Winery · Montagu

Mampoer & Witblits: Illegal Spirits of the Cape

Mampoer (peach-based, up to 80% alcohol) and witblits ("white lightning," grape-based) are 200-year Cape traditions. Once criminalized by 1924 KWV monopoly, distillation now legal with licenses — Montagu celebrates fruitiest mampoer alongside grape spirits in Klein Karoo tradition.

What to do there

TastingMampoer & Witblits: Illegal Spirits of the CapeMampoer (wild fruit spirit) and witblits (white lightning from grape marc) - distilled secretly since the 1600s. Home distilling was illegal until 2007. The Kultuur Stokers Gilde formed in 1982 to preserve the craft. Try 'Bolandse Kookwater' - the Cape's original bootleg brandy. The annual Mampoerfees celebrates what was once a criminal act.

Wineries nearby

Winery Klein Karoo Muscadel & Dried Fruit Trail Klein Karoo's Muscadel fortifieds have aged in mountain caves for 200+ years; Montagu's dried fruit trail pairs sweet wine with raisins and figs from South Africa's sunniest valley.