Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September to highlight South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings, and the sector’s significant contribution to the country’s economy.
Explore these Cape Winelands offerings, showcasing this year's Responsibility theme for Tourism Month
DAY 1 | Paarl - Wellington
Quadbiking at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate
Guests can enjoy quad bike tours on the estate, led by an experienced guide. The tours take place on horse trails, allowing one to enjoy the scenery and views. Several routes are available, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, as well as a fun obstacle course. Safety training is provided, and the trail operates 7 days a week.
Website: https://winevalleyadventures.com
Eat at Viande Restaurant at Grande Roche
Renowned TV celebrity Chef Pete Goffe-Wood chef-patron of the all-new restaurant, Viande at Grande Roche Hotel. Viande, the French name meaning simply “meat”, is not only in line with the hotel’s, but also a statement of culinary direction. Viande is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Sunday brunch on the cards as well.
Website: http://granderoche.com/viande-restaurant
Whisky & sample dish pairings at James Sedgwick Distillery
Experience the beauty and craftsmanship of South African whiskies at the internationally awarded James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington - the only commercial whisky distillery in Africa. Experiences on offer include distillery tours and whisky tastings.
Website: www.jamessedgwickdistillery.co.za
Stayover at Wellington Country House
Experience quiet setting with stunning mountain, vineyard and orchard views
Website: www.wellingtoncountryhouse.co.za
DAY 2 | Ceres – Wolseley - Tulbagh
Cider tasting at Loxtonia
Based in the Ceres Valley, Loxtonia Cider is a family venture that puts the emphasis on sustainability and ethical harvesting. The orchard to bottle farm is committed to ensuring that not only is their cider delicious (it is!), but also does not negatively affect the environment in which it is grown. The farm also offers tasting sessions in the Tasting Room.
Website: www.loxtonia.co.za
Eat at Waverley Hills
The restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients sourced from local producers, as well as their seasonal permaculture garden. Waverley Hills strives to serve delicious, quality food in a relaxed country atmosphere with beautiful views all year round. In summer you will experience the vineyards bursting into life and an abundance of bird and wildlife on the farm. In winter, the fireplaces will be burning and the surrounding mountain snow-capped.
Website: https://waverleyhills.co.za
Horse About Trails
Experience a soul-restoring horseback trail in the heart of the Cape Winelands, an easy 90 minute drive from Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Somerset West. Horse About Trails, on the R46 between Tulbagh & Wolseley, is easily accessible not only for guests staying over in the Witzenberg Valley, but also for day trippers from Cape Town or explorers between the West and East coasts and Route 62.
Website: www.horseabout.co.za
Stayover in a Geodome at La Bruyere Farm
This is a new option in Tulbagh, offering guests the chance to stay in a unique Geodome that embraces nature in every way. Complete with a riverside hot tub, outdoor shower, fully functional kitchen, shaded deck for relaxing and trendy décor inside a unique dome structure, the Geodome is nothing short of a once-in-a lifetime experience.
Website: www.labruyerefarm.com
DAY 3 | Worcester – Rawsonville
Olive tasting at Willow Creek Olive Estate
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and take a drive to Willow Creek Olive Estate where one can enjoy the complete olive experience – from tree to table. Here you can only hear the sounds of birds and farm life. Visit the tasting room, nestled amongst olive trees with beautiful mountain views and enjoy the fresh air and goodness of nature.
Website: https://willowcreek.co.za
Eat at Bosjes Kombuis
Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Bosjes – a design showcase of architecture offering a contemporary lunch menu; designed by local celebrity chef Pete-Goffe Wood. Bosjes also boasts a chapel – the perfect new venue to host weddings.
Website: www.bosjes.co.za
Gin tasting at Monk’s Gin Distillery
MONKS gins are handcrafted and double-distilled in small batches using a hybrid artisanal still called ‘Jennifer’. Expect intensely flavour-forward botanicals, nine of them hand-picked and many endemic to the area. Combine with crystal-clear mountain waters and the result is a rewarding one, featuring ripples of citrus, berries and Cape Buchu.
Website: https://monksgin.co.za
Stayover at Pod Houses at Dwarsberg
Introducing, Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway’s new Luxurious four-sleeper Pod houses. Choose between 4 single beds or 2 king size beds, with each room equipped with an en-suite bathroom. Breath-taking views, overlooking mountains and vineyards, come free of charge!
Website: www.trouthaven.co.za
DAY 4 | Robertson - McGregor
Robertson Wine Valley Safari
Experience unique wine tastings, delicious local cuisine, warm country hospitality and stunning farmland scenery, the truly African way!
Website: www.winevalleysafari.com
Eat at Tebaldi's Restaurant
The fully licensed restaurant Tebaldi’s is situated in the Temenos gardens. Come and relax in the beautiful ambiance. Breakfast and lunch is served on the restaurant’s shaded patio overlooking the rose garden or in the sunny courtyard in front of the restaurant. In the evenings come and relax in the beautiful elegant ambiance.
Website: www.temenos.org.za/restaurant
Viljoensdrift River Cruise
Trail your feet in the cool waters of the Breede River, while toasting the good life with a glass of Viljoensdrift wine on board their elegant flat-bottomed river boat named Uncle Ben 2.
Website: https://viljoensdrift.co.za
Stayover at Yellowstone Cottages
Welcome to Yellowstone Cottages. The ideal place to stay when visiting the quaint village of McGregor and the surrounding wineries and towns. The two comfortable self-catering, country cottages are fully furnished and equipped. Each luxury cottage has a private entrance, vine-covered stoep, small garden, cosy fireplace and braai facilities.
Website: www.yellowstonecottages.co.za
DAY 5 | Montagu – Ashton
Flying Feet Bike Tours
Explore Montagu on a hand-painted Dutch-style town bike. Visitors can choose a vibrant town tour, an art tour or a combination of the two. You’ll be immersed in the lifestyle, history and heritage of this beautiful village. Share our triple love: Montagu, Art & Cycling.
Website: https://flyingfeet.co.za
Eat at Graze @ Excelsior
Come visit and enjoy one of the deli’s freshly baked ‘roosterbrood’ sandwiches with your choice of gourmet fillings. The traditional breads are baked every morning in a wood-fired oven and prepared using, where possible, local produce. The menu is changed on a monthly basis meaning that there is always something new for you to try.
Website: www.excelsior.co.za
Platform 62 in Ashton
Purchase wine from the Robertson Wine Valley and surrounds, your one stop shop. Courier services are also available to visitors. At Platform 62 you can also explore the Arts & Crafts section, the Wine Boutique, Farm Stall and the Shed Restaurant
Website: www.platform62.co.za
Stayover at Montagu Vines
Montagu Vines is a top 4-star guesthouse, situated on a town farm in the historic conservation area of Oudam in Montagu, on the world famous Route 62.
Website: www.montaguvines.co.za