Karusa Vineyard

Proprietor: Karusa Partnership
Estate Manager: Theo Landman
Cellar Master: Jacques Conradie
Viticulturist: Jacques Conradie; Theo Landman
Area under vines: 10 ha
Brands: Karusa Lifestyle Collection, Reserve Collection, Karoo Classique Collection
Wines: Karusa Lifestyle Collection Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon; Pinotage Rose; Sauvignon Blanc/Chenin Blanc Reserve Collection Earth’s Art Chardonnay/Viognier; The 5th Element Syrah/Viognier Karoo Classique Collection: Cuvee de la Maison Chardonnay/Pinot Noire; Prestige Cuvee Blanc de Blanc Karusa Varietal Collection Southern Slope Sauvignon Blanc; Stonerock Viognier; Terre Noire Syrah; One Tree Hill Pinotage

Karusa is set at the foothill of the majestic Swartberg. The vineyards are grown at 550 m altitude on a direct south facing hillside on weathered colluvium soil. It is the only private winery on route to the world renowned Cango Caves.

This unique exposition of terroir produces wines of complexity, character and distinction and is handcrafted by our cellar master to ensure its full potential.

This specialist producer with an organic approach to viticulture and winemaking prides itself on being a dynamic, innovative and leading premium producer in the region while respecting and encouraging a sustainable approach towards the natural elements.

Meet the winemaker:
Jacques Conradie is a partner and winemaker for Karusa Vineyards in Oudtshoorn. He describes himself as a lifelong student, constantly inquisitive, reading, exploring, creating and experimenting.

His favourite wine from Karusa:
Karusa Double Black Petite Sirah. Its unique – non commercial and fits the extreme climate of the Klein Karoo – and its everything that wine snobs do not want! Pitch black, intensely aromatic with overripe jammy and black spice flavours, a huge tannic wine and over extracted with a 14.5%+ alcohol – not for the faint hearted wine drinker and winner of the Unusual Red Wine Trophy at the 2013 Klein Karoo/Southern Cape Bottled Wine Show.

Fact about Jacques you probably did not know:
I live (and love) my hobby of winemaking…for a sideline brewing craft beer is my pet project with the production of red wine vinegar and making artisan cheese in the near future….

Our wine garden with the great Swartberg Mountains as a backdrop is the perfect site to savour our exquisite wines over a relaxed tapas-style lunch.

The Karoo Victorian-style homestead and relaxed atmosphere creates that tranquil “Karoo feeling”. Mix and match your Karoo Tapas lunch selection, perfectly complimented by a crisp white or rose – perfect for those warm Karoo days. From ostrich carpachio and Karoo olives with fresh bread and a variety of cheese – a sensual experience of the Karoo with locally produced delicatessen being used throughout.

Tastings & lunches – no bookings required.
Monday – Friday: 09:30am – 16:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 14:30pm
Closed on Sundays / Christmas Day / Public Holidays.

The R328, known as the “Cango Route” is 30 km long and stretches north from Oudtshoorn to the foot of the great Swartberg. It is the most traveled route in the Klein Karoo region – with some of the most visited tourist destinations in South Africa.

The route offers a diversity of activities, accommodation and a scenic drive through the Cango Valley. Must do activities and places to visit include the Cango Caves, Cango Wildlife Ranch, Cango Ostrich farm, Buffelsdrift Game Reserve, Swartberg Adventures, Wilgewandel Holiday farm and Karusa Vineyards.

The Cango Route is the entrance to the Cango Caves and entrance to the Great Karoo across the Swartberg pass. Please visit our website www.cangoroute.co.za for more information.

Karusa is a proud member of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) system, complying with international wine industry environmental sustainability criteria, assuring consumers that their wine is being produced in as environmentally friendly way as possible.