The Swartland literally translated means ‘the black land’. The area takes its name from the now endangered indigenous renosterbos (rhino bush) which once turned the landscape a dark colour at certain times of the year. This country wine and olive route is renowned for its warm Swartland hospitality. Walks and hikes are popular, as are 4X4 trails, and for the more adventurous there’s hang-gliding, paragliding, canoeing, clay-pigeon shooting and horse riding, to name but a few. Increasing percentages of red-wine varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Shiraz, are being grown here, as well as Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. The Swartland was traditionally a source of robust, full-bodied red wines and high-quality fortified wines. The district has more recently also become associated with award-winning Chenin Blanc, and Mediterranean-style red and white blends.
