The best wines from Olifants River in South Africa

Olifants River follows the wide fertile valley of the Olifants River that flows from the almost northernmost point of the Western Cape to the south. Over a length of 150 kilometres, between the districts of Lutzville and the southern Citrusdal, you will find a diversity of terroirs and climates. The climate varies from relatively warm to cool and fairly low rainfall, compared to other South African wine regions.

Check out our two wines from Olifants River

The western wine districts in Olifants River, near the Atlantic Ocean and the higher vineyards benefit from the natural cooling. Otherwise, the winegrowers have to get to work by tying up the vines in such a way that they find cooling in the shade of their own leaves. The soil in Olifants River is also very diverse; sandy soil types alternate with (red) clay and loam. This diversity in terroir makes it an interesting area for many types of vines to take root.

Initially, Olifants River in South Africa was known for simple wines and distillates. But with the arrival of winemakers and winegrowers such as Rosa Kruger with love and attention for the terroir and the vine, the level of viticulture has risen enormously. Old vineyards with bush vines are being revived. Fresh, lively wines of Sauvignon Blanc, for example, are increasingly putting wards on the coast such as Bamboes Bay on the map. This also applies to the Chenin Blancs from old vines from the higher Piekenierkloof ward, which have a typical minerality. Reds such as Cinsault and Grenache Noir are also planted, although to a much lesser extent.

There are several good wineries in Olifants River, such as Fryer's Cove, Stellar, Lutzville Cape Diamond Vineyards, Cederberg and Piekenierskloof. However, not all wines from the region are actually made there. It is not unusual for the grapes to be taken to wineries further south after harvest to be vinified there. This even applies to some of the best wines from Olifants River. We currently have two wines from Olifants River in our range. You can view all our wines from Olifants River here.