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TThe Bot River Wine Route meanders around a handful of Western Cape wineries that make up the Bot River Vineyard Association, set in a lovely valley in the Overberg. This region, literally ‘over (the) mountain’ in Afrikaans, lies just beyond the Hottentots Holland Mountains from Cape Town, and was one of the earliest areas claimed by Dutch, French and German settlers expanding the borders of the Cape Colony in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Clustered at the foot of the Houwhoek Pass, Bot River’s wine farms are the gateway to the Walker Bay wine-growing district, one of Western Cape’s most sought-after viticulture regions because of its cool, maritime climate.
The Bot River wine ward stretches from the Bot River Lagoon up into the foothills of the Groenlandberg and Babylonstoren mountain ranges, and forms part of the agricultural transition zone of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a 100 000-hectare UNESCO-registered biodiversity hotspot that is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site.
Cooling breezes from the Bot River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean offset the valley’s warm summers. As well as helping to keep Bot River’s vineyards disease-free, the mild conditions permit later ripening, resulting in flavour complexity and well-balanced acidity.
During Bot River’s mild, frost-free winters, rainfall supplements vineyard irrigation. Bokkeveld shale and Table Mountain sandstone soils add minerality, while the region’s abundant fynbos adds herbaceous notes to the wines.
Bot River’s eclectic band of conservation-conscious winemakers strive to work in harmony with the landscape to produce individualistic, terroir-expressive wines from cool-climate varietals.
Chenin blanc is the star of the valley, and wines coaxed from old, characterful, low-yield vines produce internationally acclaimed, award-winning vintages.
Sauvignon blanc follows suit, with Shiraz and Cabernet sauvignon and small quantities of Chardonnay, Pinotage, Mourvédre and Verdelho completing the Bot River wine profile.
Wineries on the Bot River Wine Route are often small, family-run affairs. While producers here prefer small acreage, there’s no stinting when it comes to hospitality, or top-quality, value-for-money wines.
Generosity of spirit is evident in the welcome visitors to this secluded valley receive. Big-hearted Bot River quickly wins over visiting wine lovers with its homely atmosphere and commitment to the community, the environment and quality wines.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Overberg District Municipality
Tel: +27 (0)28 425 1157
Email: tourism@odm.org.za
How to get here
Take the N2 from Cape Town over Sir Lowry's Pass, past Grabouw and down the Houw Hoek Pass. Pass the first turn-off to Hermanus and take the second turn left to Bot River.
Best time to visit
Spring (September to November) in Bot River sees blooms everywhere: wildflowers and fynbos on the surrounding mountains, and in the vineyards and orchards.
Around the area
With mountain pursuits on offer close by, you can go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, bird watching and horse riding. Visit Hermanus for its beaches, wine farms, restaurants, golf courses, nature reserves, and whale watching in season. In Caledon, you'll find a casino, hot springs, a nature reserve and a golf course.
Tours to do
Fynbos walks and eco-hikes are on offer in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.
Get around
It’s best to have your own car to visit the Bot River Wine Route. Occasional tourist trains arrive in the valley, and the Baz Bus, a backpackers’ shuttle, stops at the Bot River Hotel.
What will it cost
Bot River wine farms typically do not charge for wine tasting.
Length of stay
The Bot River Wine Route is compact and can be explored in a weekend.
What to pack
Bot River summers (late November to mid-March) can be extremely hot; make sure you protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen. In winter (May to mid-September), take a raincoat and warm, weatherproof jacket. Also pack sturdy boots if you’re a hiker, as the Overberg has numerous hiking trails.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Bot River ranges from the village hotel and farm cottages to self-catering mountainside luxury villas and Canadian-style log cabins. Malplaas (‘mad farm’) is a delightfully quirky artists’ retreat. Close to the Bot River Lagoon is the Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa, and there is plenty of 4 and 5-star accommodation in nearby Hermanus.
What to eat
Bot River is known for its apples, pears, plums, and onions. Local eateries include the Shuntin’ Shed, a relaxed pizzeria, Beaumont Wine’s café serving light lunches, and the Kolkol Kitchen, open Thursday to Sunday. Hermanus, with its many restaurants, is a 20-minute drive.
What's happening
Botrivier hosts a harvest celebration called Barrels & Beards in April. The Bot River Spring Festival, also called the Drink Yourself Pink Festival, is usually held in the first weekend in September. The Bot River Open Gardens and the Van der Stel Pass Challenge are usually held over the last weekend in October, and the Bot River Barrel Fest is also in October.
Best buys
Chenin blanc, Shiraz wines, and Western Cape’s only single varietal, Mourvédre, from Beaumont Wines. Barton Estate produces olive oil and a range of lavender products. Find fresh produce and the Overberg Wine Collection (wines from across the region at cellar-door prices) at the Houw Hoek Farmstall.
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