
Calitzdorp Wine Cellars
Discover the 'Port Capital of South Africa' with stunning Karoo views and exceptional fortified wines.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, local events

Calitzdorp Wine Cellars
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, local events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the 'Port Capital of South Africa' with stunning Karoo views and exceptional fortified wines.
"Exceptional red wines and superb Port, with stunning views and delicious, affordable food. "

🎯 Book Your Tasting
Reservations are recommended, especially for groups, to ensure a spot.
🚗 Scenic R62 Drive
The journey along the R62 is part of the experience. Enjoy the Karoo landscapes.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Port Wine Tasting
TTT Cellars
Savor the rich, fortified wines that Calitzdorp is famous for. A must-try for any wine enthusiast.

Scenic Karoo Views
Various viewpoints
Breathtaking vistas of the arid Karoo landscape provide a stunning backdrop to your wine experience.

Local Delicacies
Tasting Rooms
Enjoy delicious snack platters and local treats, like mini lamb pies, perfectly paired with your wine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Karoo Charm
Plan Your Wine Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Tasting
Reservations are recommended, especially for groups, to ensure a spot.
🚗 Scenic R62 Drive
The journey along the R62 is part of the experience. Enjoy the Karoo landscapes.
🍷 Red Wine Excellence
If you love red wines, Calitzdorp's Tinto, Pinotage, and Shiraz are exceptional.
🍽️ Delicious Platters
Don't miss the snack platters; the mini lamb pies are a standout!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Tasting
Reservations are recommended, especially for groups, to ensure a spot.
🚗 Scenic R62 Drive
The journey along the R62 is part of the experience. Enjoy the Karoo landscapes.
🍷 Red Wine Excellence
If you love red wines, Calitzdorp's Tinto, Pinotage, and Shiraz are exceptional.
🍽️ Delicious Platters
Don't miss the snack platters; the mini lamb pies are a standout!
🚂 Wyntreintjie Train
Consider the 'die Wyntreintjie' for a fun, guided wine tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Calitzdorp Wine Cellars for their exceptional wines, particularly the Ports and red varieties, and the stunning Karoo scenery. The friendly staff and delicious, affordable food platters, especially the mini lamb pies, are frequently highlighted as positives. Some guests noted a lack of cozy ambiance on colder days and a desire for more technical knowledge from sales staff, but overall, the quality of wine and the beautiful setting make it a highly recommended destination.
"Fantastic place. Lovely staff, great wine and spectacular view.
Definately visited again."
Riaan Laas
"Stunning views from here. It was a cold August afternoon and hardly any visitors so we had the restaurant to ourselves. We were given some blankets to keep warm. I just missed the coziness of a fireplace. Vetkoek & mince was good and the chicken wings were also good. We didn't do any wine tasting so cannot comment on the wines. Friendly staff."
Enid Son
"We stopped for lunch. Service was quick and friendly. Lunch platter was delicious, especially the mini lamb pies. PS: Please make these full size and sell them frozen. Would have bought 10 to take home if I could. Beautiful views. Will visit again."
Elsabé Moller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calitzdorp Wine Cellars are typically accessed via the R62, a scenic route through the Karoo. Many visitors drive their own vehicles, while others opt for organized tours or the 'die Wyntreintjie' tourist train which stops at various cellars.
Yes, Calitzdorp is easily accessible by car via the R62. The roads are generally well-maintained, offering a pleasant driving experience through the Karoo landscape.
While direct public transport to individual cellars might be limited, the 'die Wyntreintjie' train offers a unique way to tour the area and visit multiple wine attractions.
The 'die Wyntreintjie' is a tourist train that operates in Calitzdorp, offering a charming way to explore the local wine cellars and attractions. It often includes stops for wine tasting and snacks.
Yes, Calitzdorp can be visited as a day trip, especially if you are traveling along the Garden Route or from nearby towns. However, staying overnight allows for a more relaxed exploration of the wine region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your wine tastings in advance, especially if you are visiting on a weekend or with a group, to ensure availability.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, wine cellars are open during daytime hours, often from mid-morning to late afternoon. It's best to check the specific cellar's hours before your visit.
While entry to the cellar premises is usually free, there is typically a fee for wine tastings and any food platters ordered.
Calitzdorp hosts events like the Succulent Festival and Island Wine and Olive Festival, which are great opportunities to experience the local culture and wines.
Yes, you can purchase wine directly from the cellars. Many visitors enjoy buying their favorite wines to take home.
🎫 🍷 Onsite Experience
Calitzdorp is renowned as the 'Port Capital of South Africa,' specializing in fortified wines. They also produce excellent red wines like Tinto, Pinotage, and Shiraz.
A wine tasting typically involves sampling several of the cellar's wines, often accompanied by insights from staff. You can also order snack platters to complement your tasting.
Yes, many wine cellars offer delicious food options, including popular snack platters with items like mini lamb pies and charcuterie.
The atmosphere is generally relaxed and welcoming, with stunning Karoo views. Some visitors mention a cozy, rustic charm, while others appreciate the friendly staff.
Beyond wine tasting, you can enjoy the beautiful Karoo scenery, explore local festivals, and sometimes find unique offerings like the 'die Wyntreintjie' train tours.
📸 📸 Photography
The sweeping Karoo landscapes offer incredible photo opportunities. Look for dramatic skies, unique flora, and the rustic architecture of the wine cellars themselves.
Generally, yes, you can take photos inside the wine cellars, especially in tasting rooms and barrel cellars, but always be respectful of the environment and other visitors.
Landscape photography, wine-related shots (tastings, bottles), and capturing the unique Karoo architecture are popular themes.
The natural Karoo light can be dramatic, especially during sunrise and sunset. Indoor lighting in cellars can vary, so be prepared for different conditions.
Capture the vastness of the Karoo from elevated viewpoints and the charming details within the historic wine cellars. The 'die Wyntreintjie' train also offers unique perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
🍷 Wine Connoisseurs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Calitzdorp Port
Many local cellars, like TTT Cellars, are dedicated to perfecting these fortified wines. They often use traditional methods alongside modern techniques to ensure quality and consistency. The passion of the winemakers is evident in every sip, making a Port tasting in Calitzdorp a truly memorable event for enthusiasts.
Beyond Port, Calitzdorp wineries also produce exceptional table wines, particularly reds such as Shiraz and Pinotage. These wines often reflect the terroir, offering robust flavors and a smooth finish. Exploring these varieties alongside the signature Ports provides a comprehensive taste of what Calitzdorp has to offer.
Experiencing the Karoo Landscape
Visitors often remark on the spectacular views, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light paints the landscape in warm, earthy tones. The air is clean, and the silence is profound, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many tasting rooms are strategically located to maximize these scenic vistas, allowing you to sip your wine while gazing out at the expansive Karoo.
For a truly unique perspective, consider the 'die Wyntreintjie' tourist train. This charming mode of transport allows you to soak in the scenery at a leisurely pace while being transported between various attractions, including wine cellars. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Klein Karoo and its unique wine-producing environment.
Culinary Delights and Pairings
One particular highlight frequently mentioned by visitors is the mini lamb pies, described as incredibly delicious and something people would happily buy frozen to take home. This emphasis on local, hearty fare adds another layer to the Calitzdorp wine experience, making it a well-rounded gastronomic adventure.
Pairing your wine with these local delicacies is highly encouraged. The rich, fortified Ports, for instance, pair wonderfully with mature cheeses and dried fruits, while the robust red table wines can stand up to heartier dishes. Exploring these pairings can unlock new dimensions in both the food and the wine.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit