Things to Do in Greyton

Take a trip back in time at a South African National Cultural Treasure, the Genadendal Mission Museum. See the country's oldest pipe organ, the oldest fire engine, household implements, books, tools, and musical instruments, and a brilliant example of an original ox wagon. Displays examine the life of Moravian Missionaries in the Cape during the 18th and 19th centuries. Open Monday to Thursday 09:00 – 13:00, 14:00 – 17:00, Friday 09:00 – 15:30, Saturday 10:00 – 02:00 +27 (0) 28 251 8220

Visit the Genadendal Pottery Studio and purchase an unusual ceramic piece or hand-painted tableware. This project of the Genadendal Mission Museum is located on the Moravian Church Square behind the Information Bureau. Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 14:00. +27 (0) 28 251 8291

Genadendal Handweavers started as a job-creation project initiated by The Kraal Gallery, but partnered by the Department of Economic Development, Rotary International, private family trusts and the community. Their mantra is ‘weaving broadens horizons’, evident in the vibrant hues and diverse range of beautifully woven products. The business employs locally trained women to create innovative and desirable items and works of art. 082 433 3540 www.thekraalgallery.com

Hike along the road to nowhere – The Galg Road. The original pass from McGregor towards Greyton leads up to the mountains and mysteriously disappears at the edge of a steep krantz. Many local stories speculate about the reason why the road was never completed. In 1862 the village of McGregor was officially proclaimed and the land divided into 2.5-hectare plots and sold to 19 farmers who were under the impression that the road from Cape Town would pass through their village. This never happened and neither did the planned road over the mountains through the Boesmanskloof Pass to Greyton – the road simply passes through the village and comes to an abrupt end.

The popular Boesmanskloof Trail winds through the only gap in the rugged Riviersonderend Mountain range. This lovely hiking trail links the quaint little towns of McGregor and Greyton. The route can be hiked either way starting at Die Galg, roughly 14 km from Greyton and McgGregor. It traverses some spectacular mountain scenery with deep rock pools and waterfalls – perfect for cooling off in summer. Perdekop viewpoint offers fabulous views of the steep gorges of the Riviersonderend Mountains and the lush Greyton and McGregor valleys. A great diversity of plant species can be seen, particularly proteas and ericas. Between July and October the flowering king proteas are magnificent. Hikers have the option of overnighting at Die Galg – book in advance. Permits are required from Cape Nature for the day trail – wwwcapenature.org.za 0861 227 362 8873.

The Donkey Sanctuary will warm your heart. The Sanctuary provides a home for abused, neglected and elderly donkeys. Here they can live out their lives with respect and dignity, surrounded by their own kind in a protective and natural environment. You can even adopt one of the donkeys. Facilities include a restaurant, farm stall and kids playground.

Part of the Brandvlei Dam, Kwaggaskloof Dam (also spelled Quaggaskloof), is used for long distance swimming as well as water skiing, jet skiing and speed boats. The dam features a club house, launch pad and the setting has stunning views. It's a popular spot for fishing carp, whitefish, bluegills, bigmouth and smallmouth black bass. Quaggaskloof Water-ski Club is 15km from Worcester. Open weekends and public holidays.

Surrounded by the rolling Langeberg mountains in the Breede River Valley and bordered by vineyards and orchards, the new 18 hole Robertson Golf Course on the Silwerstrand Estate opened for play in April 2009. It is the only 18 hole golf course in the beautiful ‘Valley of Wine and Roses’. Described as a fun leisurely course, it is extremely golfer friendly with comfortable walks from tee to green. It has a great mix of long and short holes, with course designer Danie Obermeyer’s signature “rivet faced” bunkers providing punishment for the wayward shot!The tenth (par 4) and 12th (par 5) are expected to be the toughest holes, especially if the North Westerly wind is blowing, whilst the 18th (a par 5) is a rewarding finishing hole.

The Raka brand was named after Piet Dreyer's black fishing vessel. Piet's first love has always been the sea. For some 36 years he braved the storms and challenges of the coast, ever in search of the best catch. It is with this same passion that the Dreyer family now pursue the art of winemaking. With the rich blessing of earth and elements, the help of a dedicated workforce, the enthusiasm of winemaker Josef Dreyer and the advantages of a modern gravity flow cellar, Piet Dreyer produces his award-winning Raka wines. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 16:30 and Saturday 10:00 - 15:00 December to January. Out of season please phone ahead.

Cool sea breezes and a mountainous microclimate ensure that the grapes ripen slowly which contributes to the smooth quality of the wine. Stanford Hills Winery produces an award winning Pinotage under the label of Jacksons Pinotage. The last three vintages have all been awarded four stars in the John Platter guide. Grapes are hand picked and selected, to ensure that only the best quality grapes are included in the final product. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay vines were planted, and are expected to produce in 2008.

Climb aboard Platanna for a ‘Wind in the Willows’ river adventure in Stanford. Named for the resident frog, Platanna is a 20-foot (6 m) ex fishing boat that hosts lazy river cruises down the Klein River from the Victorian village of Stanford. She has the capacity to carry up to twelve passengers for a gentle meander past the village. The cruise offers some great bird watching and superb mountain views. You might even spot terrapins or an otter. Pack your own picnic or contact Tim and trusty crew will provide it all for you. Sunset champagne cruises are exquisite! 073 318 5078 cruise@platanna.com

Situated in the heart of the Overberg, the quaint village of Stanford is just half an hour outside of Hermanus and an hour and a half from Cape Town.Stanford Gallery exhibits the work of latter day South African artists of the past few decades, as well as prominent contemporary artists and notable emerging artists. Mosey around and you might find an etching by Pippa Skotness, a drawing by Pieter van der Westhuizen or a lyrical landscape by Joshua Miles.The Overberg has a wealth of creative talent and Stanford Gallery is committed to promoting local artists whose work is fast establishing a reputation in this region.The gallery has a beautifully appointed studio, which opens onto the village green.  Regular workshops explore a variety of mediums from painting and drawing to printmaking. The studio is also available to art societies and groups who would like to make use of it.Need to know? Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 8am till 5pm.

Birkenhead, the first wine and brewing estate in South Africa, proudly runs a small but growing microbrewery, winery and vineyards. Well worth a visit, not only for beer and wine fanatics, but for anyone keen to spend time at their beautiful country estate beneath the Klein Rivier Mountains. Taste their exceptional beer at the Birkenhead Brewery and grab a meal at the restaurant and pub. And don't miss visiting the winery to tasting their Walker Bay Vineyards wines. www.birkenhead.co.za

Internationally renowned for exceptional quality and great value wines, Rietvallei is one of the oldest wine farms in Robertson. The family-owned estate has been in the hands of the Burger Family since 1864. Today the fifth and sixth generations of the Burger family, Johnny and his son Kobus, are actively running the estate. Tasting hours and sales: Monday to Friday 08:30 – 17:00 Saturday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 14:00 +27 (0) 23 626 3596 www.rietvallei.co.za GPS: 33°49'36"S 19°58'39"E

Situated against the Klein Dassenberg mountains, you will find this quaint boutique cellar with its unique character and layout due to its historic origin. Previously a fruit packing shed, the cellar dates back 150 years.The vineyards were first planted in 1994. In 2001 Miko Rwayitare bought the farm and became the first black African to own a wine farm in South Africa.The philosophy is simple, “keep it traditional”. Keeping it traditional allows all the wines to develop as mother nature intended, only when absolutely necessary does the winemaker step in and intervene. This philosophy allows Mont Rochelle to produce wines that are easy drinking, well structured and of high quality that will be fit for any occasion. Quality comes as second nature here and they strive to produce nothing but that.A farm where 16 of the 33 ha is under vine and features sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Included are small blocks of mouvedre, petit verdot, viognier and the newly grafted semillon.The vineyards are situated from 250m to 400m above sea level, which gives a wide range of micro climates.Mediterranean-like conditions found in the western cape means dry summers and high winter rainfalls of 1000mm. The Franschhoek valley also experiences the south-easter which also helps bring in cooler air allowing for a longer ripening period, lending a hand to more physiologically ripe fruit.The 150 year old wine cellar was previously used as a fruit packing shed for the early settlers. Since being converted to a traditional wine cellar they can now process close to 110 tons of grapes in a season, these smaller volumes afford more concentration on quality rather than quantity.Stainless steel tanks aid in the making of the crisp clean whites, while barrels are favoured for the red wine making. There is a winemaker on hand at all times to tend the needs of wine, and often he can be seen crouched in the corner tasting some of the previous vintage.Need to know? Cellar tours: 11h00, 12h30 and 15h00 during the week. For a private tour by the winemaker please make a reservation.Tasting hours:wine tasting is available daily from 09h30 to 18h00. Gourmet tastings:enjoy four of Mont Rochelle’s wines, paired by their chefs as a perfect companion to the daily changing dishes. The tasting staff will explain each pairing to you.

The Blue Flag Grotto Beach is one of the most striking South African beaches with its rolling waves and mountainous backdrop. Enjoyed by locals, visitors and whales, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beach games and long romantic walks at sunset.Feeling fit and adventurous? Walk 18 kilometres along the unspoilt and exquisite Walker Bay coastline from Grotto Beach to the seaside hamlet of De Kelders.At Grotto Beach you will never have to share your towel with the person sitting next to you on the soft white sand. You will probably return again and again to this relaxing haven!

Rowweklip Beach is a tiny private beach nestled between Grotto Beach and Voelklip Beach. From the Rowweklip bench you can see the sun rise and set. It's a magical place.

The Bouchard Finlayson Boutique Winery remains a leader in producing world class Pinot noir wines from South Africa. Growing on the slopes of Galpin Peak in the Walker Bay region, with Hermanus being the nearest town, repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting, endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth) as a jewel in the terroir search for excellence with this illusive grape. Peter Finlayson was the first modern day winemaker in this valley. With his accumulated wine making knowledge he has been instrumental in the primary effort of putting the Walker Bay wine region on the map. Apart from their Pinot noir, they produce outstanding Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnays, a zesty, fresh white blend (Blanc de Mer) and an Italian, French red blend (Hannibal).Visit the estate for a wine tasting experience in their old world cellar and take a wander around the winery bragging exceptional views of both valley and ocean.Need to know? Tasting Room Hours: Mon - Fri 09:30 - 17:00, Sat: 09:30 - 12:30, closed Sundays and public holidays.AwardsGalpin Peak Pinot Noir 2008 - Decanter South African Pinot Noir trophy 2009Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2007 - 91 points Wine Spectator Jan 2009Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2007 - Class Winner at Winemakers' Choice Diamond awards 2008Tête de Cuvée 2006 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - Trophy Winner at Old Mutual Trophy Awards 2008Tête de Cuvée 2005 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - 'Wine of the Year' John Platter 2008Tête de Cuvée 2005 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - 5 stars John Platter 2008Hannibal 2006 - Gold Medal (class winner) at Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2008

One dark autumn night in the beautiful Overberg town of Napier, three friends got together and started discussing what they could do to bring some extra sparkle to their village. As they sat drinking beer after beer, the answer became obvious. It was staring them in the face. A quality local beer! Napier Bier was conceived that night and over the coming months the three friends set out on their journey to produce such a beer. Brewed naturally on the outskirts of the village, Napier beer has become firmly established as a favourite of locals and visitors alike and is most certainly a case of where 'local is lekker'. Brews now include lager, ale and stout.

Every Saturday morning sees the sleepy village of Napier come alive as the industrious local residents disply their wares at the local market. Goods for sale include jams and reserves, olive products, ceramics, home made ice cream, locally produced cheeses, clothing and much more.