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Worcester's great value wines
Worcester Winelands
A farm near Worcester
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Worcester winelands is the largest wine producing area in South Africa.
The Worcester winelands stretch from Wolseley and the Hex River Valley to Villiersdorp in the south. While they might not enjoy the profile of regions like Franschhoek, the winelands in Worcester offer great quality wines and the best value in the Western Cape.
Named after the Marquis of Worcester, the brother of governor Lord Charles Somerset, Worcester is a baby in comparison to other towns in the province.
It was laid out on two farms in 1819 as a sub-drostdy of nearby Tulbagh, only receiving municipal status in 1922. But since then it has grown rapidly to become the business centre of the Breede River Valley. This is due in large part to being home to the world's largest brandy still at KWV Cellars.
The Worcester winelands comprise 24 cooperatives, 3 private wineries and 2 brandy cellars, most of which are open to the public for tastings along the Worcester Wine Route that meanders through the verdant valley enclosed by mountain ranges.
Among these Worcester wine estates are Slanghoek Wine Cellar, set in a spectacular valley; the award-winning Nuy Wine Cellar; and the Du Toits Kloof Wine Cellar, which has won international acclaim.
Then there is the spectacular drive over some of the most beautiful passes in the country to Bergsig Estate. And not to be missed is the annual Worcester Winelands Festival in May/June.
The region offers much more for visitors than just the winelands of Worcester. There is an Open Air Living Museum and Reptile World, 10 hectares of indigenous gardens at the Karoo National Botanical Garden, architectural walking routes and the Leipzip Herb Centre in the Nuy Valley.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Worcester Tourism
Tel: +27 (0) 23 348 2795
Email: info@worcestertourism.com
How to get here
There are regular flights to Cape Town. You can hire a car to drive through to Worcester situated on the N1, about an hour's drive from the Mother City.
Around the area
Explore the Open Air Living Museum and Reptile World, and the Karoo National Botanical Garden in the town of Worcester.
Get around
There are many signs and brochures and maps available in the area to help you navigate the area. Self-drive would be best to fully explore the area.
Length of stay
A few days or weekend.
What to pack
Comfortable clothes and walking shoes. In summer it is very hot so dress lightly. Winters can be cold and wet, so warm clothes and an umbrella.
Where to stay
Worcester and the surrounds have numerous quality establishments and hotels.
What's happening
The Worcester Wine Festival in May/June showcases the regions products, from wine to food.
Best buys
Wines and brandy.