Ok, be honest now. How often have you made holiday plans to stay in Worcester? We’ve driven straight through this historic Breede Valley town a few times, perhaps stopping for a takeaway lunch. Most people are more familiar with well-known winelands areas such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Also known as The Valley of Champions, you may think that this seemingly sleepy region of the Western Cape doesn’t have much to offer, but it’s time to think again. The Worcester Wine & Olive Route is seriously overlooked as a holiday destination. I’ll be sharing just some of the fantastic places there are to eat, sleep, play and explore. I have no doubt there are more than ten reasons to visit Worcester, but grab a cuppa and I’ll tell you about the experiences I enjoyed in this under-rated town and the surrounding area.
After disembarking The Blue Train at Worcester Station (click here to read the blog post), we bundled into the shuttle and our tour guide, Dirk De Koker, drove us to Q-Square, a quaint yet modern shopping centre. Located in the heart of the town, it is surrounded by some of the finest Cape Dutch homes in the country.
You can also start the interesting Worcester Architectural Heritage Walking Tour from here. This unique food and lifestyle shopping centre offers an artisan bakery, a coffee roastery and an Art Walk, as well as a wooden jungle gym and play area for the little ones.
- Fancy A Cuppa Joe? Head To Café Hugo At Q-Square
We made our way to Café Hugo, the coffee roaster and café, where Deon, one of the owners, took us through a fascinating Barista Training session. Explaining the various types of coffee beans they use to make their freshly roasted coffee, we were taken on a sensory journey of taste and smell.
He is incredibly passionate about making artisanal coffee and this clearly shows when sipping the heavenly aromatic brew. They make the freshest food each day and the meals coming from the kitchen looked so delicious. So take a moment to enjoy a relaxed meal in the homely café or outside beneath the acorn tree, accompanied by a steaming mug of freshly roasted coffee.
- Willow Creek Olive Estate – A Must Do For Olive Lovers
Our next stop took us on a leisurely drive out of the town centre along country roads, passing by fields with grazing cows and horses and breathtaking mountain vistas. Willow Creek Olive Estate lies in the Nuy Valley and is overlooked by the impressive Rabie Mountain which forms part of the Langeberg Mountain Range. I love olive oil but am not a fan of olives – a bit weird I know! I was still searching for that elusive olive that I would taste and finally enjoy. Warmly greeted by Louise, she took us through a tasting of their wide range of award-winning extra virgin olive oils (EVOO), olives as well as their tapenades and olive pesto.
Their flagship EVOO is the Directors’ Reserve, but did you know they also produce flavoured olive oils? I really enjoyed the unique Persian Lime flavour and Blood Orange, perfect for use in both savoury and sweet dishes. But what really got me excited was a little green pitted olive infused with lemon, thyme and garlic. I tasted it and immediately fell in love with this little flavour bomb. I had finally found the olive I was looking for at Willow Creek!
We were gifted with a bottle of their Directors’ Reserve EVOO which was such a lovely gesture. The Estate may be a bit off the beaten path, but it is very much worth the drive. There is also a licensed Bistro where you can enjoy a hearty olive-inspired country lunch and stock up on all your olive goodies at the Deli.
- Stay At Nuy Valley Guesthouse
Owned and managed by the Conradie family, the Nuy Valley Guesthouse is a wine farm with a boutique wine cellar and is situated in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Cape Winelands on the popular Route 62. The Nuy Valley turn-off is about 15km from Worcester en-route to Robertson and only a 75 minute drive from Cape Town.
We spent our first night here and all I can say is WOW! While my room was in need of a refurb, it was clean and comfortable. It’s the incredible mountain views and the lush gardens that make this place so special. Immerse yourself in nature and the tranquility that comes with country living.
We had some free time before a wine tasting and dinner, so I took the opportunity to take some photos followed by a glass of superb Conradie Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 on the patio. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the magnificent mountain and vineyard views. Enjoy a stroll along the walking trails through the vineyards. Bird watching and mountain biking are popular activities as well.
- Experience A Wine Tasting At ConradiePenhill Artisanal Wines
We were fortunate to enjoy a private wine tasting in the wine cellar with C.P. Conradie, Breedekloof/Worcester Winemaker of the Year in 2015 and 2017. The boutique winery is just across the road from Nuy Valley Guesthouse, so it’s an easy stroll past the historic Manor House if you are staying at the guesthouse.
Created in January 2015, the company forms a partnership between Gareth and Kate Penny, owners of the nearby beautifully restored Penhill Manor, and the award-winning, fifth generation winemaker of Conradie Family Vineyards Private Cellar, C.P. Conradie.
Treated to a variety of white and red wines, I particularly enjoyed the Conradie Sauvignon Blanc 2017. Although a very young wine, it’s light-bodied with crisp and tangy fruit flavours such as pineapple and gooseberry. The Conradie Pinotage 2016 was probably my favourite red, while the Conradie Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is the wine that clinched victory for C.P. as Winemaker of the Year in 2017. Their highly awarded Muskadel 2009 was simply superb.
Their aim is to produce and offer superb handcrafted wines at the highest possible levels of quality, so make sure you add this boutique winery to your bucket list. Click here to read all about their wines and the tastings they offer.
- Nuy On The Hill Is Not To Be Missed!
There is just no way that one can miss Nuy on the hill, unless you are asleep in the passenger seat. Literally located on a hill, you can easily spot this popular gem along the R60 between Worcester and Robertson.
Offering a great selection of delicious, homemade food, wine tastings and wine purchases to amazing vineyard and mountain views, this is a lovely place to relax with friends and family. It’s pet-friendly too, so bring your fur babies along and sit outside beneath an umbrella and take in the magnificent views. I have been here on two previous occasions and am always happy with their friendly service, yummy food, lovely range of wines and reasonable prices.
We thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast and coffee before a fun and informative tasting of their impressive range of wines. Amelia Truter kept us giggling with her dry wit and sense of humour, while sharing stories and anecdotes about Nuy Winery and expertly topping our glasses with the next tasting. It isn’t often that you find such a professional and friendly Wine Ambassador who is so knowledgeable about the wines she is promoting. You will find everything from sweet wines, fortified and red to white, sparkling as well as a Potstill brandy. I doubt you will leave there empty handed.
- Calling All Craft Beer Lovers, Nature And 4×4 Enthusiasts!
Our next stop was a particular favourite of mine. It is quite literally off the beaten track, but so worth the drive. Easier to travel halfway up a mountain in a 4×4, travelling to the Mountain Brewing Co. high up in the Klipbokkop Mountain Reserve is by no means off limits to regular city cars. I was blown away by the panoramic views of the surrounding pristine Boland Mountains and fynbos vegetation as we arrived at Worcester’s first and finest brewing company.
Offering visitors a unique and relaxed Brewhouse experience on weekends, enjoy an explosion of tasty award-winning brews, brewery tours and beer tasting paired with delicious bistro-style pub food. We were fortunate to be guided through the beer tasting by none other than master brewer PG Groenewald.
His passion for brewing is evident when he speaks about his craft and love of consistently creating high quality beer. Being a perfectionist, it is no wonder that he is a multiple award-winner in the South African National Beer Trophy Awards.
We tasted the brews (the Cherry Stumpie was a delightful surprise). We dined on delicious pub fare with modern touches. We toured the brewery and had a quick look at their lovely self-catering accommodation (requires a booking of minimum five rooms).
Once I spotted the inviting rock pool, I felt like jumping right in. It was a hot summer’s day and I could picture myself lazing on a deckchair with an ice cold Mountain Brew in hand. It was tough to leave this tranquil spot. I could easily stay here for a few days – it is the perfect place to break away from busy city life and enjoy the natural setting. Check out their website for more info on what they have to offer.
- Esperance Farm Stay
Arriving at Esperance Guesthouse, we were greeted with such lovely hospitality that I immediately felt at home. Such a pity we were only there for one night. I can imagine it’s a wonderful place to relax and recharge for a few days while exploring the surrounding area.
We stayed in the spacious and beautifully appointed Vineyard House, nestled beside the vines with, you guessed it, magnificent mountain views!
- Q-Square – Under The Oaks Christmas Market And Worcester Wine Route Wine Festival
Debbie Germishuys, the friendly and super-efficient Marketing Manager for Q-Square, has breathed new life into this charming mall. Their signature Moonlight Market is very popular and she arranges various festivals, from coffee, bubbly and gin festivals to special celebrations for Valentine’s Day and more.
The evening’s festivities were in full swing when we arrived. The fairy lights hanging between the trees gave it a lovely Christmas feel, along with some live music. People were happily chatting and tucking into mouthwatering delights from Café Hugo and Daly Bread.
Wine and gin tastings were also on offer from Leipzig Winery and local craft gin producer Monks Gin.
Kids were having a ball in the outdoor play area. Riana Wium, the energetic Marketing Manager of the Worcester Wine & Olive Route, along with Debbie, make a dynamic duo and do an excellent job of promoting the historic town of Worcester and the surrounding area. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for upcoming events and festivals so you can plan your stay around them.
- De Wet Cellar
After a peaceful night’s sleep in the very comfy bed at Esperance Guesthouse, we hungrily tucked into freshly brewed coffee, real farm butter, bread and preserves. It’s all that fresh country air that makes you hungry for more. Plus the food was just so good everywhere we went!
Before our return to Cape Town, we popped in at De Wet Cellar for a special breakfast treat.
After trying some of their sparkling wines and a super delicious cheese and charcuterie platter (there we were eating again!), we joined the Worcester Wine & Olive Route and Worcester Tourism in welcoming visitors to the area for the Christmas holiday season.
Handing out bottles of water, slushies and goodie bags with big smiles and fanfare, this was one welcome they would not forget.
- The People
What makes you return to the same holiday destination time and again? For some, it may be the natural beauty along with great adventure activities. For others, it could be that special place where they go to get away from busy city life to reconnect. Or perhaps delicious cuisine and amazing wines have you coming back for more. Whatever your reason may be, I know that I will return to Worcester mainly because of the people. They exude a natural warmth along with genuine country hospitality that is quite rare these days. And they are only too happy to share a local story or two with you. The people of Worcester make this quaint and charming town worth more than just one visit.
If you’ve never stayed in this wonderful part of the Western Cape and you’re not sure where you should go for your next getaway, book a stay in or near Worcester. You’re in for some lovely surprises and hidden gems. It is definitely an area worth exploring and I will be going back to visit as soon as possible.
Yours In Wanderlust xoxo
Please note – I was graciously hosted throughout by Worcester Tourism and the Worcester Wine & Olive Route. All views and images are my own unless otherwise indicated.
