Olifants River Northwest of the Coastal Region, the Olifants River valley flows northward from the Cederberg Mountains. On the sandy alluvial soil near Citrusdal, orange groves line the riverbank. To the north is the Clanwilliam dam which provides much of the water for the towns and farms. Fields of rooibos tea bushes are grown here. Further north are Vredendal and Lutzville Valley, where the output of industrial-sized wine co-ops make Olifants River the second largest-producing South African wine region. Smaller, quality-driven properties are springing up along the coast and on high-altitude sites further inland. Large scale organic farming is being done, made possible in dry areas by low humidity and controlled water sources, which minimize vine diseases. Two notable stand-alone wards are situated on either side of the region. To the west, on the Atlantic coast, is Lambert’s Bay, showing great promise for Sauvignon Blanc in particular. To the east, in the Cederberg Mountains at elevations up to 3300 feet, is the Cederberg ward. Here, there is no coastal influence and the climate is cool Mediterranean, with dramatic temperature shifts between day and night. Varied soils and aspects provide good conditions for a range of red and white varietals.

(Olifants River Valley, South Africa)

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