Written by Janine Avery
Original post on wine.co.za :: 18 January 2024
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or someone seeking a tranquil escape, Elgin offers an array of activities to enjoy.
Just an hour outside of Cape Town, Elgin is becoming a must-visit South African tourism destination. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or someone seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city life, Elgin offers an array of activities to enjoy on your next holiday. Visit for a day, or make a weekend break of it and spend a few days exploring everything the region has to offer. Either way, we can promise that you won’t be disappointed!
1. Visit South Hill
Of course, one of the primary attractions of visiting Elgin is the vineyards and South Hill is one of the best. Here you can sample a variety of wines produced on-site as the knowledgeable staff guide you through the characteristics of each wine. Once you’ve sipped on the wines on the sunny lawns, and explored the vineyard maze, be sure to spend some time in the restaurant, which is open from Wednesday to Sunday for tapas-style breakfast and lunch. One of the differentiating factors of this restaurant is that it is also an art gallery, with each piece of exquisite canvas décor, and even the brightly coloured wine barrels available for purchase.
Want to linger longer? Book in for a night or two at the romantic converted pumphouse cottage with its own wood-fired hot tub, or the large family-friendly villa – perfect for a boozy escape with friends.
2. Pop in at Peregrine Farm Stall
Peregrine Farm Stall is a popular stop for travellers on the N2 between Cape Town and the Garden Route but it’s also become a destination in its own right. The deli here is a great place to stop for a bite to eat, whether you are looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, and their homemade pies are so legendary that you can now buy them frozen to take home.
While it may have started in the ‘60s as a simple shop for local farmers, it has now developed into an unmissable family-friendly attraction with a number of boutique arts and crafts stalls, an antiques shop, jungle gym, book bus and nursery.
The wine section here is also a great place to stock up on all your favourites from the area or grab some great bargain bin buys, and on any given day there’s usually a couple wines to taste on offer as well.
3. Sip and savour at the Elgin Railway Market
Located in a historic railway station building, this market has to be one of the most charming and atmospheric in South Africa. Featuring a stunning vintage-style in a beautiful rustic environment, the décor is delightfully distinctive but the class and style doesn’t end there.
Here you can browse a range of artisanal products, including local crafts and gourmet food – all of which is served on real plates with metal cutlery – an unexpected luxury when eating out at a market and the bar is fully stocked with a range of wines from the valley to pair with your meal. Open on Friday nights and weekends the market also hosts live musicians, and has its own elegant tasting room, which adds to the appeal of the place and if you want to, you can even decide to arrive by vintage steam train!
4. Views, dogs and koi fish at Almenkerk
Although its buildings look like something out of an architectural magazine, from the minute you walk through the doors at Almenkerk Wine Estate you’ll feel at home. Tastings here are served in a gorgeous glass box or outside in the courtyard. You overlook the koi ponds (which kids are encouraged to feed), while one of the estate’s massive resident dogs lies nestled at your feet.
The Almenkerk wines stand out from the rest, not only due to their deliciously balanced flavours, but also the estate’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. The warm hospitality of the Almenkerk team adds a personal touch to the visit. All this creates an unforgettable and enriching wine-tasting experience.
5. Taste some cider at Everson’s
Elgin is not just about wine. Lovers of finely crafted ciders will be pleased to discover that Everson’s Cider recently opened up their very own tasting room here. Here you can indulge in a unique tasting of Everson’s complete range, including complimentary inclusions of their non-alcoholic drinks. Choose to sit inside the rustic brick building or up on the rooftop overlooking the valley with some springboks frolicking below. Discover a mind-blowing small-batch cider that will see you avoiding the mass-produced alternatives forever more.
6. Fine bubbles at Charles Fox
It was a bottle of Charles Fox MCC that I popped when my first child was born and I’ll never miss an opportunity to return to this estate to stock up on their delicious bubbles.
With the estate renowned for their dedication to the art of traditional method sparkling wine production, here you are treated to a refined selection of champagne-style wines, each crafted with precision and passion. A tasting here is accompanied by a history lesson about the farm and its owners as well as detailed information about the intricate nuances of the sparkling winemaking process. The panoramic views of the Elgin Valley and the serene, laid-back, homely ambiance only serves to enhance the overall experience.
7. Fly with Cape Canopy Tours
Looking for an exhilarating adventure quite like any other? Cape Canopy Tours is renowned for its zipline experience, giving you the chance to soar through the Hottentots Holland mountains, while taking in views that few, if any, other places can replicate. Traverse platforms and bridges high above the ground before gliding along the steel cables at incredible speeds. However, be sure to open your eyes while doing so. It’s not only the adrenaline rush you’ll want to remember but also the incredible natural beauty of the region that you’ll get to experience from this unique perspective.
8. Hiking and mountain biking
Elgin is surrounded by the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, making it a great destination for hiking and nature walks. Many of these aren’t for the faint of heart, though, so be sure to check your routes thoroughly before heading out.
The area’s many vineyards and farms might offer some gentler walks for families and beginners as well as mountain biking trails catering to different skill levels, before you retire to the tasting room for a well-earned rest.
If you’re a particularly keen cyclist, be sure to head to Trail’s End for your mountain biking pass. Here, you’ll also find a unique restaurant, bike workshop, pump track, and even a mountain biking museum.
9. Cool off in the water
Summer in the Western Cape can get hot and while the cool sea breezes help to keep the vineyards cool, you may be looking for something a bit more refreshing than a crisp class of Chenin Blanc. At Old Mac Daddy you can go stand up paddle boarding or zorbing in the dam while at Elgin River Lodge leisurely boat cruises, followed by pizza and wine on the deck, is the order of the day. Perfection!
10. Apple picking in the orchards
What would a visit to Elgin be without some apple picking in the orchards? The right season to visit to indulge in this activity is between March and May when the harvesting happens. One of the best places to enjoy this agri tourism activity is at the newly opened Cheverells Farm which also features a gorgeous country café and gift shop, wellness studio and glass greenhouse nursery to explore.
In the heart of apple country, Paul Clüver Family Wines is also one of the region’s most well known wine estates where you can not only enjoy a wide range of award-winning varietals but also participate in unique events, including open-air concerts under the stars.
