Truly Unique
A small range of premium, cool-climate wines from grapes grown in the Upper Langkloof area on the foothills of the Outeniqua mountains (600 meters above sea level) and grapes from the foothills of the Kammanassie mountains (520m above sea level), from two of the most exciting varieties in South Africa, Sauvignon blanc and Shiraz, at affordable prices – this in essence is the motive behind the creation of the Garden Route range of wines.
Made with passion
Before going about producing these wines, a considerable amount of time was spent studying the possibility of producing premium wines from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the cool climate Upper Langkloof area, close to the foothills of the Outeniqua mountains near Herold. The newly launched Shiraz gets its grapes from the high-lying foothills of the Kammanassie mountains near De Rust.
Nature's Beauty
The name Garden Route was chosen because it already is a strong brand, easily recognisable and the grapes are grown in foothills of the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains, overlooking the beautiful Garden Route. Residents of and visitors to the Garden Route that love the temperate climate, beautiful scenery and the leisurely lifestyle of this region, will easily identify with these premium wines. The labels depict the abundance of the fauna and flora of the Garden Route in a unique way.
OUR STORY
The Garden Route range was first developed in 2008 by the owner of De Krans Wines and Cape Wine Master, Boets Nel. As an avid lover of especially Sauvignon Blanc, he realised early on that the Klein Karoo, while magical and unique in its terroir, will never really be conducive to producing a stellar Sauvignon Blanc. With the coast just over the mountain and in our proverbial back yard, it was an easy decision to start his own range of the wines he loves, from the place he loves. Be it over 40 years of living with the Karoo heat, or simply seeking a new challenge, the cooler climate no doubt had an undeniable appeal and Boets’s passion for this terroir and these cultivars translates into beautiful, complex wines of great quality.
Every year during harvest, the grapes are transported from the vineyards in the Upper Langkloof area to the cellar at De Krans Wines – a true team effort from Boets and De Krans Wines winemaker, Christoff de Wet. The collective passion for this range was on display last year when Christoff received the coveted nomination as finalist for Diner’s Club Winemaker of the Year for the Garden Route Sauvignon Blanc – testament to the leaps and bounds this wine has developed through the years in flavour, complexity and sophistication. While the range originally consisted of a Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, the range has evolved through the years when the Shiraz was replaced by a Pinot Noir. Due to an availability of vineyards and grapes in the right areas, the Pinot Noir was once again replaced with the Shiraz, which was relaunched in 2023.
We hope that you enjoy these wines and in the process share in our passion and love for the beautiful Garden Route and its vineyards.
Our Wines
Sauvignon Blanc 2024
R 110.00
13.5% alcohol
Fresh tropical fruits and cut grass/green pepper palate with a mineral flint finish, well balanced acidity and a lingering finish.
Awards
Finalist Diners Club Winemaker of The Year 2022
Tim Atkin MW: 91 points
Veritas Gold medal 2022
Gilbert & Gaillard Double Gold 2022
(Available exclusively through De Krans Wines online shop)
Shiraz 2021
R 140.00
13.5% alcohol
Alluring palate of fresh plums and spice with hints of mulberry and cherry. Smooth well-structured tannins and integrated acidity results in excellent ageing potential.
Awards
4 Star rating – 2024 Platter’s Wine Guide
(Available exclusively through De Krans Wines online shop)
Reviews
“Soft with a smooth mouthfeel and well softened tannins. Hints of vanilla and a deep fruitiness. Most enjoyable.”
“Red fruit white pepper vibrant good structure good value easy to drink.”
“Light. Pleasant drinking. Peppery notes and berry’s. Not too full bodied.”