Hi, greetings from Elgin in the Cape Overberg, Western Cape.
Elgin IS BEST KNOWN in the past FOR past for production of apples and pears, the Elgin Valley has firmly placed itself on the wine route map over the last few years with many boutique wine farms popping up along side more familiar names.
Mountain biking has also drawn many to the area, hosting the Wine 2 Whales cycle race and a leg of the Epic.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN at plenty photo opportunities in the area and none more so that at South Hill, by the Honeymoon suite on the Jetty! So beautiful, set amongst the vineyards and very secluded, the perfect location for those romantic wedding pictures.
For other photographic smarts, go to Blossoms for happy family snaps over a reasonably priced lunch or catch the kids on the BMX track for those never to be forgotten action pictures.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO there is nothing is better than relaxing in the garden at South Hill when the sun is shining sipping a crisp white wine, then dine like a queen @ The Venue, the finest restaurant in the area.
On those occasions WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO curl up next to the fire at Old Mac Daddyโs, a short distance from South Hill, and eat pizza, the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.
A visit to the Elgin Valley will be special at any time of year I THINK THE MOST NOTABLE TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS are between October and November for the flowers.
Elgin hosts their Annual Open Gardens in November, a chance to check out other peoples gardens and for watching the valley come back to life, and January to April for lazy summer days relaxing by the pool sipping some ice cold, award winning South Hill Sauvignon Blanc.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Blossoms, a short distance along the N2, enjoy a traditional English breakfast or a rustic South African meal.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST The Venue @ South Hill! Open for lunch Wednesday through to Sunday and Saturday nights, and of course this is OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTin the area.
TRY THE The slow roasted pork is to die for, but if that is not for you then try any of the Risottos on offer.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Bear and Barrel in Grabouw.
Elginโs BEST KEPT SECRET IS the Whole valley, the boutique wine farms and the lovely lunch spots!
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS relaxing, sipping the local wine and just drinking in the South African warm hospitality.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS and WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT make a turn at Mofam and play on the dam.
MY MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE IS from Thandi farm, or take a hike or bike ride through The Green Mountain Eco Route, the worldโs first biodiversity wine route, offering beautiful scenery through a natural landscape.
Alternatively a DRIVE over the pass on Highlands Road past Iona, you might be even see the rare blue cranes hiding in the vineyards
MY FAVOURITE farm SHOP IS Peregrine Farm Stall offering a wide range of locally grown and sourced produce and speciality fare.
IF YOU’RE HERE IN November, JOIN IN THE FUN AT Elgin Open Gardens.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS with friends at South Hill, especially for Christmas in July, enjoy all the fun of festive fare without the expense of buy presents!
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, There is no better way than to create employment and empowering the locals in the Valley to cherish the rich surrounds we find ourselves in, creating a feeling of unity and conservation.
I Love Elgin BECAUSE Elgin is really living in the country side, but not so far from Cape Town for a bit of a reminder as to why we moved!
Useful Elgin Links:
Desirable Digits
Blossom: +27 (0)21 844-0343
@ The Venue: +27 (0)21 844-0033
Bear and Barrel: +27 (0)21 859-2042
Mofam: +27 (0)21 846-8345
Peregrine Farmstall: +27 (0)21 848-9011
