Nestled in the picturesque Midlands of KZN, most travelers are familiar with the charming Piggly Wiggly Village. What commenced as a modest ensemble of a coffee shop cum deli and a store brimming with collectables has transformed over the years into what many affectionately call a 'farm shopping mall'. The village welcomes visitors with shops symmetrically arranged in an oval around a central grassy area, featuring a delightful children's playground. Parents can relax with a soothing cup of coffee, all the while keeping a watchful eye on their little ones. Those looking for a quaint experience can even hop on the village's little steam train, but be sure to make your reservations at the coffee shop, especially if you're aiming for the delightful all-day breakfast! However, what often remains a mystery to many is that this enchanting village is merely a part of the expansive Highgate Wine Estate. This estate carries the esteemed distinction of being the pioneer in producing a KwaZulu Natal certified Chardonnay in 2010. The unique climatic conditions of the mistbelt region, characterized by frequent cold and misty days, bestow a distinctive flavour to Highgate's Chardonnay. With grapes flourishing in the area's heavy soils and the wine maturing in French oak for half a year, wine enthusiasts can expect a fruity taste tinged with a hint of woody essence. Highgate is not just limited to Chardonnay. The estate also proudly cultivates Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their early success led to an addition of Cabernet Sauvignon vines and plans for further expansion. Highgate's rich history traces back to its days as a vegetable farm. In fact, the region's very first polo field was situated on Highgate Farm. By 2005, the farm had dedicated a hectare to vineyards, commencing with Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinotage, and Shiraz, soon followed by Cabernet Sauvignon. Although the vine cultivation in the Midlands presents its unique set of challenges, being a summer rainfall region with varied soil quality, the knowledge acquired from the Cape's wine areas has been invaluable. Visitors at Piggly Wiggly have the golden opportunity to sample the exquisite wines from Highgate's collection. Furthermore, for those captivated by the serene beauty of the Midlands and fantasizing about living amidst the vineyards, Highgate is in the process of crafting a residential area. They also have plans for a boutique hotel and a conference centre, with new vineyards intended to be woven seamlessly into this development.
Exploring Highgate Wine Estate and Its Surroundings
Getting There
Breyten Odendaal
Reporting from the frontlines of the South African tourism renaissance. Bridging the gap between regional stories and global audiences through elite narrative strategy.