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EDITORIAL
PHILIPPE GAILLARD - EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
BREEDE RIVER VALLEY:
A PARADISE FOR WINE TOURISM
Less well known than Stellenbosch or Franschhoek,
this lush region located just two hours
from Cape Town is crossed by the Breede River and
its tributaries and bordered by the majestic Langeberg
Mountains, which separate it from the adjacent
semi-desert region of Klein Karoo. The Breede River
Valley is almost 130 kilometres long and in fact
straddles three wine regions: Worcester, Robertson
and Breedekloof. This makes it the Western Cape’s
largest producer region, as the three areas account
for about a third of the country’s vineyards and
produce almost 40% of its wine. The region also runs
the gamut in terms of vineyards, from small characterful
wineries to larger co-operatives. The most
common wines are made from vineyards along the
valley floor, whereas the higher-end offerings originate
in vineyards set in the foothills of the mountains
surrounding the valley.
The region is best known for producing rich, fruity
red wines because the soils have extremely high
limestone content, lending the wines minerality,
depth and aromatic complexity. Merlot and
Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly widespread
here, though a few local wineries have also started to
produce sparkling wines made from the two legendary
grape varieties that are Chardonnay and Pinot
Noir. But more than this, the Breede River Valley is
a fantastic setting that offers myriad tourist, recreational,
gastronomic and historical activities, whilst
also proving to be a true paradise for wine.
WINTER 2022 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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