Discover the Excitement of Plettenberg Bay’s Thriving Wine Scene

There’s so much to marvel at in Plettenberg Bay – from the breathtaking Nature’s Valley to the captivating coastline, not to mention the exhilarating hikes and the enchanting Robberg Nature Reserve. But did you know that this charming town on the East Coast is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of wine?

With just 20 wine farms to its name, Plettenberg Bay may seem small compared to the bustling 300 wineries of Stellenbosch. However, what this region lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality. Thanks to the coastal climate and the refreshing summer rains that graciously bless the area, Plettenberg Bay provides the perfect conditions for cultivating luscious white grapes. As a result, it comes as no surprise that the region’s distinctive Sauvignon Blancs and MCCs (Méthode Cap Classiques) have attracted attention and accolades from abroad.

Allow me to introduce you to Lodestone Wines – a celestial haven where you can savour the very essence of these remarkable wines. Image credit: Welcome Lishivha

I am proud to share that both the Newstead Lund Family Vineyard’s MCC Brut and Rosé have been honored with double gold Michelangelo awards, with the farm earning gold every year that it has produced MCC. Even our very first Sauvignon Blanc received the esteemed Michelangelo Gold Standard. Our vineyard, spanning seven hectares, may be young, but it produces remarkable Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, thanks to the expertise of our winemaker, Doug Lund. Notably, Doug is a former South African polo player, and it was his love for the sport that inspired him and his wife Sue to purchase the farm. Sue, renowned for her hospitality, always extends a warm welcome to both visitors and our dedicated farm staff. As passionate as ever about polo, Doug and Sue have also found fulfillment in the art of winemaking.

Scrumptious wood at Newstead. Image credit: Welcome Lishivha

Welcome to Newstead, a charming little farm where you’ll feel right at home. When you step foot here, it’s like visiting Sue’s own house instead of a regular restaurant. The story of how this place came to be is quite something. It all started when a friendly German lady showed up at Sue’s door, asking for directions and a bathroom break. Sue being Sue, she whipped up a delicious lunch for her unexpected guest and even shared some of their homemade wine. Can you believe it? Well, the very next week, the German lady returned, this time with her friends, craving another one of Sue’s scrumptious meals. And just like that, the idea for Newstead’s restaurant was born.

Now, if you’re looking for more delightful spots in the area, look no further than Kay and Monty Vineyards. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings, this five-hectare wine farm takes great pride in crafting a limited quantity of artisanal wines. And you know what? It wasn’t always a vineyard. Can you believe that? It used to be a polo estate, but one day, they decided to switch things up and become one of the pioneering farms in the region to grow grapes and make wine. Talk about embracing new adventures!

If you’re feeling stressed and in need of some tranquility, a trip to Kay and Monty’s stables is just what you need. Trust me, this place is so beautiful, it can bring peace to even the most frantic mind. Not only can you indulge in some wine tasting, but you also have the opportunity to try the delicious olives grown right here on the Lodestone farm.

The olives at Lodestone are a must-try, and I can’t recommend them enough. And let’s not forget about their incredible ciabatta bread! It’s the perfect combination – olives, olive oil, and warm, freshly baked bread. Your taste buds will thank you!

So, if you’re looking for a peaceful escape and a chance to treat yourself to some fantastic wine, olives, and bread, look no further than Lodestone Wine and Olives. Trust me, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

I want to tell you about the small wine farms here in the region. They all use the Bramon Wine Estate cellar to make their wine, but some are starting to build their own cellars. Lodestone, Packwood, and Plettenvale already have their own. Isn’t that interesting?

Caroline and Peter Thorpe, the owners of the estate, planted the first vines. It must be so rewarding to see their hard work pay off. What’s really cool is that at Bramon Wine Estate, you can enjoy delicious food and their award-winning wines right in the vineyards. They even make a special type of wine called a Sauvignon Blanc MMC – they were the first vineyard in the whole country to do that.

Okay, now here’s something you might find fascinating. The grapes in this area have a very low PH level, which means the wines made here have almost no sulphites. That’s really great news if you want to avoid sulpher. It’s all about giving people options and making them happy, you know?

I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival, a fantastic collaboration between Plett Winelands Association and Plettenberg Bay Tourism. Mark your calendars for March 23rd and 24th, 2019, because you won’t want to miss this amazing event! Join me as we explore the exquisite wines of the region, with a special emphasis on the wonderful MCC. We’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, breads, savories, and of course, oysters. It’s going to be a feast for the senses!

This is the oldest building in Plettenberg Bay and now it’s a fancy hotel. It’s only a two-minute walk from the beach. The building was made a long time ago, in 1777, and it’s gone through a lot of changes over the years. The hotel design is really cool because it keeps the history of the building in mind, but also adds a touch of luxury. The rooms are nice and colorful, and they have everything you need like a mini fridge, TV, Wi-Fi, hair dryer, safe, coffee machine, tea-making stuff, bottled water, and warm floors. There’s also a spa, restaurant, and bar if you want to treat yourself. It costs R7,800 per night to stay there, and you can go to rareearth.co.za/the-old-rectory-summary to get more info and email [email protected] if you want to contact them.

Hey there! Let me tell you about this amazing self-catering cottage that I discovered. It’s situated right at the top of Buffel’s gorge, surrounded by beautiful green trees. And let me tell you, the view from the balconies is absolutely breathtaking! From each of the two en-suite rooms and the lounge area, you can enjoy a soothing vista of the Tsitsikamma mountains, with a waterfall in sight.

The best part? It won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Prices start at just R2,000 for the cottage. That’s a pretty sweet deal, if you ask me. And if you want to find out more or make a booking, just visit bramonwines.co.za.

Introducing Newstead’s Fabulous Self-Catering Cottages

Now, here’s something exciting: Newstead has just built two brand-new self-catering cottages. They’re called Pinot 1 and Pinot 2, and let me tell you, they’re stylish and super comfortable. I had the chance to check them out, and wow, the attention to detail is impressive. Sue, the owner, is thrilled about sharing this part of her property with guests, so keep an eye out for the official opening of the cottages. Believe me, you won’t want to miss it!

Words and photos by Welcome Lishivha