As you head from Cape Town over Sir Lowry’s Pass, you descend into a valley decorated in lush green orchards and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, the Elgin Valley. Nestled in the middle, you’ll find the bustling town of Grabouw and all its surrounding attractions. Leading the way into the Overberg region, this gem of a Valley has become an activities hotspot for both locals and Capetonians.
The rolling hills painted in green and orange as the seasons change is a haven for any photographer and instagrammer and is quite the prime destination for foodies as well. The area prides itself in using fresh, locally produced ingredients and showcases all its goodies in a smorgasbord of eateries. Grabouw is home to a number of popular farm stalls which offer a variety of freshly baked goods, locally produced products like honey, fruit, curios, wines and more. These cosy eateries are great pit stops on a long journey or for stocking up on goods for a weekend of exploring.
Fondly referred to as apple and pear country, the Valley is also home to a number of wine farms and breweries. Unbeknownst to some, the home of Appletizer has given origin to a handful of cider producers. Having the pick of the crop from the local fare, these ciders are a sensation and some are even made from pears and can be enjoyed warm – perfect for winter time. Then of course, there are the wine estates. Varying from large wine estates to boutique wineries, the estates offer up a range of palatable wines which can be enjoyed while taking in the beauty of the Valley. Most of the estates also have a restaurant which makes for an ideal outing and also great venues for special events.
For those looking for a bit of excitement – worry not, the Elgin Valley will get your heart racing in no time. The surrounding hills not only hold untouched natural beauty, but also a sense of adventure. The rugged terrain holds some of the best mountain bike trails in the Western Cape. Whether you’re tackling a trail in the Hottenttots Holland Nature Reserve or on one of the local wine estates, you are sure to find the thrill you are seeking for. Those who prefer to dig in their heels, there are also a range of excellent hiking trails in the area, including the four day Green Mountain Trail. And don’t forget about the new attraction in the Valley, the Cape Canopy Tours. Slide along a zipline far above the ground and enjoy unique views of the surrounding mountains and Cape fynbos-covered hills.
All the great attractions of Grabouw and the Elgin Valley has also created quite the busy social calendar. Keep an eye out for events that celebrate the hiking and biking trails like the Cape Epic and Wine2Whales, the fruits of the land like the Elgin Cool Wine & Country Festival and the beautiful like the Elgin Open Gardens Festival.
No matter your interests, Grabouw and the Elgin Valley will keep you fully entertained during your stay!
