The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) will offer various activities during Garden Town Stellenbosch, a garden-lifestyle festival offering something for everyone — from botanical displays and workshops to garden tours and outdoor adventures.
A hidden gem in the Cape Floral Kingdom, the BHRC was founded in 1992 and protects 1 500 hectares of critically endangered Renosterveld. It boasts a 130 km mountain bike trail network, scenic hiking routes, and wine adventures across 55 member farms.
Whether you choose to hike, ride, sip wine, or simply take in the views, the Bottelary Hills offers unforgettable ways to connect with nature.
Events
Bottelary Hills 4×4 Wine Adventure: Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 and 8 November 10:00 to 15:00.
Climb aboard a vintage military truck and enjoy exclusive wine tastings at family-owned farms Zevenwacht, Kaapzicht, and Mooiplaas. This guided off-road adventure is a new offering and the ideal way to explore, sit back, relax and soak in nature. This unique experience will take you on a wine journey across three family-owned wine farms steeped in history in the BHRC. The off-road trail will take you through critically endangered Renosterveld fynbos and vineyards. Sit back and enjoy the unparalleled views, surrounded by fresh air and nature. Guests will be treated to specially crafted wine tastings and pairings at each stop, including a charcuterie platter and a chocolate or biltong pairing. Only 12 spots per vehicle, with a minimum of six guests per vehicle and a maximum of 24 across the two trucks. Tickets cost R1 295.
Book here: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/44309539-5c8d-4ddd-8f7c-6c3edb04ddf7
Koopmanskloof Guided Hike: Saturday 1 November.
Hike through a 98-hectare private nature reserve to the highest point of the Bottelary Hills (476m) with panoramic views of Table Mountain, False Bay, and Stellenbosch’s mountains. Includes a wine tasting in the historic Koopmanskloof cellar with winemaker Stephan Smit and a bottle of wine. R250 per person. Limited to 30 guests.
Book here: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/079ade6d-9641-4466-a02b-1011836e899d
Devon Valley Vineyard Walk: Sunday 2 November from 08:00 to 11:00.
Explore the charming Devon Valley with its vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. Enjoy tastings and treats along the way. Tickets are R250 and include snacks, bubbly, and wine. Proceeds support Froggies Aftercare NPO.
Limited to 100 walkers.
Book here: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/dbb1070d-b303-4e26-935f-6d6154598e83
Zevenwacht 4×4 Wine Adventure: From Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 November
Enjoy a scenic one-hour 4×4 adventure across Zevenwacht’s vineyards and Renosterveld, followed by a wine tasting and charcuterie platter. This family-run farm produces top-quality wines in an environmentally friendly manner. More than 80 hectares of the farm comprises natural veld that mostly consists of critically endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld. Sit down for a wine tasting and charcuterie platter after your adrenaline-rich adventure with stunning views.
Departs at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00. Cost R515 per person.
Book here: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/dc86dcb4-bd32-470b-91fa-fb21fba9a2df
Discover Renosterveld Walk and Talk: Wednesday 5 November from 14:00 to 17:00
Join Lynda Muller, founder of Discover Renosterveld for an insightful discussion on Renosterveld conservation, followed by a guided walk and high tea at the Devon Valley Hotel. Learn more about why conserving this critically endangered vegetation type found nowhere else on earth is important and how you can make a difference. Tickets are R250 per person and includes a shopping bag.
Book here: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/6347ee0d-6338-466c-bc82-f4e50891d9fd
Mooiplaas Renosterveld Hike: Saturday 8 November
Walk the 5,6km circular trail through Mooiplaas’s private nature reserve with owner and WWF Conservation Champion Tielman Roos. Mooiplaas Private Nature Reserve was registered in 1995, and in 2020, Mooiplaas became the first WWF Conservation Champion in the Bottelary wine ward. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting after the guided three-hour hike with beautiful views. Limited to 40 hikers. Tickets cost R250.
Book here: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/62776ab1-f54f-4955-a314-f6df7bef1b6d
TrailFun Garden Town Vineyard Run: Saturday 8 November
Experience a first-of-its-kind trail adventure with TrailFun’s Garden Town Vineyard Run, starting and finishing at Neethlingshof Wine Estate. Choose from 7km, 15km, 25km or 35km routes that wind through vineyards, forests, Renosterveld, and working farms. With flexible “relaxed run” start times between 07:00 and 09:00. Entries from R220 include a special pair of event socks and a wine tasting. Slots limited.
Book here: https://gardentown.visitstellenbosch.org/workshops-talks-tours-events/
*Visit www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za for more information.
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