Blink and you’ll miss it, even though it’s right next to the N1. The Breedekloof Valley has kept a low profile compared to other wine regions, but Christie Nortier finds this humble valley has much to brag about.
This is a sanctuary of old vines and ancient mountains where leopards still lurk, botanists conserve, winemakers stay for generations and mountain bikers flock. Here are some things to do and places to stay in the valley.
Plan Your Trip
Getting There
From Cape Town, take the N1 toll road through the Huguenot Tunnel (about R40), or the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass. Then turn right onto the R101/Old N1 Road, and right again into Brand Street to get to Rawsonville, the valley’s main town.
Snowmelt from the mountains feeds the Breede River. It provides a stable and pure water source for the valley’s wineries, like this dam at Opstal.
Do This
Make your own pasta at Picardi Place. Pick fresh produce from the garden, drink local wine and make your own spaghetti bolognaise from scratch. Then, you eat! R650 pp. 082-788-9019, picardiplace.co.za
Go fly fishing in the Holsloot and other rivers, even if you’re a novice (September to May, catch-and-release). R3 500 pp with gear, permits, lunch and transport. 082-416-1833, capestreamadventures.co.za
Ride a stretch of the 2018 Cape Epic route on the Du Toitskloof MTB trail. Buy a day pass (R30) using the Snapscan barcode on the info board at the start of the trail. Trails vary from 14km to 22km. 023-349-1601, dutoitskloof.co.za
Marius Alberts (front) and Marno Erasmus take on the single track at
Du Toitskloof Wines. They ride out after a day of work whenever they get the chance.
Need to Know
Get a wine-route map and other info at the Breedekloof Wine Valley’s office in Rawsonville. 023-349-1791, breedekloof.com
Stay here
*ATKV Goudini Spa is on the main drag of the wine route. There’s a caravan park (from R275 per site), rondavels (from R700) or stay in more luxury at Slanghoek Villas (from R975 pp). 011-919-9092, atkvresorts.co.za
Christi Nortier and Stanley Louw admire Opstal’s Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc.
Opstal Stay self-catering cottages sit above the farm on the Badsberg mountain. Each has a fireplace, splash pool, braai and deck with views. From R725 pp (sleeps two). 023-344-001, opstal.co.za
*Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway is nestled in the Du Toitskloof mountains. From R190 pp to camp on the riverbank; from R1 760 for a cottage (sleeps four). 023-349-1919, trouthaven.co.za
Learning how to make tagliatelle under the guidance of Jaco Brand at Picardi Place.
Taste Here
Kirabo Private Cellars does pairings of cupcakes or ice cream with red wine, including the Cupcake Red Blend (R20 each). There are savoury pairings too (R80), and Broers Brew Solid craft beer (R5 per tasting, R50 per pairing). [email protected]
Deetlefs Wine Estate‘s most expensive wine in SA costs R25 000 (for 375ml) but you can taste the other wines for R40 pp. 023-349-1260, deetlefs.com
Kirabo cupcake red
Slanghoek Cellars pairs choc truffles with four wines (R65) or on 2 November you can blend, bottle and label your own red to take home with you. 023-344-3026, slanghoek.co.za
Ou Stokery makes Old N1 Fijnbos Fields Gin with confetti bush, honeybush and buchu. R55 for two gins, tonics and toppings. 082-511-0500, lebellerebelle.com
Eat Here
Ou Stokery serves generous, crispy pizzas that go well with a Unicorn cocktail. It’s one of the few places open on a Sunday. 082-511-0500
Ou Meul Bakery & Cafe is perfect for brunch after a bike ride at Du Toitskloof Wines. It has a fully-fledged bakery and good coffee. 023-004-0226
Bosjes Kombuis serves bistro fare in a modern setting with sweeping views. Don’t miss the Delft-inspired Tree of Life mural outside, showing the fauna and flora of the valley. 023-004-0496
Picardi Place
In Rawsonville
Mini Coffee Company parks outside the NG Kerk office (7am–8am) to serve coffee from an espresso machine that pops out of the Mini Cooper’s back window. minicoffeeco.co.za
Die Stalle is where everyone goes for a pint, a pub lunch and a vibe. 58 Botha Street
Chrisma Butchery sells top-notch meat, but especially boerewors. 31 Van Riebeeck Street
Words by Christi Nortier, phots by Tara Osborne
