De Krans Wines
Winery Description
Location and History
De Krans Wine Cellar, located in the scenic Gamka River Valley near Calitzdorp, has a storied history dating back to 1890 when the Nel family purchased it. Known for its innovation, De Krans is a leading producer of port-style wines and was the first in South Africa to create a dry red Touriga Nacional, a Pink Port-style wine, and a perlé Moscato. The cellar's efforts have earned it numerous awards, including the Most Innovative Wine Award at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards.
The farm's current cellar was built in 1964 by Chris Nel and his brother Danie. A variety of Portuguese grapes have been planted at De Krans, after Tinta Barocca vines were planted and mistaken for Shiraz. This led to the discovery of the region's suitability for Portuguese grapes, including Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional, Verdelho and Souzão. In 2012, De Krans Wines extended their range when they first produced the now very popular Premium White Moscato Perlé, followed by the Premium Red Moscato Perlé in 2017. The latest edition to this range, the Premium Rosé Moscato was released in March 2021. The Alcohol-Free Muscat Nectar Sparkling was also released in March 2020. Other wines include Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Tasting
De Krans is traditionally known for its port-style wines, with their flagship Cape Vintage Reserve receiving 5 stars in the Platter Wine Guide a record 14 times and being named Best Fortified Wine in South Africa in 2017. The entire range of De Krans port-style wines, including Original Cape Pink, Premium Cape Ruby, Cape Tawny Limited Release, Cape Vintage, and Cape Vintage Reserve, is crafted in a traditional, drier style. Eleven of these wines have achieved a 5-star rating in Platter’s Wine Guide. With over 700 medals and awards in the past 30 years, De Krans has also been crowned Champion Private Wine Cellar multiple times in the Klein Karoo region.
Restaurant
Your visit won’t be complete without a stop at the De Krans Bistro & Deli for a chilled glass of De Krans wine and a cheese platter, a cappuccino or a delicious breakfast or lunch. The De Krans Bistro & Deli is home to a selection of delicious country cuisine, where guests can enjoy a variety of hearty, wholesome dishes. All the dishes have been paired to be enjoyed with wines from the De Krans range, allowing visitors to enjoy a thoughtfully curated food and wine pairing experience. For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to keep an eye out for the delicious desserts on offer. Visitors can choose to sit indoors, which is air-conditioned and a blessing on some sweltering hot days. Alternatively, choose to sit outside in the shade of the trellised Hanepoot vineyard. There is also a playground for young children, two boules courses, as well as a walk-around chessboard, making De Krans a family-friendly destination. In addition, the deli also offers visitors a wide selection of homemade items produced in and around Calitzdorp and the Klein Karoo. These include olives, olive oil, preserves, homemade rusks, honey and other delicious treats from the area.
Accommodation
Tours and Activities
Visitors to De Krans can explore a 30-minute vineyard walking trail, and partake in seasonal activities such as picking Hanepoot grapes in February or apricots and yellow cling peaches in November and December.