Discover some of the city’s top wine farms, world-class restaurants, and activities that will get your adrenaline going, all ready to explore in the beautiful Somerset West.
This neighbourhood is located 45 km from the Cape Town City Center, perfect for a day adventure or a weekend escape.
We compiled a list of everything you can experience in this neighbourhood:
What to Do
Helderberg Farm
Take the family out on a day trip to Helderberg Farm. Choose between five scenic hiking sections, ranging from beginner to challenging hikes, or explore the farm’s striking landscapes through their mountain bike trails.
Strawberry picking (available from October to December) is another activity you should add to your list of things to do. The adventurous can get some thrill on the 4×4 and viewing routes or get competitive in a game of laser tag. End your day at the tea garden or browse through the Red Door Nursery.
Location: Klein Helderberg Road off, R44, Somerset West
Price: Hiking: Adults: R40pp, Kids (aged 6-18): R25pp
Cycling permits: Adults: R100pp, Kids: (aged 6-18 years): R50pp
Contact: Visit helderbergplaas.co.za/
Artjamming
Create your own art masterpieces at Artjamming. Grab some paintbrushes and choose your canvas, select your paint colours, and let your creativity flow. Your little ones will also enjoy the newly introduced SlimeTime, where they can prepare and decorate their own slime.
Artjamming also curates fun events like Paint & Sip, art classes, kids’ holiday classes, and creative workshops.
Location: Lourensford Estate, Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
Price: Slime Time: R125. Art sessions start from R185, which includes a canvas, full use of their paint, and up to 2 hours of studio time.
Contact: Visit artjamming.co.za/
Lourensford Wine Estate
Spanning 4000 hectares, Lourensford Wine Estate features activities for all ages. Try their Blind Wine Tasting Challenge. Identify 4 wines blindfolded, and if you do, your tasting is free.
Tastings are also available for the kiddies, which include two juices with sweet treats. If you have a sweet tooth, head to Wedgewood Emporium for a free tasting of their confectionary range, including ice cream, biscuits, honey, and chocolate. Chances are you will leave with a treat or two. Adventure enthusiasts can try their hand at clay pigeon shooting at Clay Pigeon Adventures or a game of Padel. The estate also has a weekend market with over 70 stalls and pop-ups.
Location: Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Price: Various
Contact: Visit lourensford.co.za/
Cavalli Estate
At Cavalli Estate, you can explore their vineyards, take a stroll in their fynbos gardens, or tuck into a fine dining feast or wine tasting overlooking the vineyards and Helderberg mountain range. Stretched across 100 hectares, you can also wander through the art gallery, which features renowned works from local and international artists. Between September and April, Cavalli welcomes families and friends to its beautifully manicured garden for a gourmet picnic.
Location: Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
Price: Various
Contact: Email: info@cavalliestate.com or call 021 855 3218
Vergelegen Wine Estate
With over 320 years of Cape legacy, Vergelegen Wine Estate isn’t your typical wine farm. While people come from far and wide to taste their wines, they also come to connect with nature through their many gardens and historic Camphor Forest. The Rose Garden, Hydrangeas Garden and Wetlands Garden are some of the popular ones. Once you have done some exploring, stop at one of their restaurants for a bite to eat. Whether it’s the authentic, hearty French dishes at Cafe Fleur, the bistro-style offerings of Stables, or the scrumptious array of freshly baked cakes and desserts at Rose Terrace Tea Room, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The Environmental Tour takes you on a safari-style trip to learn more about the estate and sustainability initiatives, indigenous fynbos, and wildlife like bontebok, Nguni cattle, eland, and Rau-Quagga.
Location: Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
Price: Various
Contact: Visit vergelegen.co.za/
Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa
If you’re seeking a place to stay with spa facilities and unique dining experiences, Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa ticks all the boxes. Their Lurra Spa offers invigorating facials and a range of body treatments including exfoliations, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, and waxing. The spa boasts four treatment rooms, including two couple’s rooms, along with an indoor relaxation area featuring a heated pool, an outdoor patio, a pool, and sunbathing loungers.
Accommodation options span from luxury rooms to suites, and you can bring along your furry friend to stay in select dog-friendly rooms.
Erinvale is also home to meeting and wedding venues, a hair boutique, and a golf course designed by Gary Player.
Location: 1 Erinvale Ave, Erinvale Golf Estate
Price: Various
Contact: Visit erinvale.co.za/
Helderberg Nature Reserve
The Helderberg Nature Reserve is situated on the slopes of Helderberg Mountain, offering spectacular views overlooking False Bay and activities for the entire family. You can opt for various trails within the reserve, ranging from a leisurely 2.2km stroll to a challenging 7-hour hike. Or you can unwind at the designated picnic spot, complete with a children’s jungle gym. The reserve hosts regular nature walks and hikes, as well as popular events such as “Concerts in the Park” and the “Helderberg Book Festival”. The reserve has a “no-bin policy” and visitors must remove all garbage they bring in with them. No dogs are allowed in the reserve.
Location: Verster Ave, Helderberg Nature Reserve
Price: Vehicle: R20, adult: R30, children: R20, and pensioners: R20
Contact: Visit helderbergnaturereserve.co.za/
Where to Eat
Weirdough
This chic new bakery serves both sweet and savoury variations of medialunas, a traditional Argentinian pastry. With its vibrant aesthetic, you can pair your medialuna alongside their famous hot or cold brews. Weirdough has a selection of chimichurri and other tempting treats to take home with you.
Location: Lions Square Shopping Center, Cnr Huising, Main Street, Somerset West
Price: From R24
Contact: Call +27 71 665 1675
Ghenwa’s Culinary Club and Lebanese restaurant
Tuck into an array of Lebanese delights including tabouleh, baba ghanoush, lamb sambousek, kinafeh, and many more at Ghenwa’s Culinary Club and Lebanese restaurant. Ghenwa Steingcaszner, a Lebanese-born chef, not only serves up these mouthwatering dishes but also hosts regular cooking workshops. During these workshops, she shares her culinary heritage, delves into Lebanese cuisine, and shares her tips on how to create the perfect dishes.
Location: House 11 Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West,
Price: Various
Contact: Visit ghenwasculinaryclub.co.za/
Casa Valdez
This authentic Portuguese restaurant has been around for decades and is loved by locals. Casa Valdez exudes a homely atmosphere, where the essence of Portugal is proudly celebrated, evident in the flags decorated around the restaurant. The menu offers a punch, with popular dishes including the Trinchado (steak cubes), Spatchcock Portuguese Chicken, and Variedade de marisco (mixed seafood pan). Vegetarian choices are also available.
Location: Cnr Main Road, Van Der Byl Straat, Van Der Stel
Price: Various
Contact: Visit www.casavaldez.co.za/