The Stanford Cheese & Wine Festival 2021

Stanford Cheese & Wine Festival – 2021

The Stanford Cheese and Wine Festival is a collaboration of hearts and minds, in a celebration of local food, world-class wines, and artisan cheesemaking. The inaugural festival was held at Walker Bay Estate & Birkenhead Brewery earlier this month and was a major success. Outselling our predicted webticket numbers on door sales by double.

With a melting pot of local suppliers showcasing their wares and set at the beautiful Walker Bay Estate, guests feasted on some of South Africa’s award-winning cheese and wines from the area.

For a small entrance fee via webtickets.co.za with snapscan and yoco payment points available at the food, cheese and wine stall guests were able to fill their complementary glass to sip and savour the top Overberg wines. Not only that, but load gift bag with a range of mouth-watering artisan fare for a true countryside farm to fork experience.

The day was designed for both friend and family connections and a host of festivities which include toe-tapping to tunes from local musicians and DJ’s, where guests picked their spot on expanse of rolling lawns to settle down with their selection of food, while the kids enjoyed a variety of activities and outdoor play. Guests could even take a seat at the newly revamped, airy Walker Bay Restaurant for a sit-down dining experience. The choices were endless.

The event was designed to enjoy the best of local in a safe, outdoor space and at the same time, connect to country life, right here, in Stanford.

Event details were as follows for 2021 inaugural event:

Date: Saturday 5 June 2021

Venue: Walker Bay Estate & Birkenhead Brewery

Time: 10am – 6pm

Tickets were available on www.webtickets.co.za

The Race2Stanford Triathlon

Race2Stanford Triathlon – 24 April 2021

R2S is a challenging triathlon from the whale watching waters of Hermanus, through the Hemel & Aarde valley wine route, culminating in the historic & picturesque Stanford village.

Conditions on the day were perfect as swimmers lined up in the Hermanus harbour 24 April 2021 with one of the strongest fields in triathlon for over a year since Covid struck.

As the warm sun rose over the breathlessly calm glassy ocean in Walker Bay, 200+ brave athletes swam out into the turquoise new harbour. A 1900m swim course, laid out by the NSRI station 17 crew.

The oil painting looking golden pink sky and water were only separated by the pod of splashing wetsuits on the 2 lap course, surrounded by water safety craft.

 

The sound of African music & exciting commentary then Deputy Mayoress Elnora Gillion’s pre race blessing boomed over the microphone.

From 24 minutes to 1 hour, swimmers emerged from the crystal clear water and into Transition 1 for the bike leg to Stanford.  As the swimmers trickled in through the arch & across the slipway it was heard from those who could speak, babbling about starfish everywhere!

The bike leg at Race2Stanford is arguably the most challenging half iron course on earth.

Riders knew it would be a test of patience and control and most athletes managed to do that successfully in near perfect cool, windless conditions.

The steep and now infamous La Vierge and Shaws Pass climbs provided a massive challenge and equally large bragging rights to amateurs before hitting Caledon with a sharp right south before turning onto the Akkedisberg pass leading straight into Stanford.

The riders were safely escorted by exceptionally well received Police Traffic Services and the Think Bike motorised Marshalls which were especially necessary given the ongoing roadworks in the Overstrand region.

The beautiful 4 lap 21km run course took athletes from all over South Africa on a scenic tour along the ‘wandelpad’ around the quaint village of Stanford.

The bird filled trees along the Klein River provided shade and distraction for the now exhausted runners heading to the music filled and iced drinks laden vibe of the Village green, nestled under the church steeple, to crown a near perfect day out.

As the hot sun that rose over the swimmers in the harbour earlier in the day began to drop and cool down, athletes laughed, many almost in tears, as they collapsed over the finish line onto the grass.

Pretty much every single one acknowledged that it was “brutal but beautiful!”. This challenge, that took athletes anything from 4:17 to a staggering 10 hours and 10 minutes, is a very honest one, ideal for those who love to test their true limits in the great outdoors.

Powerful stories of many fascinating personal journeys were told along the way.

It’s true that anyone can achieve what they set their minds too.

“Congratulations to every proud finisher who ‘survived Shaws Pass’ and the happy teams that nailed the practice run towards solo efforts in 2022.

Thank you to the patient local harbour, walking trails and road users for putting up with the crowds. Many said it was “just so good to see tourists and events back after 14 months of lockdown”.

A big thanks also to event partners Seesa too who supported this event that has big ambitions by helping pay local community sourced helpers who were full of typical saffa gees when athletes needed an emotional lift.”

For more fantastic pics on the day visit R2S FB page.

And finally, from a proud village, we’d like to congratulate our very own local, Dirk Troost, on his 2nd successful R2S finish! See you next year, same time, same place!

An Epicurean Excursion, (Jim Freeman, The Citizen)

 

There’s good reason the waterway flowing through Stanford in the Overberg region of the Western Cape is called the Klein River: the distance from source to mouth (as the proverbial crow flies) is so short that said corvid avian would barely reach third gear.

The straight-line distance from where the river rises in the Hemel en Aarde valley to its estuary at the Hermanus Lagoon is little more than five kilometres. Hike its course, however, and you’re talking 10 times that. What makes the Klein River special is that it is the closest river to Cape Town on which, prelockdown, you could go on a booze cruise. Now, you’ll have to be content with looking at glorious scenery, bird-watching, swimming and trailing a fishing line.

Clarens (Free State); Cullinan (Gauteng); Dullstroom (Mpumalanga); Hogsback (Eastern Cape); Nottingham Road and Howick (KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander) and Riebeeck Kasteel, Greyton and Paternoster in the Western Cape are almost household names. Few people, however, seem to know about Stanford.

Perhaps, like Sedgefield on the Garden Route, it’s because the road runs past the place without going through it. Having spent several days there recently, I think Stanford eclipses most of the other South African villages I’ve been to in terms of beauty, visitor attractiveness and value for money.

Residents are village-proud and extremely welcoming – a bit of an eye-opener considering that Stanford, though heavily dependent on tourism for its existence, is in a province traditionally curmudgeonly towards visitors.

Stanford is wonderful for a long weekend getaway, provided you are not on diet or cannot envisage a good meal without wine or beer, because the village is chockablock with exceptional restaurants, bistros and bakeries.

I unexpectedly encountered one of my travel-media colleagues in the village and she accompanied me to La Trattoria, a high street eatery that has regularly won accolades in the annual Eat Out awards. I told co-owner Lionello Giovannetti my go-to dish in evaluating Italian restaurants was spaghetti bolognese because getting it perfect means the chef has nailed many of the most important basic combinations and processes. Happily he agreed and two bowls delicious of “spag bol” featured in a procession of tapas-style offerings that made their way from his kitchen to our table. Needless to say, we cast longing eyes at wine racks featuring products from Chianti and Valpolicella but begging is terribly demeaning.

My three-night excursion began the previous afternoon when I checked in at Haesfarm, a 40ha gem of a place which, in days of Covid-strangeness, is a jewel beyond price.

Guest accommodation comprises only two suites, which makes the place ideal for a family or friends. It’s situated on a hill at the top of the Akkedisberg Pass 12km from the village and has panoramic views over Stanford and Walker Bay (on really clear days you can see right across False Bay to Cape Point … about 110km according to the local crow).

The fynbos farm was bought by Harry Poortman and Steyn Jacobs in 2012. Poortman, an award-winning architect – among many other things – from Holland transformed the dilapidated farmhouse into a guesthouse that features personal art and furniture, among them unique and limited-edition pieces. Isolation and comfort apart, the absolute drawcard to Haesfarm lies in the notice to guests who are booking in that “dinner can be booked with us. Please let us know 24 hours before as we prep fresh food, sourced locally, and there might just be a herb or veggie from our garden ready for a tasty dish or recipe we want to try out…”.

Take my advice: do it! Dinner on the farm was one of the highlights of my visit.  The pre-dinner snack was a Dutch classic, bitterballen (enjoyed with the local Walker Bay Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc), followed by a mouthwatering soufflé made with five local cheeses.

“We’re very lucky in having two of South Africa’s best cheese-makers, Klein River and Stonehouse, as neighbours,” said Harry.

At breakfast the next morning – which started with kombuchainfused oats with plain yoghurt, fynbos honey and fresh fruit – I asked Steyn whether I’d partaken too much of the Raka (another neighbour) Cabernet Franc and the post-prandial Boplaas brandy? I swore, I said, I’d heard lions roaring in the middle of the night! Not at all, he replied, the Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary was less than two kilometres away … as the crow flies.

Anyone that knows me will tell you I’m opposed to any form of “petting zoo”. A call to my friend Christoff Longland, a field guide at nearby Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, allayed my fears. Many people think a sanctuary is a place animals go before being returned to the wild. It’s not; they go to live out their lives with a modicum of dignity because there is no chance of them returning to their species’ natural state. So it is with Panthera Africa and, as big cat sanctuaries go, it’s better than most I’ve seen. The 40ha facility currently houses 26 lions, tigers, leopard, caracal and other cats, and those that I saw were healthy.

Very close to Panthera (which is a not-for-profit concern) is the Birkenhead Brewery which shares its space with Walker Bay Vineyards. I stopped in there a couple of months ago for a beer before ordering a sumptuous cheese and charcuterie platter with a bottle of wine.

Birkenhead was one of the first micro-breweries in South Africa and is named after the British troopship that was wrecked off Gansbaai in a storm in 1852.

Wikipedia explains that “there were not enough serviceable lifeboats for all the passengers and the soldiers famously stood firm on board, thereby allowing the women and children to board the boats safely and escape the sinking”.

“Only 193 of the estimated 643 people on board survived, and the soldiers’ chivalry gave rise to the unofficial ‘women and children first’ protocol when abandoning ship.”

There was zero chance of anything so magnanimous being required when I finally made it to the stately Lady Stanford for my cruise down the Klein River. The river was placid, there was not a breath of wind and the water isn’t that deep anyway.

I was also the only person on board with Skipper Pete (ordinarily the Lady Stanford can take up to 26 passengers) so, had anything gone wrong, I’d have had the pick of the lifebelts.

Some facts about Stanford: Stanford has a population of about 5 000 people and lies between Hermanus and Gansbaai on the Walker Bay section of the Overstrand.

It is about 140km by road from central Cape Town. The village is named after Sir Robert Stanford, an Ireland born retired officer in the British army who arrived in the Cape Colony in 1838.

He was a visionary farmer who prospered, mainly due to his idea of supplying fresh produce to Cape Town by boat across False Bay to Simonstown instead of the much more time-consuming ox-wagon route over the Hottentots-Holland mountain range.

He died in gentle penury after he was ostracised by the colonist community (especially the banks!) for the role he played in provisioning a ship bearing Irish convicts.

The ship Neptune was forced to ride at anchor at Simonstown when the colonists withheld all supplies to all government institutions and facilities until it was agreed all the convicts would be sent to another country.

Stanford, who was still on half-pay to the army, provided the necessary supplies. The convict ship proceeded to what is now Australia but the Overberg farmer had earned the colonists’ undying ire.

 

Some facts about Stanford

Find out more: Stanford Association of Tourism and Business: www.stanfordinfo.co.za

Lady Stanford River Cruises: www.ladystanford.co.za

Haesfarm: www.haesfarm.co.za

La Trattoria: 081-805-7470

Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary: www.pantheraafrica.com

Gooi-ing wheelies on the beach

 

Stanford recently hosted Jim Freeman, travel writer for Citizen Travel. Follows is one of his beautifully written pieces for Citizen Travel about the size of heart of one of Stanfords’ locals, Robyn Simmons.

“I can empathise with people who bemoan the fact that lockdown and social distancing stipulations have deprived them of their regular sea or forest fixes, for they know exactly what it is they are missing.

I had the opportunity to appreciate (in tiny measure) what it means to people who have been cheated by life, rather than diktat, of the opportunity to enjoy bush and beach.

Having done a bit of work for the Quad-Para Association of South Africa some years ago, I have a fair understanding to the day-to-day challenges faced by people with physical disabilities in terms of accessibility to urban facilities, such as workplaces and malls.

But it was not until I met Robyn Simmons in the arty, crafty, foodie, hippy Overberg village of Stanford – more or less midway between Hermanus and Gansbaai – that I appreciated that many mobility impaired people will never get the chance to let beach sand trickle through their fingers or smell leaf mulch in a forest.

Simmons’ calling (which she has been able to parlay into a business called Wide Open) is to provide people in wheelchairs with outdoor “adventures” most able-bodied individuals take for granted.

“I come from KwaZulu-Natal but spent a lot of time in the Western Cape when I was a child. I tried to come back a couple of times but the timing wasn’t right until five years ago.”

Simmons bought a house on the banks of Stanford’s Klein River and began renovating the garden flat with the intention of supplementing the income from her landscaping business.

“I had a call from a man from Germany who asked if the place was wheelchair-friendly. Some accommodations were made and that’s how the ball started rolling.”

The house (trading as Tranquillity Garden Suite) consists of her living quarters and two units that have been remodelled to accommodate people with physical disabilities or visual impairment.

Judith and Brunhild Strauss from Springbok in the Northern Cape stayed at Tranquillity a fortnight before I did.

Judith was newly married and had just found out she was pregnant when Brunhild was paralysed from the waist down in a vehicle accident, nearly 30 years ago. He has been in a wheelchair ever since.

“As a young man growing up in the Western Cape, I used to love hanging out at the beach with my friends. After my accident, the nearest I came to the sea was sitting in the parking lot watching people on the sand and in the water,” Brunhild told me.

“Sometime last year, I recalled an article I’d seen in the magazine Rolling Inspiration about a woman in Stanford who would take people like me right on to the beach and into the sea. If you know anything about wheelchairs, you’ll know that getting through sand is an impossible dream.

“Nevertheless, I gave Robyn a call and asked her if she could put something together.”

She could … primarily because she owns a beach wheelchair with inflated tyres and an integrated lifebelt that provides buoyancy and stability.

“Byron – the son Judith bore after my accident – pulled me into the water so that the waves were breaking over me and splashing my face. It was a really emotional moment and I wasn’t at all afraid,” Brunhild recalls.

“I picked up a handful of sand and felt something small and hard. I thought it was a shell but it was actually a crab and it nipped me!

“Robyn just laughed and said it was shaking hands … welcoming me back to the sea after all those years.”

Simmons says Stanford is the perfect destination for people with mobility or visual impairment issues because of the range of experiences on offer within a small geographical area.

Apart from culinary outings (the village and surrounding areas feature a host of magnificent restaurants

and wineries), her guests can have beach, river, forest, flower, fynbos, off-road driving and whale-watching excursions “tailored to their individual needs and abilities”. www.wideopen-adventures.com

Jim Freeman, Citizen Travel

 

 

 

Made in Stanford

It’s Made in Stanford sa

…..the south african fynbos valley, not the silicon valley one….

 

 

It’s pure local

…..what we can source locally we do.

It’s a mindful concept where zero waste is our base

…..meaning that sold out is part of our concept.

It’s as colorful and diverse as our community

…..expressed in the mix and match of all we use to serve you.

It’s a new concept in permanent progress

…..showing daily new products arriving in our shop.

It’s a menu expressing seasonal available produce

…..with its limitations and its creative challenge.

It’s with limited means to create a maximum experience

…..so no fancy coffee machines with barrista training.

It’s our local heritage in many ways we showcase

…..for the benefit of our community and our visitors.

It’s just a different experience

…..from moerkoffie to cape malay koe’sisters.

It’s pure local.

It’s Made in Stanford sa.

 

So browse, eat, shop, sit and enjoy all things local @ Made in Stanford, Queen Victoria Street.

Kid friendly Stanford school holiday fun

With the school calendar turned topsy-turvey this year, holiday plans with the kids must have gone a-muddle. Never fear, Stanford is near. A gem of a village tucked between mountains and ocean, with a river running through it, this wonderful family destination (only two hours’ drive from Cape Town) has it all and more!

Full of good clean fresh air, clouds draping over the Klein River Mountains promising a beautiful warm day for morning strolls along the rivers’ edge, quiet streets for cycling and skateboards, and a leiwater system filled with evening platannas and the promise of wild, free and innocent old-fashioned childhoods that make country life for children sublime. This is what Stanford promises for family time:

  1. Cycle down a lane

Bring your bikes because there are many flat roads and gentle slopes to explore in Stanford. Cycling down to the King Street slipway is a favourite, and usually ends in an unplanned dip in the Klein River. Meander along the Wandelpad – a well maintained walk along the rivers edge under ancient milkwoods and towering blue gums where there are artistic treasures to be discovered. Or how about a leaf boat race down the village’s ancient leiwater system. At the top end of Queen Victoria you’ll find a secret BMX ramp track in amongst the blue towering gums. This is an excellent spot to while away an afternoon and from which to see and hear our local fish eagles.

  1. Go on a river cruise

There are a few boats from which to choose, depending on the size of your group. For smaller families the River Rat can handle two families for an afternoon braai and also hire out canoes for a bit of paddling fun in the sun. For multiple family get-togethers, the African Queen offers a gentle trundle down the river with a braai and inflatables for energetic kids and enthusiastic adults. And for the more sedate, the Lady Stanford. All possible to be booked at the Stanford Tourism Office.

  1. Have a low-key lunch just outside town

There are a few family-friendly places to eat in and around the village. The Tasting Room at Stanford Hills includes a play area, tame animals, kiddie’s menus and meals for adults. The Harvest Basket has picnic baskets which can accommodate children and has a farm atmosphere with sheep, while the Lagoon Cafe at Mosaic also has a light lunch menu and sprawling outdoor spaces shaded by ancient milkwoods which children love to climb. The Birkenhead Brewery on Walker Bay Wine Estate serves cheese and meat boards together with their beer and wine tasting offerings (while their restaurant is currently being renovated so what this space). They boast one of the best views of the Klein Rivier Mountains with loads of romping space for children. Mosaic Lagoon Lodge are running a ‘Mommy and Me’ Spa package for R750, and a ‘Daddy and Me’ Quad Biking package for R600. Book a lunch at this beautiful venue too and make a whole day of it! And lets not forget The Zesty Lemon which serves breakfast and lunch all weekend with a play area for kids ideally located on the other side of a beautiful lily pond.

  1. Picnic under a tree

If building your own picnic and finding a secret place is up your street, make sure you catch the Morning Market on the hotel stoep or the Stanford Junktique Market outside of the Stanford Tourism Office every Saturday morning for local produce and baked goods, hire a bike from the Stanford Tourism Office and tootle off down to the river banks of the Klein River on the north side of the village.

  1. Explore the heart of the village

Families love walking Queen Victoria Street on Saturday mornings. Many stoeps offer pop-up tables of fundraising food, like pannekoek for the NG Kerk, or boerewors rolls for the Junior School koshuis and of course, the much-loved rooster koek from Maryke at the Stanford Junktique Market.

  1. Play on the Market Square

This is the last untouched market square in South Africa and its geography in the centre of the village makes it perfect for bringing people together. Bring your own soccer ball or frisbee to make use of the space or come to one of the Sunset Evening Markets (last Friday of every month and if raining, at the Birkenhead Brewery). A small municipal children’s play park is also available on northern corner of the village green for younger children to enjoy.

  1. Birdwatching at Willem Appel Bird Hide

Pop into the Stanford Tourism Office and put down a deposit on the key to the bird hide. A short stroll to the hide in the morning or evening always grabs the attention of children who sit quietly for a few moments, watching moor hens, ducks and dragon flies darting over the water lilies.

  1. Visit the big cats at Panthera Africa

Families must book in advance but a visit to Panthera Africa just outside of town always moves visitors. The beauty and majesty of the rescued and retired big cats is a conservation lesson in itself. Kids are always excited to see lions, leopards, tigers and caracals up close.

  1. Take a flip with African Wings

A flight over Walker Bay in a small 4-seater aeroplane is a nerve-rattling experience for some but for others a splendid adventure. During whale season (July-Dec), African Wings guarantees sightings of whale pods, and sometimes even albino calf, shark and dolphin sightings are thrown in as added extras.

  1. Hike along Die Plaat

For those who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground, the Wortelgat road out to Die Plaat, part of the Walker Bay Conservancy, is a 15km drive to a beautiful untouched piece of wild coastline. You can slide down the dunes or watch the sun set over the backs of Southern Right whales. A 4×4 is necessary unless your family is happy to walk the last 2 kilometres.

Of course, there is lots more to do. There are friendly restaurants in town, and a couple of very fancy restaurants too, for which you may prefer to hire a babysitter to watch the kids. The Stanford Wine Route includes 9 fabulous estates surrounding Stanford. Our neighbouring villages also boast beautiful beaches, caves, hikes and restaurants. The whole Cape Whale Coast experience bursts with moments to treasure this time of year.

For the love of reading

There are so many organisations in Stanford doing good work that goes such a long way. This is just one of those stories that we trust you’ll enjoy.

Creative Works aims to promote a nurturing, safe and stimulating environment for children and young adults to explore their creative potential. The Creative Works project was founded in 2012 by Regina Broenner, a qualified Occupational Therapist who offered after school workshops in the local community with the support of David Krut Projects and local community mothers.

In collaboration with Star Literacy, they have started distributing their Small Book and Toy Libraries into the communities and to date, there are 7 boxes in homes in the streets of Stanford and Masakhane.

They are aiming to place one hundred of their libraries into the under-resourced communities in Stanford and Masakhane as well as in the farming communities of the general Overstrand region, as soon as possible.

Did you know, in 2016 (four years ago) the Overstrand statistics recorded 7,665 households reliant on free services and 20,410 children under the age of 14 years old, these figures do not include Masakhane.

This is really something to think about.

With Star Literacy, they have filled large boxes with educational books, puzzles and toys suitable for children from 5 to 13 years old and the custodians of their small mobile book and toy libraries are parents, caretakers, grandparents or young adults living in the streets of Stanford and Masakhane.
The custodians receive training on how to manage the mobile libraries and how to present the books and toys to the children to maximize the benefit to the children.

Children have started Reading Clubs. Here are 2 that have started up in Stanford.

They have also put copies of their Creative Skills Factory activity resources into each library for the children to borrow and enjoy the activities at home with their parents or caregivers.
Their resources are available to download and print from their website, www.creativeskillsfactory.co.za

Follows is a little story written by Ethan who lives in Stanford and one of the children who participated in the Creative Works activities every day during the COVID-19 Lock Down, we bring you a story.

Written at home by Ethan during Lock Down

THE RUBBISH!

Hundreds of people came to see the zoo each year.
When they left, there was always rubbish everywhere.
“Come on animals” said the Keeper, “time to clean the rubbish”.
The animals grumbled amongst themselves.
“Rubbish gives me a pain in the neck” said the girraffe.
“Rubbish gives me the humps” said the camel.
“Rubbish makes me hopping mad” the kangaroo replied.
“Rubbish drives me bananas” said the chimpanzee.
“It makes me squirm” said the snake.
“I can’t bear it” said the koala.
“You’re right” said the hookadaburro.
“It’s no laughing matter”
The Keeper heard the grumbling. “We’ve got a problem” he said, “but I don’t know how to fix it”.
The Keeper got some board and some paints and made a huge sign; “Don’t rubbish our zoo!!”

And with World Clean Up day on 19 September isn’t this just the most appropriate and relevant poem ever?!

During the month of July Creative Works handed out 1,571 activity packs to the children in our communities – 1,013 in Stanford and 558 in Masakhane.

These packs were handed out by their facilitators from their homes every day of the week and in the packs are activities specially prepared for the children to do safely in their own home.

Their amazing team: Tuliswa (Stanford), Bulelwa and Nombulelo (Masakhane), Nicole and Rachel (Stanford)

Donations of educational books, children’s story books, paper, crayons, puzzles and games for their libraries, anything you think a child would enjoy – would be greatly appreciated. Everything is appreciated and used!

Link: https://www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/creativeskillsfactory

Winter Line-Up

Well, that was an interesting last six month was it not? Thank goodness our tourism leisure travel business sector is starting to open up again both around the country but more specifically around the fabulous venues of Stanford Village and surrounds.

Hands up who is excited to finally be able to travel and book accommodation for leisure again as per latest level 3 intra-provincial travel permissions?

Winter is the ideal time to plan a getaway to Stanford and surrounds as a jewel nestled within the Cape Whale Coast. A mere 1.5h drive from the bustling city centre of Cape Town. Think crisp days spent hiking, strolling, or cycling fynbos flowering mountain ranges, whale watching our ocean swells at local whale watching spots or booking a river activity such as paddling or riverside picnicking. Our local restaurants will fill your tummies and are stocked up on non-alcoholic drinks since on-consumption sale of alcohol is still not permitted. Of course there is always the option of just curling up in some cosy local accommodation nook with a good book and an evening beside a warm fire. Only thing missing might be a glass or two from one of our local estates along the Stanford Wine Route.

If your cellar is in need of stocking up after several months of lockdown however, then the we’re happy to inform you that our wine route is open for orders and tasting. Wine Route details here. Snap up the chance to take advantage of some current local special offers and exclusive releases available for order right now.

The Stanford Wine Route Includes

Boschrivier Wines – R326: Contact drnjtdevilliers@mweb.co.za or visit www.boschrivierwines.co.za/
Misty Mountain Wine Estate – R43: Contact info@mistymountains.co.za or visit https://www.mistymountains.co.za/
Raka Wine Estate – R326: Contact info@rakawine.co.z or visit www.rakashop.co.za
Sir Robert Stanford Estate – R43/Old Akkedisberg Road: Contact info@robertstanford.co.za or visit www.robertstanfordestate.co.za/
Springfontein Wine Estate – Wortelgat Road: Contact info@springfontein.co.za or visit https://www.springfontein.co.za
Stanford Hills – Old Akkedisberg Road: Contact cellar@stanfordhills.co.za or 072 603 3521 or www.stanfordhills.co.za/
Vaalvlei Wines – Papiesvlei Road: Contact info@vaalvlei.co.za or visit www.vaalvlei.co.za/
Walker Bay Estate and Birkenhead Brewery – R326: Contact admin@birkenhead.co.za or 028 341 0183 or visit www.walkerbayestate.com or www.walkerbayestate.com/birkenheadbrewery
Welgesind Wine Estate – Old Akkedisberg Road: Contact Chris 082 572 5856 or Amanda @ 082 536 0062

There is so much to enjoy, both indoors and outdoors, at this time of year, that it may be worth putting aside the entire weekend … or perhaps even an additional day either side to make the most of the visit and fit in as much as possible.

Any assistance with what’s open and where to stay, our Stanford Tourism Office is always available to assist.

A little birdie once told me …

A little birdie once told me …

A walking tour around Stanford Village will reveal a wide variety of bird habitats right on its doorstep, offering those with a sense of curiosity in nature, a diverse and rewarding birding experience. Prime areas within the village confines are the Willem Appel Dam and the Wandelpad meandering along Stanford’s water courses.

Outlying areas include the Wortelgat Road, the Klein River Bird Sanctuary and the Akkedisberg Pass. The Willem Appel Dam Hide, right in the village centre, is best visited just after sunrise. Sighting specialities include Little Bittern, African Purple Swamphen, Black Crake, Malachite Kingfisher, Levaillant’s Cisticola and White-backed, African Black and White-faced ducks. The reed beds are a good place to look for Little Rush and Lesser Swamp Warbler, whilst Reed Cormorant roost in the dead trees. The picnic site under the Milkwoods on the opposite bank of the dam is a good spot to find forest species such as the elusive Knysna Woodpecker, Cape Batis, Southern Boubou, Fiscal and Paradise Flycatcher and Bar-throated Apalis. The area along the Mill Stream and Vlei Rd can reward the patient birder with Buffspotted Flufftail, its distinctive call drawing attention to its presence. The Willem Appel Dam has a floating island loved by birds. There are many opportunities for taking excellent photographs from the cover of the Bird Hide (keys available from the Stanford Tourism Office).

A further stroll along the Wandelpad provides excellent birding through a small Milkwood forest to the Klein River and along the river path. A variety of Weavers can be found in the reed beds. Sombre Greenbul is heard in the Milkwoods, along with Olive Woodpecker. Grey and Black-headed Herons roost in the blue gums and in summer the Paradise Flycatchers nest in the poplars.

Overhead, a wonderful variety of Swallows, Swifts and Martins hawk for food and raptors are numerous. These include African Harrier-hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Jackal and Common Buzzard, Yellow-billed Kite and the ubiquitous African Fish Eagle — all can be found along the open stretch on the Wandelpad. A boat trip down the Klein River is a typical must for spotting a host of riverine species and the occasional special such as Honey Buzzard. Cape Siskin, a shy and elusive fynbos endemic, can usually be found in the Casuarina (Beefwood) avenue along the old Akkedisberg Road up to Stanford Hills Estate. If one continues along this road (in a high clearance vehicle) there are a number of fynbos species to be found; Orange-breasted Sunbird, Protea Seed-eater, Cape Sugarbird, Karoo Prinia and Cape Bunting are but a few. Wood Owl have been known to breed in the poplar thickets near the Klein River Cheese Factory. The surrounding farmlands are well stocked with Blue Crane and Denham’s Bustard and the endangered Black Harrier can usually be found quartering low-lying fynbos.

There are also a wide variety of day walking hikes available just outside the village from Phillipskop Mountain Reserve, Stanford Hills Estate and also from Vaalvlei Farm Estate which make for excellent bird watching. The Klein River Mountains and Akkedisberg Pass (on the R326) which follow the route of the river are home to many birds, and the farms along the Papiesvlei Road embrace outdoor life and nature. When the pristine fynbos is in flower late winter, the birdlife and insects, along with other natural wild inhabitants such as caracul, riverine hare, klipspringer, common duiker, cape bushbuck, honey badger, porcupine, wild cat, bat eared fox, cape fur fox and even the elusive leopard (if you’re one of the lucky ones) is a sight to behold.

For guided tours, access to the Willem Appel Hide and Klein River boat trips for you future visits, contact the Stanford Tourism Office Tel: 028 341 0340, email: ask@stanfordinfo.co.za, website: www.stanfordtourism.co.za.

For collection or delivery?

Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, Stanford’s selection of fabulous restaurants have only been able to either home deliver your meal order, or, more recently, make your take-away order available for collection. And the senses cannot but be tempted with the delights and variations of fresh produce meals on offer. Not only that, Stanford’s gorgeous cool climate wine route has been littered with specials …

Table 13 – Pizza Delivery/Take-Aways – 082 344 7012

Jolly Rooster – Delivery/Take-Aways PLUS spirit range on days/times permitted – 076 320 3092

Mosaic Lagoon Lodge – Family size meal deliveries – 072 172 9545

Zesty Lemon – Delivery/Take-Aways – 082 405 1280

 

Misty Mountains Estate – Pizza Take-Aways PLUS gin and wine range on days/times permitted – info@mistymountains.co.za or 082 973 5943

Madre’s Restaurant – early morning coffee and other delicious treat take-aways from the restaurant stoep – 082 901 4254

Ou Meul – Take-Away Bootlegger Coffees, baked breads and other favourites – stanford@oumeul.co.za or 028 341 0101

Stanford Valley Farm Manor House Restaurant – Take-Away contemporary country meal, or make yourself at home anywhere on our 480-hectare farm for lunch with a view – info@stanfordvalley.co.za or 072 198 0862

The Tasting Room, Stanford Hills Estate – Take-Away morning coffee and breakfast and lunch menu including door to door flower delivery – 072 603 3521

Martin’s Deli – Martin’s Deli on the R43, Stanford remained open during lock-down as an essential food supplier offering Stanford locals ongoing supply of their favourite deli meats, spices, nuts, seeds and fresh produce, flowers and more from surrounding farm producers – 028 341 0337

Klein River Cheese – You can now order Klein River Cheese online for national delivery! www.kleinrivercheese.co.za or 028 341 0693

Food4Thought Community Project – Deliveries of Fresh Produce Boxes – 072 866 8685

 

Wine Estate specials in the Stanford area

Stanford Hills – Winery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Order @ cellar@stanfordhills.co.za or 072 603 3521

Walker Bay Estate and Birkenhead Brewery – Winery and Brewery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Currently running a promotional case special. Order @ admin@birkenhead.co.za or 028 341 0183

 

Raka Wine Estate – Winery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Order @ info@rakawine.co.z or visit www.rakashop.co.za

Lomond – Winery open Mon-Thurs 10-4pm. Also participated in virtual event 5-part series with Marine Big 5. Order @ info@lomond.co.za or visit https://www.lomond.co.za/shop/

Giant Periwinkle – Free deliveries nationwide and winery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Order @ info@giantperiwinkle or visit https://giantperiwinkle.co.za/order-wine

Welgesind Wine Estate – Winery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Contact Chris @ 082 572 5856 or Amanda @ 082 536 0062

Misty Mountain Wine Estate – Winery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Order @ info@mistymountains.co.za

Vaalvlei Wines – Winery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Order @ info@vaalvlei.co.za

Springfontein Wine Estate – Winery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Order @ info@springfontein.co.za or https://www.springfontein.co.za/shop/

Boschrivier Wines – Winery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Order @ drnjtdevilliers@mweb.co.za or https://www.boschrivierwines.co.za/order/

Sir Robert Stanford Estate – Winery open Mon-Thurs 9-5pm. Order @ info@robertstanford.co.za