Plettenberg Bay, located in the Garden Route in the Western Cape, has long been celebrated for its beaches, forests and natural beauty. Over the past two decades, it has also established itself as one of South Africa’s most distinctive wine regions, having been formally recognised with a Wine of Origin designation in 2006.

Set between the Indian Ocean and the Tsitsikamma Mountains, Plett’s wine-growing region is defined by its cool maritime climate. Sea breezes, moderate temperatures and varied soils create ideal conditions for wines of freshness, elegance and precision. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir thrive here, alongside a growing reputation for exceptional Cap Classique; wines that take centre stage each year at the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival.

Plett remains one of the smallest wine regions in South Africa, with approximately 55 hectares under vine, compared to nearly 100,000 hectares nationally. It is also the Western Cape’s most easterly wine-growing region, stretching along a narrow coastal corridor from Harkerville into The Crags.

Today, nine boutique wine estates form the heart of the Plett Wine of Origin region:

Each contributes to a collective identity built on small-scale production, careful farming and a strong sense of place.

A region defined by Cap Classique

A defining feature of the Plett wine story is its commitment to Cap Classique. Cap Classique refers to sparkling wines made using the traditional bottle-fermented method, similar to Champagne. Seven estates in the region produce these wines, crafted with the same care and time-honoured techniques as some of the world’s most respected sparkling wines.

This focus has positioned Plett as a recognised destination for Cap Classique, with wines that reflect both the precision of the method and the character of the coastline. Several estates produce and bottle their wines on-site, reinforcing the region’s hands-on, estate-driven approach.

If you’re looking to experience everything these wine farms have to offer, the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival is the region’s flagship annual event.

The Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival 2026

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 2 May at Kay & Monty Vineyards in The Crags. Hosted in partnership with Plett Tourism, the 2026 festival celebrates 20 years of Wine of Origin Plettenberg and  brings all nine estates into a single setting. Guests are invited to explore the full spectrum of Plett wines, from still varietals to Cap Classique as well as a curated food offering from local chefs and restaurants. A programme of live music, including a set from Nomadic Orchestra; a five-piece instrumental dance band with an energetic and infectious performance style. It will be a lively celebration of the region’s wines, landscape and community with a relaxed and distinctly local atmosphere

Tickets and full event details for the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival 2026 are available on Quicket.

Find out more

What wines does the Plett Wine Route produce?
The region specialises in cool-climate white varietals – particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc – as well as Pinot Noir and Cap Classique sparkling wines. The combination of coastal cool air, altitude and alkaline soils produces wines with natural acidity, lower sulphite levels and a refined, restrained character.

How many wine farms are on the Plett Wine Route?
There are currently nine wine farms on the Plett Wine Route, seven of which produce Cap Classique sparkling wine. Six estates currently process and bottle their wines entirely on-site.

When is the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival 2026?
The Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 2 May 2026 from 1pm to 6pm at Kay & Monty Vineyards, Plettenberg Bay.

Where is Kay & Monty Vineyards?
Kay & Monty Vineyards is a wine farm and vineyard on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay in an area known as The Crags in the Garden Route, Western Cape. It is part of the Rare Earth Retreats collection and produces five boutique wines, including a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, rosé, red blend and an award-winning Cap Classique.

How much are tickets to the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival?
Tickets are R465 per person and include a branded tasting glass, 10 complimentary tastings, exclusive wine purchase discounts and live music. Tickets are available via Quicket.

What is Cap Classique?
Previously known as Mèthode Cap Classique, Cap Classique is South Africa’s term for bottle-fermented sparkling wine, made in the same way as Champagne. It is defined by a secondary fermentation which occurs inside the bottle and is known for its high quality, featuring fine bubbles and complex, toasty or yeast-driven flavours. The Plett Wine Route has the highest concentration of Cap Classique producers of any wine region on the Garden Route, with eight producers currently operating in the area.