Travel Guide to Klein Karoo Wine Region

The Klein Karoo wine region is the most diverse wine region in South Africa. The Klein Karoo wine region runs along the route of the R52. This route starts at Montagu and passes through Barrydale, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn and Langkloof. The Klein Karoo wine region is well known for its extremes in terms of its soils and climate. Some of the highest mountain peaks of the Western Cape are located in the Klein Karoo wine region. These mountains form part of the Cape Fold Mountains. The majority of the Klein Karoo wine region forms part of the Bokkeveld where there is good water retention. Viticulture activities take place mainly in the valleys, kloofs and ravines of this rugged landscape.  

Find out about Wine tasting & Tours in Klein Karoo Wine Region to enjoy if you visit the region.

This guide will provide essential info and tips about the Klein Karoo wine region. Here you will discover more about:

Wines of Klein Karoo Wine Region

The hidden gem of the Klein Karoo Wine Region

Small towns and natural places to visit in Klein Karoo Wine Region

Dishes you should try in Klein Karoo Wine Region

Semi dessert of Klein Karoo wine region, South Africa

Wines of the South African desert lands   

The Klein Karoo wine region is a semi-arid wine-producing region in South Africa. As a result of the region’s hot and dry climate, the region produces South Africa’s best-fortified wines. Despite this, the varying terroir of the Klein Karoo wine region means that a range of other wine styles is also produced. Once in a while, fresh breezes reach the Klein Karoo wine region from the sea and provide some cooling relief from the warmth of the sun. This breeze brings with it cooler Karoo evenings. This variation in temperature helps to balance and ripen the flavours of the grapes in the Klein Karoo wine region and gives them the perfect level of acidity. The wines of the Klein Karoo wine region are diverse and varied and should not be missed by any wine lover.

Where is Klein Karoo Wine Region?

The Klein Karoo wine region is a semi-arid wine-producing region. The Klein Karoo wine region lies on the eastern side of the Western Cape province of South Africa, bordering Cape South Coast and Breede River Valley wine regions. The vineyards of the Klein Karoo wine region can reach up to 700m above sea level. These vineyards are located particularly high up in the areas of Montagu and Tradouw on the western border of the Klein Karoo wine region.

What to Expect from Wines of Klein Karoo Wine Region

Home to the Best Fortified Wines of South Africa

Historically, the Klein Karoo wine region has been known for the Muscat grapes that flourish in this area. The Klein Karoo wine region is now best known for its sweet wines and pot still brandies. The sweet wines of the Klein Karoo wine region are made using Muscat a Petits Grains and Muscat de Frontignan. Both of these varietals are known as Muscadel in this winemaking region. Besides excellent wines, the Klein Karoo wine region is widely recognised for the production of port-style wines that can rival those produced in Portugal.

One of the specialities of the Klein Karoo wine region is its excellent fortified wines. These fortified wines have flavours of black cherry and dark chocolate. These flavours are enhanced by hints of intense black currant with aromas of leathery spices. The fortified wines are rich, round and well-balanced. They are made with full and ripe berries that overflow with soft brown chocolate tones.

Something Else?

More recently the winegrowers of the Klein Karoo wine region have begun to focus more on Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. This terroir is ideal for the production of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The wines have a rich fruit flavour and a balanced acidity.

The red wines of the Klein Karoo wine region can be described as big and flavoursome because of the terroir of the Outeniqua Mountains. They have a scented bouquet with abundant flavours of smoke and spice. These wines deliver an exceptional level of richness. They are also robust and full-bodied. The tannins of the Klein Karoo red wines are ripe and soft with a long, clean aftertaste.

The white wines of the Klein Karoo wine region are firm with flavours of tropical fruits and gooseberries. These wines have a refined and appealing minerality. They are described by many as clean, fresh and bone dry.

Klein Karoo Wine Region Map

You can also check out our interactive map of the Klein Karoo Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

Klein Karoo Wine Region Map

The hidden gem of the Klein Karoo Wine Region

The hidden gem of the Klein Karoo wine region is without a doubt the prestigious Axe Hill Winery. This winery has received five stars in the John Platter Wine Guide for its maiden vintage, the 1997 Axe Hill Vintage Port. A visit to the Axe Hill winery is a must for all who go to the Klein Karoo wine region. At the winery, enjoy a wine tasting paired with excellent local foods and treats. The team at Axe Hill await you!

Read more about Wineries in Klein Karoo Wine Region to visit.

Discover Small Towns of Klein Karoo Wine Region

Oudtshoorn – The heart and soul of the Klein Karoo Wine Region

The town of Oudtshoorn is considered the central hub of the Klein Karoo wine region. Oudsthoorn is one of the area’s best-known and most visited tourist attractions. What makes Oudtshoorn most popular is its title as the world’s Ostrich capital. The dry summers and the long, sunny winter days make Oudtshoorn the perfect breeding ground for these large, flightless birds. Oudtshoorn is home to more than 400 ostrich farms where one can go for guided tours and purchase a range of ostrich products such as handbags and feather boas.

The most popular tourist attraction in Oudtshoorn is the Cango Caves in the Klein Karoo wine region. These caves are a set of underground caves that cover a distance of over 2 km. The caves have been sculpted as a result of 20 million years of erosion and were declared a National Monument in 1938. Daily guided tours are available through the magnificent halls of the cave system.

Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo wine region, South Africa

For those looking for a good time at a local event, the annual Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) is held in Oudtshoorn. This event is a celebration of the arts and of the local culture.

For sport lovers, Oudtshoorn offers a challenging and modern 18 hole golf course, as well as facilities for tennis, cricket and rugby.

Prince Albert – Experience the true charm and warm hospitality of the Klein Karoo Wine Region

The town of Prince Albert is known across the Klein Karoo wine region for its charm and welcoming community spirit. Prince Albert can be described as an oasis in the middle of the desert thanks so its water source from the Swartberg Mountains. This gorgeous Karoo town is named after High Royal Highness Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. This beautifully quaint town is famous for its fresh and dried fruit, Karoo lamb, olives and award-winning cheeses. The farmers of Prince Albert have also recently restored the local vineyards that were last farmed during the 19th century. For visitors to Prince Albert, activities include guided historical walks through the town, ghost walks in the evening, hiking trails, fossil hunting and browsing the local museums and galleries.

De Rust – The gateway to the magnificent Meiringspoort  

The small town is De Rust is the most scenic and quaint town of the Klein Karoo wine region. This small town lies at the foot of the Swartberg mountains and is considered the gateway to the famous Meiringspoort.

The village of De Rust was established in 1900 and is the perfect example of Karoo’s old-world hospitality and tranquillity in the Klein Karoo wine region. This is the ideal place to relax, quiet your mind and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. In 2011, De Rust was declared the South African town of the year. The town offers a number of activities for all visitors. These activities include hiking, mountain biking, and kloofing.

Meiringspoort Waterfall near De Rust, Klein Karoo wine region, South Africa

Nature is not a place to visit in Klein Karoo Wine Region

The Klein Karoo wine region is a vast expanse of open spaces, blue skies and dramatic landscapes merging with the horizon. The scenery of the Klein Karoo wine region is an explosion for the senses. Driving through the Klein Karoo wine region one can stop and see a herd of Springbok grazing on the arid semi-desert land. The natural environment of the Klein Karoo wine region can be incredibly moody, and the landscape alters dramatically with the changing seasons. Even when at its driest, the Karoo has a natural charm that makes it unique and wonderful to experience.

Inverdoorn Game Reserve – The ultimate Karoo safari experience

The Inverdoorn Game Reserve is located in the vast and majestic Tankwa Karoo in the Klein Karoo wine region. The reserve is nestled between thick woody Acacia beds and golden mountain peaks. This environment is the perfect home for the reserve resident Big 5 Game – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. The Inverdoorn Game Reserve provides guests with a luxury safari experience on the 10 000-ha wildlife reserve. Visitors have the option of visiting for the day or staying overnight in the luxury safari accommodation. Inverdoorn is also well known for its Cheetah rehabilitation programme where guests can learn more through the Cheetah Educational Tour. Visit Inverdoorn for an authentic African Safari experience.

Anysberg Nature Reserve – Wide open spaces under a canopy of sparkling stars 

The Anysberg Nature Reserve is situated between the Karoo towns of Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu. This wonderful Klein Karoo wine region nature reserve covers 79 629 ha of land in the incredible Cape Fold Mountains. Three rivers feed the deep valleys and steep gorges of the reserve. In the Anysberg Nature Reserve, guests can observe an incredible range of mountain fynbos plants. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy sightings of antelope, jackal, zebra and the endangered riverine rabbit. Although they are seldom seen, wild leopards do still roam the mountains. This World Heritage Site is a must-visit for all who have the pleasure of travelling to the Klein Karoo.

Swartberg Nature Reserve – A natural feast for the senses

The Swartberg Nature Reserve stretches 121 000 ha of land and is a World Heritage site in the Klein Karoo wine region. This beautiful nature reserve is home to the removed Gankaskloof Valley, also known as Die Hel. This valley has a rich cultural, ecological and archaeological history and is a must-see for all visitors.  There is accommodation inside the Swartberg Nature Reserve for those wanting to spend time exploring the Swartberg Nature Reserve.    

TIP! Don’t miss a visit to the Peter Bayly winery in the Klein Karoo wine region hamlet of Calitzdrop. This area is famous worldwide for its wines. You will enjoy your wines in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by picturesque Groenfontein Valley and gentle hillsides.

What to Eat in Klein Karoo Wine Region

Good food and good wine in a great location is ones of life’s most wonderful pleasures

Eating and drinking in the Klein Karoo wine region is an experience that is not to be missed. The large size of the Klein Karoo wine region and the number of towns in this region means that there is a wide range of food offerings to suit every palate. The Klein Karoo wine region is best known for its famous Karoo Lamb. This lamb is incredibly flavoursome and succulent thanks to the food provided by the dry and arid land. Other foods that must be tried in the Klein Karoo wine region are ostrich meat, potjiekos, bredie, bobotie, biltong, roosterkoek, koeksusters and rusks.

Waterblommetjie Bredie – The magical taste of the Karoo water flowers

Waterblommetjie bredie is a traditional South African stew made with indigenous waterblommetjie. The waterblommetjie is a small water-based flower that is harvested from the dams and marshes of the Klein Karoo wine region during the months of July and August. These tasty flowers and then stewed together with lamb to make a waterblommetjie bredie. The texture of the flower is somewhat similar to an artichoke leaf, but the taste is more like that of a green bean with a hint of lemon flavour. The secret to an excellent waterblommetjie bredie is in the simplicity of the recipe. All that is added are the waterblommetjies, lamb, salt, white pepper and onions. This delicious winter treat is best served with plain white rice.

Boerewors – The national food of South Africa

Boerewors is the name given to traditional South African sausage. The name boerewors is an Afrikaans word that directly translates to farmer sausage.

To classify a sausage as boerewors, it must be 90% meat and always contain beef as well as lamb, pork, or a mixture of the two. The remaining 10% of the boerewors is made of spices and other ingredients. These spices usually include coriander seeds, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves and allspice. What gives boerewors its unique flavour is the addition of fat, salt and vinegar to the sausage recipe. Traditionally, boerewors are prepared on the braai or the barbeque. If a fire is not on hand, this delicious meal can also be cooked on the grill or in the oven. Experience the true Karoo living with a relaxing evening of boerewors and beer.

Boerewors, Klein Karoo Wine Region, South Africa

Melkkos – The dish that brings back memories of home and loved ones

The name Melkkos is an Afrikaans word that in English means milk food. Melkkos is a South African heritage dish that conjures memories of family dinners and the taste of home. This comfort food dish is creamy, with flavours of milk and cinnamon – the perfect dessert for a winter evening in the Klein Karoo.

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What are the main grape varieties in Klein Karoo?

The Klein Karoo wine region is renowned for its sweet wines and pot still brandies. The Muscat a Petits Grains and Muscat de Frontignan grapes are used to create these scrumptious drinks. Here, they are called ‘Muscadel’ by winemakers in the area.

Is Klein Karoo famous for wine?

The Klein Karoo wine region has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest sweet wines and pot still brandy. This is achieved by using varieties such as Muscat a Petits Grains and Muscat de Frontignan in the winemaking process.

What is the best time to visit Klein Karoo?

Karoo NP’s arid to semi-arid climate means wildlife viewing remains unaffected by seasons. As the extreme temperatures of summer and winter make visits difficult, the ideal time to explore is during spring (August, September) and autumn (April, May), when days are cooler and nights are mild.