THINGS TO DO
Visit a local market
The Hermanuspietersfontein Food and Wine Market entices people from all over the country, with church bazaar prices. When was the last time you had a R2 pancake? “We have people coming all the way from Cape Town for the Thai chicken pies,” says Anika de Goede, Hermanuspietersfontein PR champ. “And this morning a guy from Pretoria came running in before we opened saying he couldn’t go back to Gauteng without his perlemoen.” Sit under an umbrella and enjoy a glass of local wine, or browse the stalls and order a chicken pie (R25), some oysters (R15 each) or a jaffle (R20). You can also buy artisanal cheeses, cured meat, breakfast rolls and smoothies. Where? Wine Village, on the corner of the R43 and the R320. Contact: 028 316 1875; www.hpf1855.co.za/market When? Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm in summer and from 10 am to 2 pm in winter.
Taste wine
There are 15 wineries in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson were two of the first and are known for producing world-class chardonnays and pinot noirs. Hermanus Wine Hoppers offers a “safari-style” wine tour through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The open-top vehicles stop at 30-minute intervals along a designated route. Buy a day ticket and you’ll be able to hop on and off as often as you like, to experience the valley’s premier cellars. Visit the website for departure times, schedules and rates: hermanuswinehoppers.co.za; 076 991 2498
If you only have a few hours to spare, here are our three favourite wineries:
• ATARAXIA: The tasting room on this estate is in a converted chapel high on a hill. Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm; Saturday and public holidays from 10 am to 5 pm. Contact: 028 212 2007; ataraxiawines.co.za
• CREATION: This winery has some innovative tasting options like a wine and chocolate pairing (R105 per person), a nonalcoholic pairing for designated drivers that includes luxury teas and canapés (R310 per person for eight teas) and a “Kids’ Surprise” pairing with juice, flavoured milk and healthy snacks for children aged 5 – 12 (R75 per child). Bookings are encouraged. Daily from 10 am to 5 pm (wine tasting hours). Contact: 028 212 1107; creationwines.com
• HAMILTON RUSSELL: Established in 1975 with its first vintage produced in 1981, Hamilton Russell is the pioneering winery in the valley. It is also one of the southernmost wineries in Africa. In addition to producing awardwinning chardonnay and pinot noir, the estate produces fynbos honey and olive oil. There have been occasional leopard sightings on the estate, too! Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm; Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. Contact: 028 312 3595; hamiltonrussellvinyards.com
Giddy up over the mountain
There are a number of stud farms in the area and many offer rides. At Cloud’s End, the horses are easy-going and the ride is led by Tanya Welman who has more than 20 years’ riding experience. The standard trail winds through the vineyards, up into the mountains from where you have a nice view over the valley. Longer rides can be arranged, including a stop at a waterfall. Beginners and advanced riders are welcome. Where? Cloud’s End Farm is on the R320, about 12 km up the valley from the R43. Cost: From R300 per person for a 90-minute ride. Cash or EFT only. Contact: 079 627 8182