Route 62 – making its way through the Klein Karoo – is well known as the alternative route between Cape Town and the Garden Route. Calitzdorp is en route, and is a regular stopover for tasting the world famous ports from the wineries which are practically in the middle of the little town. But, there is a winding dirt road which leads one out of town and into the picture perfect Groenfontein Valley. Approximately 15 km out of town – at a hairpin right hand bend – you will see a small signpost with a portly, golden, flying pig emblazoned on it. You will know then that you’ve found the place where dreams do come true, as you will have found the Bayly’s and their secret patch of vines. The majestic Swartberg Mountains overlook their meticulously tended 1.2 ha of Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional and Souzao  which are not used exclusively for making traditional port.

Here we have an unusual, dry red wine made with these three traditional port varieties. It offers ample, ripe dark berry flavours with interesting spice and herbal notes. It’s full bodied and needs a big glass – and probably a second bottle – as you enjoy the typical Karoo sunset.