The Breede River Valley is undoubtedly one of the most stunningly beautiful regions of South Africa. Spectacular mountain ranges guard this fertile valley, which is one of the best agricultural areas in South Africa, particularly suited to deciduous fruit and vineyards as well as vegetables and wheat.

The mountains, snow-capped in winter, feed a myriad of clear pristine streams, that are excellent for fly fishing as well as creating inspiring settings for hikers and bikers. These streams supply a network of dams, great boating spots, and eventually end up in the mighty Breede River that rises in Ceres and provides the water, which together with the fertile soil and a hot climate in summer, supports the terrific farming operations. Spring and early summer show off the fruit tree blossoms across the whole valley as well as the magnificent fynbos and carpets of wild flowers; autumn boasts the patchwork of colours, red and gold, of the vines. In winter, the mountain peaks are snow-capped and the higher areas, like Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve have snowfalls, attracting visitors to the winter activities.

Many of the towns are part of the extremely popular self drive Route 62, which takes one from Rawsonville to Port Elizabeth, and marked as the longest wine route in the world. The towns in this area include Ashton, Bonnievale, Ceres, De Doorns, McGregor, Op-die-Berg, Prince Alfred’s Hamlet, Rawsonville, Robertson, Tulbagh and Worcester.

Ceres, is only accessed via stunningly beautiful passes – either Mitchell’s Pass from Cape Town, Gydo Pass from Citrusdal, Bainskloof Pass from Wellington or Theronsburg Pass from Touwsrivier. These passes a worth a day drive as each has something unique to offer. On the Bainskloof Pass, there is an excellent single track MTB route at the Welvanpas Farm. Bainskloof is also well known for beautiful hikes with rock pools and stunning fynbos.

Ceres is at the heart of one of the oldest and most important fruit producing regions of South Africa, specialising in peaches, pears, apples, plums and grapes. Just north of Ceres lies the endless horizon of the Tanqua (Ceres) Karoo. This beautiful semi-arid area boasts unique rock art, indigenous animal and plant life, bird watching and hosts Inverdoorn, one of the best private game reserves in the Cape. Enjoy excellent fly-fishing at Lakenvlei Dam; test your 4×4 skills at Kagga Kamma 4×4 Route; Eselfontein is home to one of the best single track MTB trails in the country or whizz 1.4km through the sky at Ceres Zipslides located in breath-taking scenery.

Op die Berg is a small rural town situated approximately 45km from Ceres on the R303 to Citrusdal. The town consist of churches, school, supermarket, restaurant and offers very good rock art sites.

Prince Alfred Hamlet is 10km north of Ceres on the R303, en-route to Citrusdal. The surrounding farms produce substantial quantities of deciduous fruit, onions and potatoes. Closeby is the Groot Winterhoek, a pristine wilderness area that offers extraordinary rock formations, a multitude of hiking trails and the chance to camp outdoors wherever you fancy. The Christie Prins Hiking Trail wanders through fynbos and has spectacular views and a beautiful rock pool for cooling off. For a 4×4 enthusiast, try the Kagga Kamma Trail where on a clear day you’ll have magnificent views over the vast Karoo and the mountains and valleys of the Cederberg.

Tulbagh is an historic town with beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and stunning scenery – a popular tourist, conference and wedding destination. The town boasts the largest concentration of National Monuments in a single street in South Africa, which gives it a special charm. To appreciate the history and culture of the area, visit the excellent Oude Kerk Volks Museum Complex and De Oude Drostdy Museum.

Set in the fertile Witzenberg Valley, Tulbagh is surrounded by majestic mountains and amazing views. Producing wine, olives, wheat and over 70% of SA’s plums as well as peaches and pears, you can imagine how beautiful the valley is in spring – with the myriad fruit trees in blossom and a carpet of wild flowers – it is a sight to behold. Do the Tulbagh Wine Route; the Silwerfontein Hiking Trails;  take a horse trail with HorseAbout; sample beautiful Belgian chocolates and excellent coffee at Monikis; dine at Paddagangs Restaurant, the Tulbagh Olive Route; the Christo Coetzee Gallery and Museum or visit Stones and Succulents if you are a fan of cacti.

Wolseley is central to the very popular fruit and wine area of the Witzenberg Valley and is ideal as a base from which to explore the area. Farming is the mainstay of the area, with excellent fruit, vegetables, wine, olives, wheat, meat and dairy products produced here. With the excellent MTB cycle routes of Kluitjieskraal and Eselfontien, historic sites, art galleries, potters, crafters, excellent wine tasting route, restaurants and accommodation establishments, Wolseley makes a great weekend getaway.

De Doorns, the town at heart of the South African table grape industry, is situated in the stunningly beautiful Hex River Valley, in the Western Cape. The De Doorns Wine Cellar has the longest harvest season in the world. The Veldskoen Farm Stall is an amazing surprise. Don’t miss the Hexpas Express – a scenic railway trip through history; the 2 day Botterboom Hiking Trail; the Two Tunnel Mountain Bike Trail or the Keisie River Valley Self Drive Route from De Doorns to Montagu.

Ashton is close to the cliffs at nearby Cogmans Kloof – a spectacular place for rock climbers to get their adrenalin going.

Bonnievale, close to McGregor, is known as the valley of wine and cheeses for good reason. The town is home to two of the major cheese factories in South Africa, Parmalat and Mooivallei Suiwel. Visit the Bonnievale Cellar, one of the largest wineries in South Africa, and taste their award winning wines. Enjoy the excellent wines and great dining at Weltevrede Wine Estate.

McGregor is a charming village at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains, where beautifully maintained historic buildings and the way of life seem to echo the 19th century. McGregor is the perfect place to get away from it all.

The area offers a variety of wine tasting, both in McGregor and on the Robertson Wine Route. There are many cycling and hiking trails in and around the town, and McGregor is also close to the beautiful Vrolikheid Nature Reserve, offering a range of eco-activities.

Rawsonville is central to the Bredekloof Wine Route, and boasts thirteen wine and brandy cellars within a radius of ten kilometres. A drive along the awe-inspiring Slanghoek Valley with its scenic vineyards and breath-taking views will take you past the Dam Fine Café with great food and petting animals, to the warm waters of the natural hot springs at the ATKV Goudini Spa or to the Slanghoek Valley Resort which is ideal as a weekend getaway, wedding or conference venue, offering fishing, hiking and other activities. The clear mountain streams of the Dwarsberg are considered to be one of the best dry fly fishing venues in the country, set in unforgettable scenery.

Worcester is just 18km from Rawsonville, and offers some interesting options to keep you entertained. There is the Breede River Wine Route, with its exciting cellars. Experience a touch of history at Kleinplasie Worcester Museum and visit the 154ha Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens, especially in spring, for a magnificent display of fauna and flora from the arid winter rainfall regions of Southern Africa. Worcester is world famous for its excellent gliding conditions, so visit the Cape Gliding Club at the Worcester Airfields.

Robertson, which is 150 years old, has streets lined with ancient jacaranda and oak trees and beautiful gardens belonging to some very old homes with interesting architecture.

With at least 50 wine cellars in the greater area of Roberton, Ashton, Bonniedale and McGregor, the selection is vast, with something for everyone. Don’t miss the Affie Plaas Farm Stall; Klipdrift Brandy Distillery; the Sheilam Cactus Garden or Rafting Route 62.