The wine scene in KwaZulu-Natal has been coming along for some years, but for the average wine-lover it has hardly been worth dedicating a trip to its exploration, until now. With three established wineries consistently producing own-brand bottled wine across a variety of styles and categories, an informal wine route has arisen stretching over 120 kilometres.

Most people head for the beach when in Plettenberg Bay, but that’s changing as the region’s winelands break into the mainstream.

Wine has been part of the tourism attractions of Plettenberg Bay since the early 2000s. Today, the number of farms and estates provide interest and a diversity of activities to keep new visitors engaged for more than just a few days.

Plettenberg Bay is a pristine destination along South Africa’s Garden Route. Internationally recognized Blue Flag beaches, a spectacular combination of indigenous forests and mountains and bustling maritime life come together in a mixture of spectacular beauty.

There are a range of new experiences to be had at wineries in the Hemel-en-Aarde region near Hermanus.

Wineries here are renowned for their Cap Classiques, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, although its cool climate is the reason for great success in many other wines too.

Not many destinations can tick all the boxes: ocean, mountains, fynbos, art, culture, sport, shopping, good food and fine wine.

Well, Hermanus can, and that’s why this seaside town has become exceptionally popular over the years. In fact, it’s constantly growing with exciting new developments and experiences that cater for locals, visitors and the new influx of remote workers.

The Durbanville Wine Valley has been a hive of activity in recent months. Among the changes are new facilities that have opened, including a wine lounge with spectacular views. Many of the wine farms of this famous area have also lined up special events where the region’s wine and food are on display.

Durbanville’s wine route has a charm of its own; offering warm hospitality, a restaurant on most farms, a child-friendly atmosphere, a wide selection of wines and personal experiences, that keeps locals and visitors coming back again and again.

What would you get if you took grapes from every wine farm in the Durbanville Wine Valley to make a one-of-a-kind Sauvignon Blanc? We’ll tell you!

You’d get this milestone Sauvignon Blanc – a true product of innovation and collaboration.

If there is one word that describes the Klein Karoo it would be ‘resilient’. The rugged beauty of the landscape surrounded by blue mountains offers an escape to a place where time seems to move slower, the air feels fresher and the stars shine brighter.

The Klein Karoo region and specifically Calitzdorp has long held onto the title as Port Capital of South Africa. Since Portuguese cultivars traditionally used for making port were planted in the arid landscape, they’ve thrived.

A power surge suddenly propels us as our host grins and pushes the accelerator to the floor. Roadside scrub turns to blur as I return my gaze from the chrome-littered dash to the mountains on the other side of the windscreen.

Constantia is a sophisticated suburb – home to lavish lifestyles, award-winning fine dining restaurants and top wine farms pouring Sauvignon Blancs into shiny glasses.

The Constantia Wine Route is known all around the world for being the oldest wine region in South Africa. And although this classic wine destination has a rich heritage with deep roots, it is continuously evolving – adding new wines, exciting experiences and special offers to keep visitors coming back for more.

The region has a rich history dating as far back as 1685, but what’s most interesting is how the modern influences have helped to build this region up to a world class route that’s highly accessible. It’s Cape Town’s vineyard and a sweet escape from the hum of the city.

You must hand it to Catharina Ustings Ras. If the stories are even half true, she would have been someone to meet. The 17th century woman crossed the oceans, braved hostile territory and was unafraid of brandishing a weapon.

There’s plenty of great food and fine wine in the world, but nowhere else has the ‘weskus vibe’ of the Namaqua West Coast. The people you meet here are what sets this place apart.

The scenery is much like you’d expect: little red fishing boats resting on the beach, an icy, bright blue ocean, fields of flowers lining the roads and fresh fish being served up with a glass of white wine. Stay a few days and join in some of the discoveries that we made on a recent road trip to the region.

The N7 from Cape Town isn’t an obvious track for a close-to-home wine trip, but those in the know tell you it’s where some of SA’s real winery gems lie.

“We’re on the very edge of the border. In fact, most people who arrive here by chance are surprised to discover vines out here,” says viticulturist Hein Grobbelaar. In fact, Org de Rac is quite possibly more well-known than its actual location, out here on the rim of the Swartland.