The Overberg consists of nearly 30 small towns; many unique in its own right and known as an escape to the Garden Route. However, it’s the town of Stanford that caught our attention and a visit is a must.

Since 1857, Stanford is the third most preserved town in the Western Cape and happens to be the only town to be proclaimed as a Heritage Site. Never underestimate a town like this with an abundance of restaurants, galleries, and vineyards, it will certainly exceed your expectations.

Explore the vineyards

The Stanford wine route is fairly new yet many wine farms receive accolades for the quality wines they produce. There are lots of wineries to choose from but all worth a visit. It’s family-friendly, has restaurants on the property that serve lunches and dinner, and a few branches out in the beer and gin sectors. We popped in at Raka Wines, situated just outside of Stanford, and did a wine tasting for only R15.00!

Get the best Gelato

Right in Queen Victoria Street is Don Gelato; serving high-quality, traditional Italian homemade gelato. This family-owned business is an element of surprise in a dorpie (small-town) and has the most interesting flavours to select from. Our go-to is always anything with chocolate and before you make your decision, they allow you to taste the gelato before ordering your scoops.

Breath in fresh air

Being a countryside town, Stanford is well-known for its amazing hiking, walking, and cycling trails.

Wandelpad – a trail that runs along the Kleine Rivier and through the town is reckoned as a sought-after walking route. There are many other popular and complex ones to try to make sure to ask locals.

Eat to your heart’s content

There’s no shortage of eateries when it comes to Stanford and each restaurant or coffee shop has something different and unique to offer visitors or locals alike. It’s one of the few towns that have an array of cuisines that will tickle your palette and caters to everyone’s budget; small or large. If you’re in the area on Wednesday and Saturdays, visit their market for fresh and locally produced goods.

Do a beer tasting

Craft beer tasting is becoming more common in smaller towns but who knew you could do beer and cider tasting?

Birkenhead, more-so Walker Bay Estate is the first estate to produce both beer and wine on the same grounds and now crafts 6 different beers since 1997. Open seven days a week from 10:00 am – 16:00 pm, you can also have lunch at the Birkenhead restaurant.

If you planning on making a day trip or going on holiday, get in contact with Stanford Tourism on more activities to do and what else to see. Their website also provides a list of accommodations based on your preferences.

Some of the images were taken at White Water Farm; an exquisite accommodation just outside of Stanford.

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Till the next adventure.

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