Lomond - Taste the Best of Cape's Cool Climate Region

As the holidays come to an end, life returns to normal. This is also true for the Cape, where summer holidays conclude soon. Local tourists are heading home while Capetonians resume their work. Beaches that were overcrowded during the festivities are now accessible, and restaurants are less crowded.

Before the holiday chaos began, we took the opportunity to visit Lomond, one of our partners in the Cape Agulhas wine region, part of the greater Overberg area. Located about 2 hours from Somerset West and 45 minutes from Hermanus, the winery sits in the Cape Agulhas appellation near the Atlantic Ocean, offering a serene retreat amidst nature. The tourist bustle is far away. Instead, you find tranquility, the sounds of nature, and a wealth of plants, along with the hard work of those who manage agriculture and fight to preserve this unique natural paradise.

Lomond is nestled by a dam within the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy, hosting a multitude of endangered plant species, including Mountain & Elim Fynbos, Milkwood forests, and wetlands. Some Fynbos species are exclusive to Lomond. Owner Geoff McIver understands this unique flora as a responsibility and signed a conservation agreement with "Fauna and Flora International" in 2018 to protect the critically endangered Elim Ferricrete Fynbos.

Wildlife corridors have also been established, increasing the native wildlife population, including the elusive Cape leopard. The resident male leopard "Baharti" was photographed by a camera just 100 meters from the winery, along with other wildlife.

Some may assume agriculture is the biggest threat to this landscape, but they are mistaken. It is the invasive species like “Myrtle” and “Port Jackson”. These invasive plants endanger the native flora. The critical work to combat this is done by eco-entrepreneur Princess and her team of 10 women, a vital effort that is just one step in the complex Fynbos rescue operation. Fire is the first step, occurring naturally every 12 to 15 years. In 2022, specialists conducted a controlled burn of an 18-hectare area. What may look like barren land is, in fact, the perfect nursery for the next generation of plants.

Thus, back to Lomond, where the focus indeed remains on producing world-class wines we are proud to offer in our selection.

During our visit, we were delighted to sample new vintages when Geoff invited us to the reopening of the Tasting Room. It was restored in record time after being flooded due to heavy rains in late September. Now it is more beautiful than ever, offering stunning views over the dam.

We highly recommend that anyone traveling to the Cape Agulhas region makes this a significant stop on their journey.