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OFF-THE-BEATEN TRACK MEANDERING ALONG AND UNDER DU TOITSKLOOF PASS
Posted by Wilandre Johnson on 07 October 2021 9:00 AM CAT
Du Toitskloof mountain pass is located 70km from Cape Town and connects Paarl and Worcester. Nowadays you can access Worcester via the Huguenot Tunnel but do yourself a favour and treat yourself to the beautiful 24km drive that Du Toitskloof Pass offers through the mountains with views over Paarl valley and Paarl Rock.
There are various view sites on the route. Situated along and below the historic Du Toitskloof Pass you can veer off the beaten track and visit gems of places such as Mellasat Vineyards, Amberg Art & Kitchen and Druk My Niet Wine Estate.
Mellasat Vineyards
This boutique cellar, founded by the Richardson Family in 1996, enjoys a spectacular position under the dramatic Klein Drakenstein mountains, where sweeping vineyards and panoramic views over Paarl and its famous granite domes set the scene for a variety of attractions and a unique wine-tasting experience.
Mellasat is Home to the White Pinotage. They were the first in the world to produce and release the enigmatic White Pinotage commercially. It is made with no contact time and matured in Romanian oak to produce a very unique offering
Visitors can sip on a selection of award-winning wines (including the one-of-a-kind white pinotage) at the tasting room that boasts stunning views of the Paarl Valley and the craggy Klein Drakenstein mountains.
Their tasting room offers a selection of cheese and charcuterie platters, while gourmet picnics are available during summer. Currently their Harvest Picnic is a great option to enjoy in their garden after some wine tasting. Make sure to book your picnic basket before you visit to the farm.
Visit the Cemetery of Forgotten Wines in their underground cellar, host to an interesting and bizarre collection of museum wines reflecting South African historical wine culture that visitors can interact with.
Contact 021 862 4525, tastingroom@mellasat.com
Amberg Art & Kitchen
Tucked away in the Du Toitskloof Pass, Amberg Art and Kitchen is set in a beautiful Swiss-style house – this is not something you often seen in the Cape Winelands! The restaurant has homely ambience, great service and delicious Austrian cuisine is what you will experience at this family-run restaurant. With Austrian chef Peter in the kitchen, his charming wife Clarissa in front of house and son Dominique making the Austrian Ravioli, this is definitely not one to miss.
Enjoy breakfasts, light meals, lunches and dinner and kiddie’s menu options with breath-taking views over Paarl Valley whilst having the option to be seated inside or outside. If you have room, their desserts are delicious too.
All art pieces from well- known artists are for sale which also adds to the atmosphere of the rustic interior of the restaurant.
Contact 071 664 6938 ambergartandkitchen@gmail.com
Druk My Niet Wine Estate
Situated on a biosphere reserve, among 24 hectares of endangered fynbos and several species of proteas, this boutique winery is known for its environmentally friendly farming methods and scenic surrounds, which are host to a view-drenched tasting room and luxury self-catering cottages.
Wine tasting is by appointment only. Visitors are taken on a private tour of the boutique winery, learning about the area and production methods before enjoying a tasting at the newly built tasting room that overlooks the Paarl Valley.
Those looking to spend the night can rest their head in farm-style luxury at one of the four modern self-catering cottages, three of which boast a shared infinity pool for cooling off in the hot Paarl summer. The Olive and Protea cottages sleep two respectively, while Guava (sleeps four) and Fynbos (sleeps six) are great options for larger groups. Each cottage is fitted with a spacious open-plan kitchen and living room with a TV, complimentary wifi, an open fireplace and private terrace with a braai overlooking one of the farm’s dams, the vineyards and mountain ranges.
Contact 021 868 2393, carlien@dmnwines.co.za
www.dmnwines.co.za
