Tucked against the mountains in the Overberg of the Western Cape, Greyton is a perfect weekend getaway that gets you into the country to exercise, relax, and indulge in gorgeous fresh farm food, fabulous wine and take home antiques… in whatever order you wish.
Here’s 6 things to keep you busy while you are there – if you feel the need to be doing something:
1. Saturday morning market
With bunting, hay bales and home-baked pork pies you’ve got all the makings of a village fête at Greyton’s Saturday morning market. Greyton’s Market Square is abuzz with activity, where people flock to buy home-made and home-crafted goods. Renowned for its fresh, scrumptious fare and other close-to-nature products.
Make sure to visit the market every Saturday morning between 10am and 12pm. Look out for a wide variety of home-made sausages to dried fruits and make sure to take home a tub of Loret’s red pepper and cashew nut pesto – it’s great mixed with pasta, olives and feta.
- Location: Main Road, Greyton
2. Hop on a bike
Hire some wheels for the day and peddle yourself around Greyton’s side streets, soaking up the scenery at a leisurely, laid-back pace. Thanks to a small band of enthusiasts who have built, cleared and marked many kilometres of track. Join the locals for 2hour weekend trails leaving from the Oak & Vigne Saturday and Sunday at 7am (during summer).
- Location: 13 DS Botha Street, Greyton
3. Von Geusau Chocolate
From humble beginnings the Von Geusau Chocolaterie was started by Richard von Geusau, a man that has a huge passion for fine chocolates. Richard learnt the art of chocolate making in Belgium and his artisinal chocolates are high in cocoa with no artificial flavours or vegetable fats.
All the chocolates are meticulously made by hand and infused with fresh farm cream, roasted nuts, exotic liqueurs, geranium oil, amongst others. You’ll find his tasting room next to the Oak & Vigne on DS Botha Street.
- Location: The Courtyard, DS Both Street, Greyton
4. Taste local wine
Greyton has several boutique wine producers on its doorstep and open for tastings with prior arrangement. Andy Mitchell Wines are garagiste-style blends, the first vintage was a Syrah produced in 2003 called Breakfast Rock, named after the highest point of the Greyton to McGregor trail, which starts very close to the cellar.
Local Lismore Estate Vineyards was started by Californian Samantha O’Keefe who believes she found paradise and the perfect terroir in Greyton. Her passion combined with vines planted at 300 metres, chilled by the winter snow and nourished by the African summer sun, produce classic cool climate wines which are rich, complex and lovingly hand crafted.
5. Take a hike
There are many hiking routes starting from the nature reserve including the Upper Gobos walk which trails along the flat hill top, covered with orchids and aristeas at the right time of the year. The path provides wonderful views of the village and the Riviersonderend mountains, with surrounding fynbos and a rock-hopping mission across the Gobos River.
Watch out for the birds—plenty of Sugarbirds, Weavers and the orange-breasted Sunbird. The Cape wildflowers, the diversity of wildlife, the natural rock pools, the mountain scenery, the spectacular views and the majestic feeling far away from the city life is something else.
- Location: Greyton Nature Reserve, 1 Hoof Street, Greyton
6. Take home antiques
There’s no shortage of shops filled with antiques and collectibles dotted along the streets in Greyton. On DS Botha street you’ll find art, fragrances and décor. Pop into Muishuis with beautifully restored antique furniture, while next door at the Railway House you’ll find vintage clothing, art and more.
- Location: Muishuis, 49 DS Botha Street, Greyton
Also read:
The Coffee Lounge: where foodies, sweet tooths and coffee lovers unite
Picture: Boesmanskloof Trail/Facebook