Strandveld Vineyards
Winery Description
Location and History
Strandveld Vineyards is the southernmost winery in Africa. It’s situated between Bredasdorp, Elim and Cape Agulhas, with vineyards growing as close as nine kilometers from the ocean and encircled by the serene Nuwejaars Wetlands. A unique blend of maritime climate, varied sites, and diverse soil types collaborates to form the unique terroir that sets apart Strandveld’s wines.
The name Strandveld translates to beach scrub or beach field and refers to the vegetation type endemic to the coastal scrublands areas around Cape Town. It covers and stabilises the sand dunes and is very colourful in spring when it bursts into flower. The coast’s strongly alkaline, calcareous dune sand lies over a base of older limestone.
Inspired by the Portuguese explorers who first discovered this part of the continent in the 15th century, a group of passionate wine enthusiasts in 2001 turned to the original navigation maps to identify potential vineyard sites. Strandveld was a somewhat neglected sheep and wheat farm spanning around 800 hectares. Over the past 20 years, the winery has evolved, becoming synonymous with the spirit of adventure. Today, it boasts over 80 hectares of vineyards and two charming cottages.
Wine Tasting
Constant Atlantic sea wind gusts contribute to a relatively cooler climate in the Elim ward. These cold winds aid in disease prevention by keeping the grapes dry, allowing for extended ripening periods and consequently maintaining low yields. This results in small, intensely flavoured berries with significant winemaking potential.
The soils at Strandveld Vineyards are classified as shallow to medium-depth duplex soils. Though relatively poor in nutrients, they are rich in minerals that contribute to the distinctive characteristics of the vineyard's wines. Layers of shale towards Elim add intense flintiness, while iron-rich and granular "Koffieklip" found closer to the ocean gives rise to rich complexity. Red and yellow Ferricrete dominate the cooler, south-facing slopes, ideal for heat-sensitive cultivars like Sauvignon Blanc. A single block of white quartzite gravel soil is used to produce grapes for Strandveld Vineyards' Syrah.
The cool climate of the Cape Agulhas region is ideal for Sauvignon Blanc, the dominant white varietal, with smaller blocks of Semillon and Viognier. Red varietals include Shiraz and Pinot Noir, with smaller plantings of Grenache and Mourvèdre.
Conrad Vlok has been the winemaker since 2004 and won the 2022 Diner Club Winemaker of the Year award. The estate produces wine in two ranges. The Strandveld Vineyards wines are produced in limited quantities from only the finest grapes carefully selected from top-quality vineyards. The First Sighting wines are delightfully drinkable and perfectly complement everyday meals. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the cosy, rustic tasting room housed in the farm’s renovated old stable block. When the weather permits, a veranda offers views of the beautiful gardens and breathtaking landscape.
Restaurant
Accommodation
Escape city life and immerse yourself in pure relaxation at the Strandveld Vineyard Cottages. Bring your mountain bikes to explore the marked routes, enjoy trail running or trekking, and pack a picnic for the dam. There are ttwo beautifully restored self-catering cottages, Earth Cottage and Ocean Cottage. All cottages feature an indoor fireplace/braai and kitchenette. Extra mattresses may be requested for kids. Pets are, unfortunately, not allowed.
Tours and Activities
Cellar Tours can be arranged by prior appointment and subjected to availability of the winemakers or cellar assistant. Strandveld also forms part of the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (SMA), a unique conservation model dedicated to sustainability management and protecting the precious wetlands and their native populations. This initiative has resulted in the sustainable use of approximately 46,000 hectares of critically endangered habitat on the Agulhas Plain, ensuring the protection of endangered plants and animals while maintaining food security. This collaborative community is the first of its kind in Southern Africa. For information about guided wildlife tours in the Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA, please visit www.nuwejaars.com/guided-tours/.
