The Swartland is a large region with a hot, dry climate that is perfectly suited to drought-tolerant Mediterranean grape varieties. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills and wheat fields, interspersed with old vineyards.

The lack of rainfall means that many of the best vineyards are “dry-farmed” (unirrigated), which forces the vines to dig deep for water, resulting in smaller berries with incredible concentration and flavor. The region benefits from some cooling breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

Stellenbosch is located just east of Cape Town, surrounded by a dramatic chain of mountains including the Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, and Helderberg mountains. These mountains create numerous valleys and slopes, providing a wide variety of altitudes, aspects, and microclimates.

The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The nearby False Bay provides cooling ocean breezes that moderate temperatures, helping to retain acidity in the grapes and contribute to the elegance and structure of the wines.

The region’s decomposed granite soils are particularly well-suited for quality red wine production.