The Drift is surrounded by magnificent nature, curious towns and crush of wine farms
The Drift Farm is nestled in the Overberg Highlands area of the Overberg Valley, to the east of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. The area to the south of us has more recently come to be known as the ‘Whale Coast’, because of the annual influx of enormous sea-going mammals that can routinely be sighted very close to the shoreline. However, it would be a mistake to think that it’s all about the whales. There’s lots more to discover about this hidden gem tucked alongside the Cape Peninsula.
The “Overberg” – Old Dutch for over the mountain – extends from the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range in the west – a wine and fruit farming region – to Cape Agulhas, Africa’s southernmost tip, then along the coast to the north east up to the Swellendam region. Swellendam is South Africa’s third oldest town, dating back to 1743 and is full of fascinating and well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture.
The Overberg is primarily known as the wheat basket of South Africa, but free range sheep and cattle are also farmed extensively in this region. There are also small pockets of premium winegrape vineyards and olive groves.
The climate can be described as Mediterranean, with cold, wet winters and dry warm summers. However, altitude along the mountain ranges can affect this generalisation.