Less than an hour out of Cape Town, the Elgin Valley in the southern Overberg is roughly 10km from the sea. The enveloping mountains and the cool Atlantic Ocean breezes, as well as the high altitude and rainfall and cooler winters, are what give Elgin wines their distinct profile. The soil, too, plays a vital role, imparting a recognisable minerality.Famous for its apples, Elgin was sauvignon blanc country traditionally, but there are many surprises to be enjoyed, some of them red and rosy.Elgin's predominantly family-run estates are easily navigable, with an affable neighbourliness, and devoid of the crowds found in the more famous winelands.Before any wines are tasted, though, we stop at the revamped Peregrine Farm Stall and vie with the Saturday Spandex crowd - the cyclists and runners - for a breakfast table. We enjoy creamy scrambled eggs and fresh bread before heading to nearby Oak Valley, a pristine property with lunch tables set up on the plush lawns around a sparkling pool.After a tasting, we load a case of rose into the boot and make a quick stop at Winters Drift, where a birthday brunch is under way at the charming restaurant. Next, we detour on to the Viljoenshoop Road towards Almenkerk Wine Estate. A semi-panoramic view across the depths of the valley awaits. Natalie Opstaele pours generously as the family's dogs greet us with soft nudges."Elgin's biggest advantage within the local viticulture context is that our nights cool down," says Opstaele's husband, winemaker Joris Almenkerk. "This diurnal fluctuation [the difference between day and night temperatures] allows the grapes a longer ripening time on the vine."Essentially, this influences the sweetness of the wines.At nearby Highlands Road we enjoy another personal tasting in a cosy room, across from a whitewashed cafe by the lake. The last available bottles of an unlabelled sparkling wine, made in collaboration with neighbour Charles Fox (who's just released a 2011 cap classique), prove irresistible. We cart out the loot and head back onto the N2 to Paul Cluver Wines for a late lunch under the oaks.After a walk among the orchards at Inn on Highlands, where we are staying for the night, we sip a shiraz by the dam.Karen Glanfield, a specialist wine guide, has recommended a list of varietals for us to try. "Mike Kreft of Belfield, a very small estate, has bravely created sleek reds in an area known for white wines," she says.Paired with a few friends, good dining options and an overnight stay, the Elgin Valley proves a recharging break from the usual.The LowdownWhere to drinkVisit Elgin Cool Wine and Country Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets R100 from Webtickets. www.elginwine.co.zaWhere to eatPeregrine Farm Stall: www.peregrinefarmstall.co.za, 021-848-9011Fresh at Paul Cluver Wines: www.freshrestaurant.co.za,071-563-6020Oak Valley: www.oakvalley.co.za, 021-859-2510Where to stayInn on Highlands: www.innonhighlands.co.za, 082-498-5246Mac Daddy luxury trailers: www.oldmacdaddy.co.za, 021-844-0241..