Hermanus and its surrounding areas are a birder’s paradise. Few other areas can offer fynbos, mountain, coastal, river and estuarine habitats in such compact terrain, with such easy access.

Birders come from far and wide to spot the Western Cape specials such as the Orange-breasted sunbird, the Cape sugarbird, Cape siskin, Victorin’s warbler, the Cape Bulbul, the Southern tchagra, the Protea seedeater and many others including more than 186 water bird species. The Bot River and Klein River estuaries, the Onrus River and the Vermont Saltpan offer many surprises including pelicans and flamingos.

BirdLife Overberg is very active and is an umbrella body for the local clubs that exist throughout the Overberg. They have a huge infrastructure to service birders, with heaps of educational material available.

Hermanus and its surrounding areas are a birder’s paradise. Few other areas can offer fynbos, mountain, coastal, river and estuarine habitats in such compact terrain, with such easy access.

The Hermanus Wine Route starts at Benguela Cove, just across the Bot River on the last stretch to Hermanus. This introduction leads to the rest of the Route which is found on the Hemel-en-Aarde Road, R320, where the Wine Village forms the gateway to a host of wineries where wine tasting is mostly free.

Within walking distance from the Wine Village you find Whale haven and Hermanuspietersfontein. Every Saturday morning there is a fresh produce market at Hermanuspietersfontein where tables are laid out for visitors to linger while doing wine and food tasting, stocking up for the weekend ahead and generally getting into a laid back mood with friends.

Continuing on the Hemel-en-Aarde Road you enter the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with Southern Right, Hamilton Russell Vineyards and Bouchard Finlayson. At Southern Right biltong and cheese platters are offered to accompany the sauvignon blanc and pinotage. Salt of the Earth farm stall offers bottomless coffee, hearty food and space for the children to get rid of excess energy. Moving on are Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Bouchard Finlayson and La Vierge. Linger at La Vierge by playing a game of boulle, sipping a glass of bubbly on the champagne veranda or enjoy lunch in their restaurant, Temptation. A stone’s throw away is Newton Johnson where Chef Bruce runs the Heaven kitchen.

Continue with the Hemel-en-Aarde road to find Ataraxia Wine Lounge with art on display and the majestic backdrop of the Babylon’s Toring mountain. Creation completes the Hermanus Wine Route experience and offers the perfect finish to a memorable wine experience by serving innovative food platters highlighting the quality of each wine, art exhibitions and a fynbos garden.

Enjoy the Hermanus Wine Route for its views, hospitality, food and its glorious wines. Be sure to diarise your next trip as there is always something new to discover.

For more information contact the Hermanus Tourism Bureau on email infoburo@hermanus.co.za or +27 (0)28 3122629