 9am – 4pm
The Stanford Wine Route will be host a public launch at the popular Friday night market in Stanford on 27 November 2015 and will also join forces at the annual Stanford Stumble the next day.
For more information about the Stanford Wine Route visit their Facebook Page.
