skip navigation
Close up of Palu Cluver Chardonnay and Pinot Noir [FNB WInes2Whales]

FNB Wines2Whales Wine Route – Paul Cluver

By FNB Wines2Whales, 09/22/21, 5:00PM HST

Share

Close up of Palu Cluver Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

For 120 years Paul Cluver has been a mainstay of the Elgin farming community. While its impact on mountain biking and the FNB Wines2Whales is a little more recent, the farm has hosted every edition of the race. Including the upcoming 12th edition, in 2021.

A family-owned farm, Paul Cluver wine estate is synonymous with the FNB Wines2Whales. It is home to many of the race’s most famous trails, like the Pofadder, Mamba, Cobra and Rietvlei Magic. For 2021 the FNB W2W Switchback riders are in for a treat on Paul Cluver too, as Rietvlei Magic has been extended to include a dramatic final feature.

A elevated wooden bridge

Its wines are truly spectacular though, and the real reason for any visit to the estate. Especially now that the trails are closed outside of events and special group bookings. Paul Cluver’s cool climate ensures late ripening fruit, while the soils dictate the varietals. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grow on Bokkeveld Shale, while Paul Cluver Riesling vines grow in Fericrete soils.

These soils and the low impact approach to winemaking produce a variety of wines across the Estate, Village and Seven Flags ranges. A favourite is the Noble Late Harvest, which is the perfect accompaniment for a cheese platter or with dessert. While the Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir and Seven Flags Chardonnay are the estate’s flagship wines; best reserved for a special occasion, perhaps.

A layout of deserts from Cluvers

The estate is open from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays as well as 08:00 to 16:00 on weekends, but all tastings must be pre-booked through the website, www.cluver.com. Paul Cluver also boasts an exceptional restaurant on the farm, which is open 7-days a week from 08:00 to 16:30. Dinner is served on Friday evenings, only, between 18:00 and 21:00.

 

Paul Cluver
Location: Paul Cluver Wine Estate, Elgin
Website: www.cluver.com
Opening Hours: Weekdays 08:00 to 17:00 and Weekends from 08:00 to 16:00