Once you first spot Fryer’s Cove from the main road of Doringbaai or from across the little bay you are smitten. All you want to do is sit just off the pier, soak in the view and the atmosphere, and sip on a glass of the Fryer’s Cove Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
Located on the West Coast Way Wild Route
Fryer’s Cove Winery is located on the West Coast Way Wild Route. Show us someone who says they can resist this authentic address, and we’ll show you a liar.
The wine tasting venue is in a disused crayfish factory – how’s that for a novel idea! You can taste the sea in the wine while the sea breeze enfolds you.
Apart from being a novel idea, it proved practical as the sea can be harnessed as an energy-saving cooling system.
The vineyards are not too far from here as it is close to the coast – and only 540 metres from the Atlantic Ocean – at Bamboesbaai, north of Doringbaai. No wonder then that the people at Fryer’s Cove describe their wines as “forged of the earth and tempered by the sea”. And tempered it is with a lot of mist and a cool climate.
The story goes that the idea of Fryer’s Cove wine was conceived around a braai. More South African and more authentic than that, you will struggle to find. It took a good few years before the dream could be realised, but it was. One of the stumbling blocks was water supply.
But ‘n boer maak ‘n plan, as they say. So a pipeline of 30 kilometres was built from the Vredendal farm to the vineyards at Bamboesbaai. The pipeline crosses three farms to get to the vines. But if you have a vision and dedication, that is what you do.
A standout feature is the huge fishtank standing proudly in the Fryer’s Cove cellar. The fish tank replicates the ocean on Fryer’s Cove’s doorstep, with fresh ocean water circulating into the fish tank as the tide comes in. It is home to local fish, which were carefully selected with the help of the Two Oceans Aquarium. The tank is also home to 600 bottles of the famed Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
Back to the Doringbaai Waterfront – whilst sipping on your Sauvignon Blanc, you can order from the Jetty Restaurant seafood menu – simple food prepared well and served generously. The restaurant is a joint project with the community and serves perfectly shucked and delicious oysters, fish curry, pickled fish and
Find Fryer’s Cove Winery on the West Coast Way Wild Route
Not pet friendly
Open 7 days a week 10:00 to 18:00
Distance from Cape Town: 257km
Where: Doringbaai
Contact: Booking is essential +27 76 290 4372 | [email protected] | www.fryerscove.co.za
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
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Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
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