The marvellous Hessequa region is home to a variety of wineries, olive estates, cheese factories and distilleries, making it one of the top destinations for taste sensations.
Hessequa is the start of the Garden Route, making the wines extra special and extra enjoyable.
JAKKALSVLEI WINERY
Jakkalsvlei, directly translated as Jackal’s Marsh, is a family owned winery nestled along the beautiful and world famous Garden Route. The Jonker family has been proud owners of Jakkalsvlei since 1972, and today it is farmed by the 3rd generation Jonkers on the farm. The farm, located in Herbertsdale, is accessible either via a tarred road near Mossel Bay, or via a scenic gravel road through Albertinia.
The farmland was called Jakkalsvlei because of all the foxes, jackal’s and wild cats seen in the mountains surrounding the farmland. While hunting in the Southern Cape during this time, Nelis Jonker (senior) was inspired to buy this beautiful piece of land. Jantjie Jonker, Nelis’s grandson settled on the farm in 2006. In 2008 he bottled the first wine under the Jakkalsvlei label.
Today Jakkalsvlei Wines are enjoyed by people all over South Africa, including some fine restaurants. You can’t help but fall in love with the breathtaking views and the marvellous Langeberg Mountain range, which surrounds the farm.
Town: Herbertsdale (accessed via Albertinia or Mossel Bay)
www.jakkalsvlei.co.za
BALEIA WINERY
Baleia Wines & Olives is located right next to the N2 highway in Riversdale, close to the Ou Meul Bakery & Café and Bali Trading Complex. The wines has received multiple awards for their wines, which is a perfect compliment for all meals.
Baleia’s range of premium food-friendly wines is a testament to the exceptional cultivars present on the farm. You can taste a bit of Mediterranean in every glass.
The success of Baleia lies in the location of the vineyard – Baleia’s vineyards is the only one on the Lower Duiwenhoks River in Vermaaklikheid, near Riversdale.
The Baleia Wine range includes the beloved Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Vinhos Rochas, Syrah and Blanc de Blanc MCC.
The Baleia Wines is also the home of good coffee and extra virgin olive oil.
The Baleia Tasting Room is open for wine tasting with seating indoors and outdoors. A wine tasting session is very affordable and the ideal activity for family and friends during the summer holidays.
Town: Riversdale
www.baleiawines.com
AAN’T VETTE WINERY
Aan’t Vette Wine Estate was established in 2008. The vineyard consists of a single block Syrah (Shiraz) cultivar that has consistently produced award-winning wines. The Aan’t Vette Wine Estate’s vineyard stretches to the banks of the Vette River bordering it.
After establishing the vineyard in 2008, the Aan’t Vette Wine Estate produced its first wine (Blanc de Noir) in 2011. Since then the Aan’t Vette wines have won many awards, and won over numerous wine experts and wine lovers.
A 150-year-old barn, with its almost one-metre-thick clay walls and 7-metre-high roof, was transformed into a modern winery. The old barn, now air-conditioned, also serves as a cellar where the oak barrels for the ageing of the red wine are stored.
Town: Riversdale
www.dedoornkraal.com
SIJNN WINES
Sijnn Wines is located in the hamlet of Malgas and can be accessed from Witsand by crossing the marvellous Breede River with the Malgas/Witsand Pontoon.
Sijnn Wines are acclaimed, with the Estate White blend 2024 and the Estate Red blend 2023 scoring 95 and 96 respectively according to the Tim Atkin Report 2025. The Estate White blend 2024 and the Estate Red blend 2023 will be released at the beginning of 2026.
Sijnn’s single varietal Grenache Noir 2022 and single varietal Vermentino 2024 scored 93 and 94 respectively – a true testament to the versatility and complexity of Sijnn Wines. The single varietal Grenache Noir 2022 and single varietal Vermentino 2024 is available through the Sjinn Wines online shop.
The Sijnn Wines tasting room awaits your visit for a curated tasting, with operational hours Monday to Saturday from 10h00 until 15h00.
Town: Malgas (accessed via Witsand and Buffeljagsriver)
www.sijnn.co.za
