Calitzdorp the Soul of the Route 62

2009-11-05

05 November 2009 by Boplaas Family Vineyards

Known to many as the "Port Capital of South Africa", Calitzdorp has much more to offer than what meets the eye. At no less than eight local cellars innovative young winemakers produce excellent table wines from cultivars such as Viognier, Shiraz, Touriga Naçional, Tinta Barocca and Portuguese inspired blends such as the Boplaas Ring of Rocks and De Krans Red Stone Reserve - both wines have garnered acclaim both locally and internationally.

The sandstone façade of the Calitzdorp church, without a doubt one of South Africa's most beautiful, is the first sight that greets travellers as they come winding down the Huis Rivier Pass. Excellent local restaurants, such as Die Dorpshuis opposite the church, serve local specialities like Karoo lamb and Ostrich while the outskirts of Calitzdorp boast some excellent accommodation such as Spekboom Cottages, Port Wine Guesthouse, the Retreat at Groenfontein and the Rietfontein Ostrich Palace - the latter, the world's oldest working Ostrich farm.

Scenic vistas of the Klein Karoo can be viewed from atop the Rooiberg, Swartberg and Huis Rivier Passes. While the many back roads around Calitzdorp, Groenfontein and Matjiesrivier are perfect for adventurous motor-cyclists, mountain bikers and 4x4 enthusiasts.

The rich bio-diversity of the area is highlighted by the fact that in a 150 km radius around Calitzdorp there are more plant species than the entire Europe. Calitzdorp is at the convergence of three biomes - namely the, Karoo succulent, fynbos and Karoo thicket biomes - each with unique species of fauna and flora. The Spekboom (Portulacara Afra), which occurs in prolific numbers in the area around Calitzdorp, is one of the world's most effective plants in the sequestration of carbon and combating global warming. Twelve illusive and rare Cape Leopards have also recently been observed and identified by the Cape Leopard Trust, in the 100,000 hectare Rooiberg Conservancy.

And of course, there are the world renowned Ports of Calitzdorp. Visitors can taste the South African Champion Ports of Boplaas and De Krans' Peter Schultz Port Challenge winners. Excellent Cape Ruby and Cape Vintage Ports are available at Boplaas, De Krans and Calitzdorp Cellars. The Cape Tawny and Vintage Reserve Ports of De Krans and Boplaas have garnered much acclaim and are of the finest Ports in the Cape, while superb Cape White and Cape Vintage Ports are produced by the boutique cellars of Axe Hill, Peter Bayly and TTT Cellars. The Peter Bayly Cape White is superb drier-styled Cape White Port, made from old Chenin Blanc vineyards. Boplaas Family Vineyards, excelled at Veritas 2009 winning two double gold and three gold medals for their Ports, coming in 3rd overall and was the best privately owned cellar at the competition.

Calitzdorp is a gateway to explore the Garden Route - a mere 100 km from George - Oudtshoorn, Prins Albert and the Langkloof. The R62 is an ideal alternate route to the winelands of the Boland and Cape Town for visitors. While the R62 offers visitors from the Cape an ideal Karoo mid-week or weekend getaway!

Come and enjoy the hospitality and relaxed atmosphere of Calitzdorp with that all important glass of Calitzdorp wine or Port.

Boplaas Family Vineyards - (044) 213-3326; boplaas@mweb.co.za

De Krans Wine Cellar - (044) 213-3314; diekrans@mweb.co.za

Calitzdorp Wine Cellar - (044) 213-3328; calitzwynk@telkomsa.net