Apple Country
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The Elgin Valley lies over Sir Lowry's Pass, about an hour from Cape Town. For most of its history it was known for apples and pears, and the valley is still one of South Africa's major apple-growing areas.
The wine industry here is young. Farmers began planting vineyards in large numbers from the 1990s, after realising that the cool climate that suited apples also suited wine grapes.
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Fruit first
Apples and pears remain a big part of the valley.
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Over the pass
Sir Lowry's Pass leads you into the valley.
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Young wine region
Most vineyards were planted from the 1990s.
🇿🇦 Cape spotlight
The valley sits next to the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognised area of fynbos.
🧠 Quick check: tap to reveal
🤔 What was Elgin best known for before wine?
Apples and pears.
🤔 What pass do you cross to reach the valley?
Sir Lowry's Pass.
Lesson 2: Elgin fun facts