Paul Wallace Wines and Guest Cottages

Surroundings

• * Wine and brandy tasting - Wine tasting is a vacation in itself and the Elgin Valley, noted as the coolest wine growing region in South Africa, offers some of the best cool climate wines available. There are twelve exceptional wineries open to the public for tastings, or if brandy is your thing, take a guided tour of the Oude Molen Distillery. You'll get to see the biggest copper pot stills in the southern hemisphere and experience a tutored brandy tasting.* Outdoor exploration and adventure - In addition to our formidable cool climate wines, our spectacular countryside is well known for outdoor adventure fun for the whole family. This includes nature walks, hiking, and mountain biking, quad biking, kayaking, fly-fishing, and bird watching.Cape Segways offer a fully guided Segway adventure on Oak Valley farm, with each guest on their own Segway, winging your way through mountain bike trails, forests, dirt track and orchards to explore all the farm has to offer. The Cape Canopy Tour, the 2nd best activity in Africa according to Trip Advisor, is situated in a World Heritage Site within Cape Nature’s Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve and just a short drive from the town of Grabouw.You might also try paddling or a sundowner barge cruise offered at Elgin River Lodge, along with water skiing and other river adventures, or some wall climbing, clay pigeon shooting, and archery at Tri Active Event Management's adventure centre. Alternatively, try the Blue Mountain trail, a 50km, three day, moderate, slack-pack trail that meanders through wilderness, forests, fruit farms, and fynbos.* Mountain biking hotspot - Finding a phenomenal mountain bike trail with a good mix of terrain, flow and length is not difficult in these parts. The valley is perfect for two wheels whatever your level of fitness, experience, and adrenalin requirements. There are top-notch single-track mountain biking options from gentle to steep climbs and flying descents with all types of smooth and rocky terrain. The most popular trails include Oak Valley and Paul Cluver.In fact, amateur and professional riders come here to train for the annual ABSA Cape Epic, Africa’s world renowned, most gruelling mountain bike challenge. Mountain biking in Elgin is also popular with beginners wanting a novel alternative to walking or driving as a means to explore this beautiful countryside. Trail’s End, Africa’s first bike hotel, is a great base for amateur cyclists, or to use as a training ground for your next race.* Kogelberg Nature Reserve - For flora and fauna enthusiasts, Grabouw 4 x 4 Route and 4Venture offer various exciting tours in and around the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. The reserve, with more than 1600 fynbos species in 18 000 hectares, forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Visitors will tell you it's one of the most beautiful protected areas in Southern Africa. If you don't fancy a quad or 4 x 4 ride, there are numerous one and two day hikes or you can explore the reserve in your own time.* More see and do options - Get some fresh honey and other honey-based goods from Elgin Valley Honey, or a basketful of goodies from one of the local farm stalls. Visit the newly established Elgin Railway Market for a unique experience of retail and culinary offerings or take in a starlight music event at the Hope@Paul Cluver amphitheatre.