Swartland Splendor

Welcome back, wine adventurers! We’ve bid adieu to the charming vineyards of Franschhoek ( To recap see our Must visit Wineries in Franschoek here ) and now find ourselves amidst the rugged beauty of the Swartland region in South Africa. A South African Wine Region known for its bold wines and pioneering winemakers, Swartland beckons with promises of discovery and delight. So, grab your corkscrew and let’s dive into the must-visit wineries of this wild wine frontier!

1. Sadie Family Wines: Our journey begins with a visit to Sadie Family Wines, where the illustrious Eben Sadie crafts wines that are as bold and daring as the landscape itself. Take a guided tour of the vineyards, where you might just spot a wandering sheep or two—a nod to Eben’s commitment to biodynamic farming. And be sure to taste their iconic Columella blend, a wine that speaks volumes about the Swartland terroir.

Read our complete blog on Sadie Faimily Wines here.

Top things to do:

• Wine Tastings: Sample a selection of acclaimed wines crafted by Eben Sadie, renowned for their complexity and expression of Swartland terroir. Taste iconic blends like Columella and Palladius, as well as single-vineyard expressions showcasing the diversity of the region.
• Cellar Tours: Explore the winery’s cellar and production facilities with guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. Learn about Eben Sadie’s winemaking philosophy, fermentation techniques, and barrel aging process while gaining insights into the artistry behind each bottle.
• Vineyard Tours: Take a guided stroll through the vineyards surrounding the winery and discover the unique terroir of the Swartland. Learn about sustainable farming practices, grape varieties cultivated, and the influence of soil and climate on wine quality.
• Food Pairings: Enhance your wine tasting experience with carefully curated food pairings, showcasing the versatility of Sadie Family Wines. Sample artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, or gourmet snacks selected to complement the flavors and nuances of each wine.
• Special Events and Festivals: Keep an eye out for special events and festivals hosted by Sadie Family Wines throughout the year. From harvest celebrations to wine release parties, these events offer opportunities to immerse yourself in the winery’s culture and connect with fellow wine enthusiasts.
• Wine Workshops and Masterclasses: Participate in educational workshops or masterclasses led by Eben Sadie himself, delving into topics such as wine blending, tasting techniques, and the unique characteristics of Swartland wines. Gain a deeper understanding of Sadie’s winemaking philosophy and the intricacies of terroir-driven winemaking.
• Wine Club Membership: Join the Sadie Family Wines wine club to enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to limited-edition releases, discounts on wine purchases, and invitations to members-only events. Stay connected with the winery and receive regular shipments of Sadie’s acclaimed wines directly to your door.

We have a small allocation of the renowned Sadie Family Wines available right here in Australia

Range of Sadie Family Wines

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines: Next up, we venture to Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, where husband-and-wife team Chris and Andrea Mullineux are making waves with their elegant and expressive wines. Join a cellar tour and marvel at the ancient granite soils that give their wines their distinctive character. And don’t miss the chance to sample their Single Terroir range, which showcases the diversity of Swartland terroir in every glass.

Top things to do:

• Wine Tastings: Delight your palate with a tasting of Mullineux & Leeu’s acclaimed wines, known for their elegance and expression of Swartland terroir. Sample a range of varietals, including Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Grenache, as well as their prestigious Single Terroir range.
• Cellar Tours: Explore the winery’s state-of-the-art cellar and production facilities with guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. Learn about the Mullineux & Leeu winemaking philosophy, from grape selection and fermentation to barrel aging and blending, while gaining insights into the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
• Vineyard Tours: Embark on a guided vineyard tour to discover the unique terroir of the Swartland and gain an appreciation for the region’s diverse landscapes. Learn about sustainable viticultural practices, grape growing techniques, and the influence of soil and climate on wine quality.
• Food Pairings: Elevate your wine tasting experience with thoughtfully curated food pairings, showcasing the versatility of Mullineux & Leeu’s wines. Indulge in artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, or locally sourced snacks selected to complement the flavors and aromas of each wine.
• Special Events and Festivals: Keep an eye out for special events and festivals hosted by Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines throughout the year. From harvest celebrations to cellar releases, these events offer opportunities to celebrate the winery’s heritage and connect with fellow wine enthusiasts.
• Wine Workshops and Masterclasses: Participate in educational workshops or masterclasses led by the Mullineux & Leeu team, delving into topics such as wine blending, tasting techniques, and the nuances of Swartland terroir. Gain a deeper understanding of Mullineux & Leeu’s winemaking philosophy and the artistry behind their acclaimed wines.
• Wine Club Membership: Join the Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines wine club to enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to limited-edition releases, discounts on wine purchases, and invitations to members-only events. Stay connected with the winery and receive regular shipments of Mullineux & Leeu’s exceptional wines directly to your door.

We have access to a range of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines right here in Australia, contact us here.

Mullineux Wines

AA Badenhorst Family Wines: No visit to the Swartland would be complete without a stop at AA Badenhorst Family Wines, where Adi Badenhorst and his cousin Hein are rewriting the rules of winemaking with their innovative approach. Take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards and soak in the breathtaking views of the Swartland landscape. And be sure to try their Secateurs Chenin Blanc, a wine that captures the essence of Swartland sunshine in every sip.

• Wine Tastings: Indulge in a tasting of AA Badenhorst’s exceptional wines, renowned for their depth, complexity, and expression of Swartland terroir. Sample a selection of varietals, including Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Cinsault, as well as their flagship blends.
• Cellar Tours: Explore the winery’s historic cellar and modern production facilities with guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. Learn about the Badenhorst family’s winemaking traditions, from grape harvesting and fermentation to barrel aging and bottling, while gaining insights into the artistry behind each vintage.
• Vineyard Tours: Take a guided vineyard tour to discover the diverse terroir of the Swartland and gain an appreciation for the region’s unique microclimates and soil types. Learn about sustainable farming practices, grape cultivation techniques, and the influence of terroir on wine character.

AA Badenhorst Family Wines

David & Nadia: David & Nadia Sadie are passionate about showcasing the unique terroir of the Swartland through their wines. Their range includes single vineyard Chenin Blanc, Grenache, and Syrah, each expressing the essence of the region with purity and finesse.

• Wine Tastings: Indulge in a tasting of David & Nadia’s acclaimed wines, celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and expression of Swartland terroir. Sample a diverse range of varietals, including Chenin Blanc, Grenache, and Syrah, each showcasing the unique character of the region.
• Cellar Tours: Explore the winery’s cellar and production facilities with guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. Learn about winemakers David and Nadia Sadie’s winemaking philosophy, from grape selection and fermentation to barrel aging and blending, while gaining insights into the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
• Vineyard Walks: Take a leisurely walk through the vineyards surrounding the winery and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Swartland landscape. Learn about sustainable viticultural practices, grape growing methods, and the unique terroir of David & Nadia’s vineyard sites.
• Food Pairings: Enhance your wine tasting experience with carefully curated food pairings, showcasing the versatility of David & Nadia’s wines. Enjoy artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, or locally sourced snacks selected to complement the flavors and aromas of each wine.

David & Nadia

Testalonga: Craig Hawkins, the winemaker behind Testalonga, is known for his avant-garde approach to winemaking. Specializing in natural wines made with minimal intervention, Testalonga offers a range of unique and expressive wines that push the boundaries of tradition.

• Wine Tastings: Delight your taste buds with a tasting of Testalonga’s distinctive natural wines, known for their purity, freshness, and minimal intervention winemaking approach. Sample a selection of varietals, including Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Grenache, each expressing the unique terroir of the Swartland.
• Cellar Tours: Explore the winery’s cellar and production facilities with guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. Learn about winemaker Craig Hawkins’ philosophy of natural winemaking, from organic grape farming and spontaneous fermentation to minimal sulfite additions and low-intervention techniques.
• Vineyard Walks: Take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards surrounding the winery and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Swartland landscape. Learn about sustainable viticulture practices, grape growing methods, and the unique characteristics of Testalonga’s vineyard sites.
• Picnics and Outdoor Dining: Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a relaxing outdoor dining experience amidst the scenic vineyards of Testalonga. Savor locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, or gourmet snacks paired with Testalonga’s artisanal wines, while soaking in the tranquility of the countryside.

We have a range Testalonga’s available right here in Australia

Testalonga’s Craig Hawkins

Rall Wines: Donovan Rall’s small-scale winery focuses on producing wines that reflect the diverse terroir of the Swartland. From Chenin Blanc to Syrah, each wine is crafted with precision and care, resulting in bottles that are both elegant and distinctive.

• Wine Tastings: Indulge in a tasting of Rall Wines’ acclaimed wines, known for their elegance, complexity, and expression of Swartland terroir. Sample a diverse range of varietals, including Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Grenache, each showcasing the unique character of the region.
• Cellar Tours: Explore the winery’s cellar and production facilities with guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. Learn about winemaker Donovan Rall’s winemaking philosophy, from grape selection and fermentation to barrel aging and blending, while gaining insights into the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
• Vineyard Walks: Take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards surrounding the winery and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Swartland landscape. Learn about sustainable viticultural practices, grape growing methods, and the unique terroir of Rall Wines’ vineyard sites.

Rall Wines

Now, you might be wondering, what else is there to do in Swartland besides wine tasting? Fear not, fellow adventurer, for Swartland has plenty to offer beyond the vineyards! Why not take a hot air balloon ride over the rolling hills of Riebeek Valley, followed by a leisurely picnic amidst the olive groves? Or perhaps you’d prefer to explore the quaint town of Riebeek Kasteel, where charming cafes and artisanal shops await around every corner.

Things to do when visiting the Swartland on your next visit

So, my fellow wine enthusiasts, are you ready to explore the wild wine frontier of Swartland? With its bold wines, breathtaking landscapes, and endless adventures, Swartland promises an experience like no other. So, pack your sense of adventure and let the wine discoveries begin!

Images and Info credit:

• Sadie Family Wines
• Strauss Fine Wines
• AA Badenhorst Family Wines
• Rall Wines
• Testalonga
• Swartland Tourism
• David en Nadia