The Cape Winelands is an area renowned for its, well, wine, but there is far more on offer, with everything from adventure experiences to stargazing to choose from. In 2020, there are plenty of new and unique activites to explore.
Worcester
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!
For more information: Call 023 349 1919 or email info@trouthaven.co.za
Montagu
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: www.montagu.org.za/what-to-do/flying-feet-guided- town-tours
Koo Stargazing
Koo Stargazing bring strangers together and creates memorable experiences. This is not a scientific experience, but rather a simple and uncomplicated pleasure, like everything divine. In our man-made environments, the sky is often the only God-made thing around us. Sometimes the discoveries far exceed how it was imagined, sometimes the discovery comes at a totally unexpected moment and sometimes, both!
Website: https://www.montagu.org.za/what-to-do/koo-stargazing/
Franschhoek
Epice
Based in the former home of Marigold, Epice is the latest venture from the team behind La Colombe, La Petite Colombe, Foxcroft and Protégé and will no doubt be another great addition to the stable of restaurants. Derived from the French word Épice meaning spice (and is pronounced eh-peace), the venue is an intimate fine dining restaurant serving an array of delectably curated dishes. Headed by chef Charné Sampson (previously sous chef at La Colombe), and features a flavour-packed menu inspired by the team’s culinary expedition to India, as well as memories of travels through Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark and the US.
Website: https://www.epice.co.za
Marilyn’s Sushi Bar
Marilyn's Sushi Bar, is a new and exciting dining offering for visitors and locals alike. A luxurious champagne, sushi and oyster bar in the heart of town, it’s a fantastic addition to the culinary scene in this wonderful town in the Cape Winelands.
Website: https://web.facebook.com/MarilynsFranschhoek/
Le Chêne Restaurant
Award-winning chef and patron of Franschhoek’s ‘Le coin Francais‘, Darren Badenhorst, recently opened his second establishment in the valley. ‘Le chêne’, meaning ‘The Oak Tree’, is located in the Manor House at Leeu Estates, and makes up part of the Leeu Collection. Paying homage to Franschhoek by utilizing only the finest local ingredients whilst celebrating the valley’s heritage through its cuisine, concept and interiors, Le Chêne is yet another world class restaurant adding to Franschhoek’s burgeoning reputation as the gourmet capital of the Western Cape.
Website: https://leeucollection.com/SA/leeu-estates
7 Koppies Guest House
7 Koppies is an exclusive guesthouse set on 50 hectares of pristine fynbos on a privately-owned farm. Situated atop a private mountain or “koppie”, the property surveys the Franschhoek valley and Simonsberg mountains – an out-of-this-world view, with arguably the best vantage point for sunset in the wine valley during the summer months. Explore the farm by foot or on bike and take advantage of the 25-metre pool, honesty bar and more!
Website: http://www.7koppies.co.za/
Ceres
Cider Tasting:
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: https://www.loxtonia.co.za
Op-die-Berg Horse & Carraige Trails:
Experience nature from a different vantage point with Op-die-Berg Horse & Carriage Trails. For the more adventuroushorse-lovers, who long for a hands-on experience, you can join for the harnessing of the horses before the ride commence. The horse carriage rides are also suitable for older and differently abled people. Share in the beauty, fun and excitement of the Koue Bokkeveld fruit farms, beautiful dams and sandstone mountains with your personal guide.
Tulbagh
The Oudekloof Tractor Ride
Take a scenic tractor ride up the historic Oudekloof Pass with interesting stops along the way. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tulbagh Valley and the Swartland. Scrumptious snacks are served, sip on award winning Oudekloof wine and watch the sun set in the distance. By appointment only.
Website: www.oudekloofwineestate.com
Bully & Koos Restaurant, Bakery and Farmstall
This restaurant, baker, and roadside deli is an absolute delight, serving casual breakfasts, bistro style lunches and even formal style dinners. It’s also pet friendly, with a doggie menu available for your four-legged friends. Enjoy sunrise to sunset country views.
Website: www.bullykoos.com
Duikersdrift Winelands Escape & Obiqua Café
Farm style accommodation, restaurant and activities on a working farm in Tulbagh. Pet friendly, children’s play area, picnics, hikes and a weekly parkrun. Relax, unwind and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
Website: www.duikersdrift.com
Oude Compagnies Post – Sunset Walk & Wine Tasting
Enjoy a wine tasting in the fynbos at the foot of the Saronsberg Mountain! For just R250 pp, this incredible experience includes a guided fynbos walk, wine tasting and picnic basket! Booking essential.
For more information: 072 5553782 / ocptulbagh@gmail.com
Stay in a Geodome at La Bruyere Farm.
This is a brand 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
Tulbagh Tuk Tuk
A fun way to explore the Tulbagh Valley. Pick up and return historical tours, wine tours, picnics and more. To book: contact 063 401 0581
