Calitzdorp and surrounds

In 1821, land was granted to JJ and MC Calitz who named it Buffelsvlei. This name was derived from the local vegetation and animals found here.

In 1853, the land was donated by the Calitz family for a church and school to be built, as Oudtshoorn proved to be too far to travel.

In 1910, the population was 4000 and a larger church and school were needed. Both buildings were completed in 1912 The church has a neo-Byzantine style with a Marseilles roof. It was declared a national monument in 1991.

The Calitzdorp dam was built in 1912, the first of many to be built in South Africa using cement.

Milestones:  

Railway line (1924) 

Electrification (1937) 

(1937) First Cement road between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn (also a first for South Africa ) 

The new R62 was built in 1978.  

Port-wine

Port Wine Capital of South Africa - Port-grape varieties prefer a hot, dry, climate such as that of Calitzdorp. There are quite a lot of similarities between the climate of Calitzdorp and the Douro valley in Portugal. The poor, well-drained soils of Calitzdorp, where vines struggle to ripen, are very suitable for port - wine production.

These port-wines are produced from internationally recognized varieties such as Tinta Barocca and Touriga Nacional. A blend of these varieties enhances the aroma-intensity, depth and complexity of these port-wines. Last, but by no means least the dedication of the port-makers is pivotal in the production of these prizewinning port-wines, made in the classic tradition of a high alcohol and relatively low sugar content. 

Calitzdorp is a quaint little town on route62, nestled in the heart of the klein karoo, Western Cape, Rep. of South Africa This haven is also known as the port wine capitol of South Africa, due to the quality of the port wines made by the local wine cellars. Top quality wines are produced in Calitzdorp mainly by Boplaas, De Krans, Axe Hill and Calitzdorp wine cellar. There are other Calitzdorp cellars also producing quality port and wine, further info here.calitz

Activities

Other activities in and around Calitzdorp include birding, horse riding and trails, mountain biking, canoeing and fishing.