14 | FOOD
7 August 2019
Meander your way from Elgin to Hermanus Writer De Waal Steyn
E
lgin is often the place you travel through on your way to somewhere else. But hidden in plain sight are some of the region’s best restaurants, wine farms and authentic farmstalls where you can taste freshly squeezed apple juice or cider and extend your wine collection with some truly remarkable wines. Nestled in the lush green valleys embraced by the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the name Elgin has over the years become synonymous with apples, as 60% of the national crop is produced there. But Elgin is also becoming one of South Africa's most unique and successful wine regions, with the coolest climate of any region in the country. As with the lifestyle in this area, the grapes ripen slowly, resulting in fruity and sprightly wine, with sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and shiraz doing particularly well. So, next time you drive trough Elgin, turn your trip into a meander and savour the sights, sounds and tastes of this unique area. Here are some of the highlights you dare not miss. On your way from Cape Town, your first stop should be The Orchard Farmstall at Grabouw, the gateway to the Overberg, situated just off the N2. Stop and celebrate this iconic farmstall’s 5th anniversary under new ownership, with daily specials and fresh and tasty fare. Everyone's taste is catered for here. The shelves are lined with local honey, homemade jams
and preserves, including orange marmalade, passion fruit jam, pear and ginger preserve, pineapple jam, apricot jam, strawberry jam and quince jelly. There are local and imported teas on sale, any number of local arts, crafts and bespoke gifts. There is an array of the usual – chips, sweets, cold drinks – that we've come to expect from farmstalls.
Elgin
Orchard is the perfect stop for families, with a lovely playground and jumping castle for little ones to play on and the grassy surrounds of the farmstall make a good spot to sit and picnic if you're so inclined. Fresh drinking water and a large sprawling green lawn are available for pets. Just past Bot River on the N2, put your flicker on and make the turn into the Gabriëlskloof Estate where on cold wintery days you can join them by the fireside (or bathe in sunshine overlooking the mirror ponds) for a memorable wine tasting experience. The estate range consists of four wines (the chenin blanc is currently sold out) and a tasting costs R60 pp, while the small production Landscape Series is made up of five wines that can be tasted at a cost of just R150 pp. The cost of both tastings is refundable on purchase. Ingrained in the Overberg culture is an authentic generosity dispensed informally, which has long been at the centre of The Restaurant at Gabriëlskloof’s philosophy, along with a focus on seasonal produce. This country-style hotspot occupies a wing of the celebrated hilltop winery and has views of the surrounding valley and a large fireplace that's fired up on cold days. When the weather's fair, it's the courtyard stoep that draws families for slow-
cooked, shared meals, served with authentic platteland passion and a generous hand. A hop, skip and a jump from the N2 turn-off takes you to Wildekrans Boutique Wine Estate. A picturesque 1 000 ha estate tucked away in the beautiful Bot River Valley amongst fields of indigenous renosterbos, Wildekrans is known for its award-winning wines, olive oils and dining experience. Wildekrans also offers luxury self-catering accommodation, and many outdoor activities for nature lovers and biking and hiking enthusiasts. The focus of this estate lies very much in creating a fully home-grown product and warm family hospitality for everything from their wines, to hosted events and functions – or even a simple weekend away with friends or family. From concept to execution, Forage restaurant
Honingklip Farm R43, Hermanus Road, Botrivier 082 735 9868 Opening Times: Tuesdays to Sundays & Public Holidays 10h00 to 18h00.
Tel: 028 284 9865 Join us for a pre (or post) winter lunch tasting www.gabrielskloof.co.za
R43 Hermanus Road Bot River 028 284 9149 082 829 8747
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
at Wildekrans delivers a fine-dining experience. Nothing is half-baked. Each dish reflects the region’s diverse history and its produce – mostly foraged by the Forage team. The restaurant offers great decor, a cosy fireplace and welcoming staff who are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, adding to a truly exceptional experience. While the fresh farm flavours of Wildekrans still delight your taste buds, pop around the corner to Bakenshoogte where Johan and Wilma Punt and their sons Gilbert and Hendri nurture 1 200 olive trees on their 5.5 ha farm. The oils made from Frantoio, Leccino and Coratina (with a touch of Favolosa and Nocellara) are intense and well-known for their fresh, green, grassy aroma and peppery taste. The groves produce around 20 tons of olives which are pressed within 24 hours of being
