Cape Agulhas wine region
Most of the vineyards of this, the southern-most point of Africa, are found in the little village of Elim. The pretty town is a national monument in its entirety and lies on a peninsular washed by two oceans, the Indian and Atlantic. Elim is something of a phenomenon as its unique terroir has caused much excitement in the wine community worldwide. The cool and strong winds that prevail, southwesterly and southeasterly, have the effect of providing a very cool ripening season, perfect for Sauvignon Blanc and promising for Semillon and Shiraz. This aspect, together with other climatic factors, results in the vineyards here developing unique explosive flavours.
PLACES TO EAT
L’Agulhas is a very quiet town, so do not expect any lively nightlife. Instead be sure to enjoy takeaway fresh fish and chips. A few pubs serve excellent meals with the freshest fish available.
- L’Agulhas Seafoods; Main Road, Agulhas; 028 435 7207
- Agulhas Country Lodge; Main Road, L’Agulhas; 028 435 7650/1/2,www.agulhascountrylodge.com.
- Angelo’s Restaurant;114 Main Road, L’Agulhas; 028 435 6417.
- Ocean Art House Cafe; 4 Main Road; L’Agulhas;028 435 7503.
- Zuidste Kaap;99 Main Road, L’Agulhas; www.zuidstekaap.co.za.
PLACES TO STAY
Accommodation in Cape Agulhas ranges from L’Agulhas and Arniston to Napier, Elim and Bredasdorp. For more information, visitwww.sa-venues.com/accommodation/cape-agulhas.php.
- Agulhas Country LodgeTel028 435 7650/1/2,www.agulhascountrylodge.com,info@agulhascountrylodge.com.
- Cornwallis Lodge028 435 6483info@cornwallis.co.za,www.cornwallis.co.za.
- Trade Winds B&BTel 028 435 7059, agulhas13@orcawireless.co.za,www.agulhastradewindsbnb.com.
- Villa @ Cape Agulhasinfo@bksolutions.nl,www.villacapeagulhas.co.za.
- Firlane House Tel 028 425 2808,reservations@firlanehouse.co.za,www.firlanehouse.co.za.
- Mermaid Guesthouse Tel028 435 7767info@mermaidguesthouse.com,www.mermaidguesthouse.com.
- The Arniston Spa HotelTel 028445 9000info@arnistonhotel.com,www.arnistonhotel.com.
- Eagles Rest Guest LodgeTel 028 423 3571,theresa@eaglesrestguestlodge.com,www.eaglesrestguestlodge.com.
WHAT ELSE TO DO
- Agulhas National Parkis the famous point at which the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Other highlights include the cairn that marks the southern-most tip of Africa, the lighthouse at Cape Agulhas, the graveyard of ships that lie just off the coast once known as ‚the Cape of Storms’, where some 250 ships have been wrecked over time, and whale-watching in season.
For more information, visit www.lagulhas.co.za.
- De Hoop Nature Reserveis approximately 34 000ha in size and one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation. It is a favourite destination for hikers, cyclists and bird watchers. The entire length of the De Hoop coast is a marine protected area, one of the largest in Africa, and fishing is not permitted.
For more information, visit De Hoop’s page on Cape Nature’s website.
CONTACTS
Elim Winegrowers
Tel 082551-2351,fbpratt@telkomsa.net,www.theberrio.co.za/elim-wine-growers.htm.
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Tagged Wine Districts & Maps, Wine Route Maps