Stormsvlei

Stormsvlei is a town on the Overberg region of the Western Cape and part of the greater Swellendam area. The town was originally settled as an outspan for ox-wagons that were travelling the inland route along the coast, a journey which started in 1740 when Governor Simon van der Stel instructed settlers to set up trade with the indigenous Khoi people who lived in the area. Many of these outspans were named after events that happened during these long and often arduous journeys with Stormsvlei translated as “storm marsh”.

Stormsvlei is actually part of a farm that was established in the 1700s and the history of the area is largely based on the trade and farming of livestock and other provisions. As an important stopover on the old wagon route, Stormsvlei grew around the need for wagon repair facilities and refreshments for passing travellers, especially during the festive season when families from the surrounding areas would make their way to the sea for the holidays. 

Today, the area is well known for having the largest family-owned wine estate in the country and for riverside resorts in the area. With a popular farm stall and restaurant, Stormsvlei is also a popular stopover point along the N2 highway and Garden Route.