De Krans

A Weekend in Calitzdorp: Discovering the Klein Karoo  

Calitzdorp is a beautiful secret tucked away in the Klein Karoo. Recently, I spent a lovely weekend at Welgevonden Guest House, where I experienced the warm hospitality of the area and the beauty of its surroundings. 

A Warm Welcome at Welgevonden Guest House

When we arrived, we were greeted by Briette, the owner of Welgevonden. Right away, I felt at home. Brett is truly passionate about Calitzdorp and introduced us to the Calitzdorp Camino, a path that’s now on my must-do list.

The guest house has a cozy Karoo feel, with framed maps on the walls showing different destinations, each with stories to tell. Every morning, Briette served a delicious breakfast made from fresh produce grown right there. The coffee was excellent, and Briette’s friendly stories added to the experience. The guest house also has braai facilities and a pool, making it a great spot to relax.

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Visiting De Krans Wines

On Saturday, we headed to De Krans Wines, located along the beautiful Gamka River Valley. This winery has a rich history that began in 1973 when the owner accidentally planted Tinta Barocca instead of Shiraz. De Krans is famous for its port-style wines and is known for being innovative in the wine industry. They have won over 700 awards, making them one of the top wineries in South Africa.

A Memorable Experience with Oom Boets

Our visit was made even better by Oom Boets, who welcomed us warmly and took us on a drive through Groenfontein. He showed us hidden spots in the mountains, which were absolutely stunning. At one viewpoint, we enjoyed tasting their refreshing moscato wines while taking in the view of the Calitzdorp Dam.

Wine Tasting Delights

When we returned to De Krans, we tried several of their amazing wines:

2023 Touriga Nacional: This wine has fruity notes of plum with a bit of spice, making it rich and enjoyable.
2022 Tritonia – Garden Route Shiraz: This Shiraz is packed with dark fruit flavors and some pepper, making it truly special.
2022 Tinta Roriz: Noted for its cherry aroma, it also has a fresh taste balanced with a touch of oak.
2025 Chenin Blanc: This wine is bright and fruity, with a smooth finish, making it perfect for warm days.
2024 Chardonnay: This wine has a buttery flavor mixed with citrus, creating a lovely taste experience.
2025 Pinotage Rosé: With hints of strawberries, this light pink wine is fresh and perfect for the summer.
2024 Twist of Fate: This blend has unique grape combinations that create a memorable drinking experience.

Inside the cellar, we learned about the traditional French oak basket press, which is used to make some of their best wines.

Building a Sense of Community

What makes De Krans stand out is the sense of community you feel while visiting. There’s a lovely 30-minute walking trail through the vineyards, and each year guests can pick grapes or apricots during harvest time. Visitors also have the chance to visit the De Krans Deli & Bistro for tasty meals paired with their wines.

After our wine-tasting experience, we returned to Welgevonden for dinner at Port Wine Guest House. The cozy atmosphere and Karoo-style dinner with lamb chops and vegetables were a fantastic ending to our day.

Exploring the Charm of Calitzdorp

Before we left the next day, we walked around Calitzdorp, enjoying its beautiful buildings. The Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1912, is a National Monument known for its impressive sandstone walls, steel ceiling and an organ imported from Germany.

The Beauty of Route 62

A must-visit when you’re in the area is Route 62, known as the world’s longest wine route. This road takes you through many charming towns like Robertson, Worcester, and Montagu. The scenery along Route 62 is breathtaking, featuring the red soils of the Karoo, rivers, and beautiful flowers. Outdoor activities such as hiking and 4×4 trails are plentiful, and you can explore fascinating historical sites along the way.

One of the highlights of this route is the Cogmanskloof Pass, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Don’t forget to stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop, a quirky roadside stop that has become a well-known landmark!

In conclusion, my weekend in Calitzdorp was filled with warmth, great wine, and friendly people. It’s a special place where visitors can truly connect with the community and savor the beauty of the Klein Karoo.

Article by Justine Otto