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Booze tends to get a back rap because of its intoxicating effects but inebriated shenanigans aside, tipple (when enjoyed in moderation) provides us with a charming peek under the skirts of a country’s culture. The gorgeous Hout Bay valley fairly represents the Cape and country’s ardent love for beautiful wine, craft brew, and artisanal spirits. It’s also home to the “smallest pub in Africa”, so line up an Uber because we’re going to take you on a boozy tour of Hout Bay!

Positioned right next door to the world-famous Constantia wine region, Hout Bay boasts a cool, maritime climate perfect for the cultivation of classic Bordeaux grape varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. There are three wine estates in the valley, all of which can be visited under special circumstances (either by appointment or at certain times of the year, etc.)

Hout Bay Vineyards

T: +27 (0) 83 790 3303

Perched high atop the northwest-facing slopes of Bokkemanskloof, Hout Bay Vineyards make full use of the valley’s favourable terroir to produce a delicious boutique range of wines, which can be sampled in an intimate tasting setting in the cellar. Winemaker and owner Cathy Roeloffze hosts the private tastings (by appointment only) and guests are welcome to enjoy a glass of their favourite wine afterwards. Tastings cost R50 per person with a minimum charge of R300.

Ambeloui

E: wine@ambeloui.co.za

Ambeloui is a small boutique wine cellar and farm that produces delicious, high quality Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) in the traditional Champagne method. The only caveat here is that the farm only opens its doors to the public once per year on the first weekend of November – this year, 2nd November 2019 – where you can sample and buy their bubbly. Stocks are limited and are sold on a first come, first served basis!

Silvermist Wine Estate

T: +27 (0) 21 794 7601

Silvermist is a family owned organic wine estate at the top of the Hout Bay valley, where it melts into Constantia. The farm falls within the Table Mountain National Park, so there’s plenty of birdlife about and the panoramic views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range, Constantia Valley, False Bay, and Hottentots Holland Mountains are truly spectacular. Silvermist Wine Estate is open for tastings during high season (1st November 2019 to 28th February 2020) from Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 17:00; mid-season (1st March 2020 to 30th April 2020) from Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 17:00; and low season (1st May 2020 to 30th September 2020) from Friday to Sunday, 11:00 to 16:00.

Constantia Wine Route

Still thirsty? Why not explore the rest of the Constantia Wine Route, which sprawls out just on the other side of Constantia Nek? There are 10 wine estates here with a history that dates back to the very origins of winemaking in South Africa, as established by the first Governor of the Cape, Simon Van Der Stel. For more information on the Constantia Wine Route and it’s oldest farm, Groot Constantia, click on the relevant links.

Located in the heart of Hout Bay’s historic harbour, very conveniently side-by-side to each other, you’ll find the Urban Brewing Co. and Hout Bay Harbour Distillery, where quality, artisanal craft beers are brewed and gins are distilled respectively.

Urban Brewing Company

T: +27 (0) 21 791 1130 or +27 (0) 82 474 9745
The Urban Brewing Co. offers visitors tours of their craft beer operation, which is right next door to the vastly popular Bay Harbour Market. The tour includes a beer tasting, a complimentary beer of your choice, a tour of their facilities, and a short talk on the process of craft beer production.

Hout Bay Harbour Distillery

T: +27 (0) 82 443 9360
If you prefer a G&T to beer (or in addition to), the Hout Bay Harbour Distillery crafts true artisanal gin at its tiny operation, which shares a space with a gorgeous art gallery. They too offer very informative tastings, which conclude with a delicious gin cocktail of your choice.

Bay Harbour Market

Open every Friday from 17:00 to 21:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 to 16:00, the refurbished fish factory in the old part of the Hout Bay harbour comes to life with hundreds of craft stalls and a mouth-watering selection of food and beverage vendors. The Bay Harbour Market offers the perfect opportunity and setting in which sit down to a delicious lunch after a gin and/or beer tasting, accompanied by more craft beer, cocktails, and wine of course!

The Workshop Pub (the Smallest Pub in Africa)

T: +27 (0) 21 790 1747

Lovingly known as the “Smallest Pub in Africa”, the Workshop has long been Hout Bay’s casual, go-to watering hole. The bar is truly tiny, but an outside tented area (with big screen TV’s playing sports) offers sheltered seating for many patrons. The drinks are cheap, the laid-back vibe infectious, and there’s an ancient Dukebox you can attempt to coerce into playing your favourite songs.

Woodcutters Arms

T: +27 (0) 21 791 0189

Woodcutters Arms is a traditional English style pub on Hout Bay’s Main Road, almost right opposite DK Villas’ Harbour View property. Here, you can expect home-cooked, British inspired dishes, a large selection of craft beer, an extensive wine list, a relaxed atmosphere, and, when there’s a game on, hot-blooded patriotism!

Pakalolo Hout Bay

T: +27 (0) 21 790 0700

Pakalolo is a restaurant and excellent bar that serves a constellation of cocktails and shooters in addition to the usual assortment of beverages. Perched at the beginning of Chapman's Peak Drive, right opposite the beach, Pakalolo is reliably vibey with live local entertainment (music and comedy) on weekends and outside terraces, a chill out lounge, a Bistro area with fireplace, and three big screens for sports events in full HD!

Dwarskersbos and its surrounding area is a magnet for nature and birding enthusiasts. Because much of the West Coast has been left untouched by development, its flower-carpeted plains, estuaries, mudflats, and indigenous coastal scrub and fynbos are in a pristine state. They also support a myriad of animals and birdlife, many species of which are endemic to this region and found nowhere else in South Africa, or indeed the world.

Here are a few must-go places and attractions for visitors to Dwarskersbos who love to get out into nature!

The Berg River and Estuary

The Berg River is a 294 kilometre-long waterway that drains a mountain catchment area of 7,715 km². Dwarskersbos is located a stone’s throw to the north of the Berg River mouth, where it feed into the Atlantic Ocean at Velddrif, forming an estuary that is an important ecosystem for a diverse number of aquatic bird, animal, and plant species. Not surprisingly, this area attracts hoards of birdwatchers but for those who just like to experience the beauty of the Berg River – and perhaps catch a sunset in the process - there are boat cruise operators to call upon.
Tollie’s Boat & River Cruises depart morning and late afternoon from the Port Owen Slipway at the Riviera Hotel in Velddrif for a leisurely 1.5 hour cruise. The boat, captained by the amusing and informative Captain Tollie, accommodates 32 guests, and is child friendly. Find them on Facebook or contact +27 (0) 79 763 6966.

Diverse Birdlife

Speaking of bird life, located on the West Coast near the mouth of the Berg River and the Langebaan bird sanctuary, Dwarskersbos is a prime location for birds and birding. The area’s mudflats, estuaries, coastal scrub, and fynbos offer a wide variety of habitats, where 127 different species of water birds and 93 terrestrial birds have been identified. These include 25 species that are considered to be of national importance and at least five ‘Red Data’ listed species. For more information about birdwatching in the lower Berg River wetlands, please click here.

Beach lover’s paradise

Dwarskersbos is bordered along its western periphery by the Atlantic Ocean and a lovely white sand beach called Dolfynstrand. Every morning, evening, and, of course, throughout the day, this quiet beach offers a picturesque setting for long walks, romantic picnics, or, if you can brave the cold, a revitalising ocean dip.

Whale watching

Being an important upwelling zone, the Benguela current nurtures a thriving ecosystem, which means rich marine life and the potential to spot big ocean mammals like dolphins, porpoises, and whales. Species such as southern right whales can be spotted from the beaches, while humpbacked whales can be seen further out to sea. And don’t worry: the water here is typically too cold for great white sharks!

Flower season

The West Coast practically has an international reputation for the annual blooming of its wildflower. Every August – towards the end of the month – millions upon millions of bulbs and seeds that have lain dormant in the soil erupt into a celebration of colour, carpeting the West Coast in swaths of orange, purple, red, and white. Visitors are encouraged to get out of their cars and walk through this wonderland, to take pictures with the flowers, and smell the Hesperantha (aandblom) and Babiana (Bobbejaantjie). For more information on the area’s incredible flora, check out the Velddrif Tourism Website.

West Coast National Park

Located less than an hour’s drive south from Dwarskersbos is the West Coast National Park, undoubtedly one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful nature reserves, where the indigenous coastal biome, fauna, and flora have been pristinely preserved. Within this 36,260-hectare park, which runs the length of the cool Atlantic Ocean from the town of Yzerfontein to the Langebaan Lagoon in the north, there is a cacophony of indigenous birdlife, several large antelope species, and a spectrum smaller mammals and reptiles. The park is best known for its many hiking trails, spectacular flowers in spring, swimming spots, and many endemic bird species that you won’t see anywhere else. Visit the South African National Parks website or contact +27 (0) 22 772 2144.

Salt pans at Cerebos

Cerebos, the market leader in the retail salt market in South Africa, has many salt pans near the mouth of the Berg River, which attracts beautiful birds such as greater and lesser flamingo, great white pelicans, and chestnut banded plovers. In October, birdwatchers visit the pans in the hopes of spotting the rare and elusive red-necked phalarope.

Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Rocherpan is a coastal nature reserve (part of the Cape Nature Group) teeming with birds and colourful wildflowers, particularly in the spring. The 930-hectare reserve, which lies 10 km north of Dwarskersbos, consists largely of a seasonal vlei that is usually dry between March and June but, over winter, receives the water it needs to host a vibrant array of fauna and flora. Rocherpan was established as a nature reserve in 1966, and the adjacent section of the Atlantic Ocean was declared a marine reserve in 1988. Visit the Cape Nature website or contact +27 (0) 79 203 1092.

Dwarskersbos is a quaint seaside community where the only thing loud enough to break the silence is the rhythmic crashing of the Atlantic Ocean against its bordering beach, Dolfynstrand. Having said that, there is plenty to do in the area! Located a short 15-minute drive from the slightly larger coastal village of Velddrif and its Port Owen, where the Berg River meets the ocean, there is a vast spectrum of enchanting outdoor and leisure activities to keep the whole family entertained. Here are a few of our favourites!

Picnic or sundowners on Dolfynstrand

The whole community of Dwarskersbos is bordered by the white sands of Dolfynstrand and the Atlantic Ocean, both a short walk away from almost any starting point. Of course, when it comes to what there is to do on the beach, you are limited only by your imagination! Go for a swim or a romantic walk, read a book on the sand, take a picnic, watch the sunset, or all of the above.

Treat yourself to a spa day

The Port Owen Marina Resort & Spa is located a short 15 minute’s drive from Dwarskersbos, in the neighbouring town of Velddrif. La Vita Spa features two single treatment rooms, hydro facilities, and a variety of treatment options so you can de-stress, get your muscles untangled, and settle into your visit or holiday in luxurious style. Operational hours are 08:00 to 22:00 daily. For more information, refer to their website or contact +27 (0) 22 783 1144.

Berg River cruises

Tollie’s Boat & River Cruises depart morning and late afternoon from the Port Owen Slipway at the Riviera Hotel in Velddrif for a leisurely 1.5 hour cruise up the beautiful Berg River. The boat, captained by the amusing and informative Captain Tollie, accommodates 32 guests, is child friendly, and affords wonderful birdwatching opportunities, as well as spectacular sunset views! Find them on Facebook or contact +27 (0) 79 763 6966.

A birdwatcher’s paradise

Located on the West Coast near the mouth of the Berg River and the Langebaan bird sanctuary, Dwarskersbos is a prime location for birds and birding. The area’s mudflats, estuaries, coastal scrub, and fynbos offer a wide variety of habitats, where 127 different species of water birds and 93 terrestrial birds have been identified. These include 25 species that are considered to be of national importance and at least five ‘Red Data’ listed species. For more information about birdwatching in the lower Berg River wetlands, please click here.

Go river or deep-sea fishing

A member of Velddrif Tourism, A&M Fishing Charters offers enthusiasts a fully equipped boat and the deep area knowledge and seasoned experience of Skipper Andry Barnard. So, whether you want to head inland on the Berg River or strike out west to go deep-sea fishing or whale-watching, A&M Fishing Charters is your port of call. All you need is your fishing and bait licence, which is available at the local Post Office. To book, visit the website or contact +27 (0) 71 550 8491.

Eat out

Dwarskersbos and the neighbouring Velddrif are home to a constellation of humble, home-style restaurants, seafood shacks, and bars where you can count on a quintessential West Coast welcome and delicious cuisine! For something a little fancier, head to Russells on the Port or Charlie’s Brewhouse in Port Owen. And for a more detailed list of places to eat in and around Dwarskersbos, check out our previous blog post.

Visit the Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Rocherpan is a coastal nature reserve (part of the Cape Nature Group) teeming with birds and colourful wildflowers, particularly in the spring. The 930-hectare reserve, which lies 10 km north of Dwarskersbos, consists largely of a seasonal vlei that is usually dry between March and June but, over winter, receives the water it needs to host a vibrant array of fauna and flora. Rocherpan was established as a nature reserve in 1966, and the adjacent section of the Atlantic Ocean was declared a marine reserve in 1988. Visit the Cape Nature website or contact +27 (0) 79 203 1092.

Located up the West Coast, past the West Coast National Park and the coastal town of Velddrif, lies Dwarskersbos, a quaint seaside community and the ultimate escape from anxiety-ridden city living. Here, the perpetual purr of the ocean waves and the caw of seagulls serve as the soundtrack to a perfectly relaxing holiday. And when you’re ready to emerge for a little something to eat and drink, here are some fine establishments to visit in and around the area. Because Dwarskersbos is so small, with limited options for dining out, we have taken the liberty of including restaurants and bars from the neighbouring much larger town of Velddrif, located a short 10 to 15-minutes’ drive away.

Russells on the Port

T: +27 (0) 22 783 0158 | www.russellsontheport.co.za

Nestled into the picturesque Port Owen Marina in Velddrif, a short drive from Dwarskersbos, you’ll find Russells on the Port, a sophisticated and intimate 90-seater restaurant. Head chef Charl Coetzee crafts globally influenced contemporary dishes that are inspired by the seasons and fresh, local produce. Think West Coast seafood, lamb rump, crispy pork belly, and locally sourced game.

Address: 1 Bronwen Avenue, Port Owen Marina, Velddrif

Charlie’s Brewhouse

T: +27 (0) 22 783 0448 | www.charliesbrew.co.za

From the same entrepreneur who brought Velddrif Russells on the Port comes this vivacious, family-friendly establishment with panoramic views of the Port Owen Marina. Here, Head Chef David produces a gastronomic fusion between British pub fare and the finest West Coast flavours, such as sea-fresh West Coast mussels, beer prawns, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers with juicy homemade patties, Eton mess, and silky-smooth homemade ice cream.

Address: 1 Marina Centre, Port Owen Drive

See Kaia Restaurant

T: +27 (0) 83 276 3115 or +27 (0) 71 742 8593 | Facebook Page

Step into what feels like your neighbour’s home and take a seat at a ramshackle table in a colourful lounge as this friendly couple whips up delicious, homemade meals. The Sea Kaia serves unpretentious, rustic cuisine like pizzas, burgers, toasted sandwiches, and breakfasts that will have you rolling out the door, all with a side of West Coast country hospitality at its best!

Please do note that the Sea Kaia is not licensed to serve alcohol.

Address: Hoofwegs (Main Road), next to the Dwarskersbos Beach Resort (Caravan Park)

Soetcase Coffee Shop

T: +27 (0) 83 229 4131 | Facebook Page

A combined arts & crafts store and coffee shop, Soetcase serves a lovely variety of breakfasts, light lunches, pizzas, milkshakes, sweet treats and snacks made with love, and of course coffee. While you wait for your meal, why not take a little meander around the arts and crafts shop? You might find the perfect birthday or anniversary gift!

Address: Pretkor Centre, 8A Main Road, Dwarskersbos

Die Vishuis Restaurant

T: +27 (0) 22 783 1183 or +27 (0) 82 450 5053 | www.dievishuis.co.za

Die Vishuis Restaurant is a typical West Coast jewel, where you can sit down to a scrumptious menu of fresh, local fish and seafood. The restaurant was once a real “vishuis” where fisherman used to salt the Harders (fish) they caught. Today, several features of the original property have been preserved to create a historic, quirky atmosphere with stunning wetland views of the Berg River and its birdlife.

Address: Bokkom Avenue, Velddrif

Teyana’s Restaurant & Pub

T: +27 (0) 22 783 2055 | Facebook Page

Tenyana’s Restaurant & Pub is a casual eatery located on the banks of the Berg River, affording guests beautiful river and wetland views. Immensely popular with locals, you can expect the full spectrum of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, coffees, and drinks with a cuisine focus on fresh, local seafood.

Address: Pelican Harbour, Voortrekker Road, Velddrif

Ek en Djy Vissery

T: +27 (0) 82 781 3878

To steep yourself in quintessential West Coast culture, you’ve simply got to stop in at Ek en Djy Vissery (“me and you fishery”) in Velddrif. This quirky and wholly charming fish shop sells everything from fresh daily caught fish, mussels, pickled fish, roll mops, dried fish (bokkoms), and sea salt to refreshments, Velddrif souvenirs, arts and crafts, and handmade baked treats and jams.

Address: Bokkom Avenue, Velddrif

Die Vis Vlekhuis

T: +27 (0) 71 917 4521 or +27 (0) 22 783 0553 | Facebook Page

Die Vis Vlekhuis is a well-known family restaurant and take away seafood spot located in Laaiplek Harbour. With sweeping Atlantic Ocean views, this landmark site serves delicious fresh fish and seafood, caught that very morning and prepared according to multi-generational recipes. If you’re not a seafood lover, there are the restaurant’s legendary ribs and chips to chow down on. There’s also a bar serving a variety of cocktails, ice cold beverages, beers, and wine.

Address: 43 De Villiers Street, Laaiplek, Velddrif

Lavender & Lime Coffee Shop & Nursery

T: +27 (0) 78 203 8374, | Facebook Page

Towards the back of this verdant heaven of flowers, herbs, succulents, and trees you’ll find a coffee shop that serves all-day breakfasts, light lunches, beverages, and absolutely gorgeous cakes. Lavender & Lime is widely known for its breakfasts and, while waiting for your food to arrive, why not take a picture underneath their enormous Bobbejaandruif Boom (Belhambra tree)? It’s the biggest and oldest one in the region!

Address: 135 Voortrekker Road, Velddrif

Spectacular nature, sweeping beaches, world famous drives, colourful markets, fine dining, ocean adventures, private wine tasting, retail therapy, and even craft breweries and distilleries…when it comes to Hout Bay, there is absolutely no shortage of exciting activities and experiences to keep visitors busy. Here are 10 of our recommended activities in Hout Bay:

Retail therapy at the Bay Harbour Market

T: +27 (0) 83 275 5586

From Friday to Sunday every weekend, the refurbished fish factory in the old part of Hout Bay’s historic harbour comes to life with scores of craft stalls and food and beverage vendors. Peruse the extensive collections of boutique clothing, local art, handmade jewellery, quirky trinkets, and other crafts before sitting down to a delicious meal of freshly made, multi-national dishes from the various food stalls, which you can wash down with wine, craft beer, a cocktail, or healthy fruit smoothie. The Hout Bay Harbour Market is a firm favourite of Capetonians!

Lunch at Fish on the Rocks, a Hout Bay institution

T: +27 (0) 21 790 0001

For decades, this tiny ramshackle fish and chips shop perched on a jettison of rocks at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean has served delicious, steaming takeaway and eat-in seafood caught fresh that very morning. Today, the aptly named Fish on the Rocks is a veritable institution and no visit to Hout Bay is complete without hake and chips or calamari ordered here and enjoyed in the brisk sea air with sweeping views of Chapman’s Peak and the entirety of the bay. Fish on the Rocks is open 365 days a year, from 09:00 to 20:00 (in winter) and 21:00 (in summer).

Take a scenic meander along Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive hardly needs an introduction. Regarded as one of the most dramatically beautiful drives in the world, the road winds its way around the steep cliff faces of Chapman’s Peak with spectacular, panoramic views of Hout Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. There are plenty of places to stop off to admire the view or even enjoy a picnic.

Go for a private wine tasting at Hout Bay Vineyards

T: +27 (0) 83 790 3303

Located right next door to the world-famous Constantia wine region, Hout Bay boasts a cool, maritime climate perfect for the cultivation of classic Bordeaux grape varietals. Perched high atop the northwest-facing slopes of Bokkemanskloof, Hout Bay Vineyards make full use of the valley’s favourable terroir to produce a delicious boutique range of wines, which can be sampled in an intimate tasting setting in the cellar. Winemaker and owner Cathy Roeloffze hosts the private tastings (by appointment only) and guests are welcome to enjoy a glass of their favourite wine afterwards. Tastings cost R50 per person with a minimum charge of R300.

Visit Hout Bay’s Cape fur seal colony

T: +27 (0) 21 791 4441

Right around the corner – the Sentinel Mountain - from Hout Bay Harbour is a large, noisy, and rather odorous colony of Cape fur seals, a visit to which makes for a lovely 1-hour boat outing! Drumbeat Charters South Africa offers daily scenic cruises to Duiker Island’s seal colony, where visitors can watch the mammals basking in the sun, frolicking in the waves, and honking at each other. Drumbeat Charters also do a variety of other cruises in and around the bay, including a one-hour trip to see the shipwrecks along the Kabonkelberg mountain range. More information here.

Go snorkelling with seals

T: +27 (0) 72 296 9132

If you’re a bit of an adrenalin addict and want to get closer – much closer – to the seals, then how about climbing into the water with them? Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling takes visitors on an unforgettable half-day, eco-friendly adventure to Duiker Island, where you’ll actually jump ship to snorkel with the seals. You can even hire waterproof go-pros to record the experience of swimming with curious seals and the kelp forests and colourful ocean life that swishes in the currents beneath your flippered feet.

Eat out in style at one of Hout Bay’s top restaurants

While a little more rustic and casual in its dining scene, Hout Bay has its share of popular, lauded restaurants. Quentin at Oakhurst serves a mix of traditional and modern cuisine in one of Hout Bay’s original farmsteads. Cheyne’s is all about Pacific Rim dining (and they’ve just launched their spring specials!) Considered one of the top restaurants in the world, La Colombe delivers a multi-sensory, multi-course fine dining experience you’ll never forget. For something a little more casual yet still sophisticated, there’s Dunes Restaurant right on the beach; Chapman’s Peak Hotel with its stunning views and great vibe; the Lookout Deck in the harbour area; Massimo’s for Italian cuisine; and a bevvy of others.

Walk on the beach to Mariner’s Wharf

T: +27 (0) 21 790 1100

Conceptualised and built during the 1980s by Hout Bay’s very own Stanley Dorman, Mariner’s Wharf Harbourside Emporium boasts restaurants, shops, and markets steeped in a beguiling maritime ambience. In other words, it’s the perfect place to end up for a meal or an ice cream after a walk along Hout Bay beach.

Go on a Boozy Tour in the Historic Harbour

Hout Bay Harbour Distillery: +27 (0) 82 443 9360

Urban Brewing Co.: +27 (0) 21 791 1130 or +27 (0) 82 474 9745

Located in the heart of the historic harbour, the Hout Bay Harbour Distillery offers visitors a combined tour of their gin distillery and Urban Brewing Co.’s craft beer operation, which is right next door. The tour includes a gin and beer tasting, a complimentary beer of your choice, a tour of both facilities, and a short talk on the process of gin and craft beer production.