Plettenberg Bay Wine Route

Welcome to the Plettenberg Bay Wine Route

With its golden beaches, lush forests, and easy-going coastal charm, Plettenberg Bay has long been a favourite for travellers seeking sunshine, unspoiled nature, and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. It’s no wonder the local slogan, “Plett – it’s a feeling”, has become the mantra of both residents and visitors alike.

Set along the Southern Cape coast of South Africa, this town — affectionately called Plett by locals — was once known as Bahia Formosa or “beautiful bay” by early Portuguese explorers. Today, its appeal lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its flourishing wine culture. The Plettenberg Bay Wine Route is South Africa’s smallest wine-growing region, spanning 18 wine farms along 57 kilometres of scenic coastal strip. This is where visitors can explore boutique wineries producing superb cool-climate wines from some of the country’s most easterly vineyards.

What to expect

The first vines were planted here in 2000 by Bramon Wine Estate in The Crags, after farmer Peter Thorpe recognised similarities between the Garden Route climate and top wine regions in New Zealand. Within a few years, other pioneering farms followed suit, and in 2006 Plett was officially declared a Wine of Origin region. Today, ten producing farms bottle their own wines, with most vintages made in such limited quantities that they are only available locally — giving travellers the perfect excuse to explore the route firsthand.

The wine scene here is small but full of character, with a strong focus on Méthode Cap Classique (MCC). The town has even staked a claim as South Africa’s sparkling wine hub, traditionally hosting the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival each March. Between the picturesque hamlets of Harkerville and The Crags, vineyards thrive under cooling sea breezes and among indigenous forests, producing elegant whites, refined MCCs, and increasingly, unique reds such as the region’s first locally grown Merlot from De Villo Boutique Wine.

Wine, Food, and Lifestyle

Wine tasting in Plett is as much about the setting as the wines themselves. Visitors can expect intimate cellar experiences, leisurely platters, and scenic farm-style lunches. Estates such as Bramon, Kay & Monty, Bitou Vineyards, and Newstead Lund Family Vineyards are celebrated for pairing their wines with generous boards of local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh artisanal bread — all enjoyed with sweeping vineyard or mountain views.

Plett’s culinary scene is vibrant and varied. From Thyme & Again’s freshly baked goods to ocean-view dining at Ristorante Enrico, the eclectic interiors and seasonal plates at Zinzi, sundowners and calamari at the Lookout Deck, or fine dining at The Plettenberg and Emily Moon River Lodge, foodies will find plenty to indulge in. The town’s restaurants reflect its laid-back yet sophisticated personality, where meals are best lingered over and every bite tells a story of the region.

More Than a Wine Destination

Plettenberg Bay’s appeal extends well beyond the tasting room. The surrounding area offers a mix of adventure and relaxation — from hiking in the Tsitsikamma Mountains, exploring coastal lagoons and estuaries, and strolling pristine beaches, to browsing boutique shops in the bustling town centre. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, whale watching, or simply soaking up the sun on one of Plett’s many beaches before heading inland for an afternoon of wine and bubbly.