What to do and see in Somerset West, Western Cape: The Best Free Things to do

There’s a place, in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, on the foothills of a mountain where nature reigns. Amongst undulating hills and valleys of decomposed shale, unspoilt nature stitches in vineyards and olives trees; roots dug deep into the soil, canopies arched towards the South African sun. Only 74 ha of the 200 ha estate is under vine and olive trees, the rest is given over to the mountains and the wetlands where eagles carve through the sky and owls roost in trees close to the cellar door. Visit our contemporary tasting room, perched on the edge of a dam, with views of mountains and wetlands. Visitors can experience a variety of both wine and olive oil tastings in this bucolic setting.

Idiom Tasting Centre offers spectacular views of the majestic ‘Helderberg basin’ mountains and the full profile of the Cape Peninsula from Table Mountain to Cape Point. The wine tasting centre showcases Idiom’s Flagship Blends, signature Italian varietal wines and rare limited release 900 Series wines. Idiom offers wine tastings, wine and canapé pairings as well as wine and macaron pairings.

Turn off the Sir Lowry's Pass Village Road and enter the Waterkloof gates, and a lane of trees beckon towards the hills, where a total sensory experience awaits. The road meanders through an amphitheatre flanked by reclaimed fynbos and immaculately kept vineyards, before arriving at our state-of-the-art cellar. A sign welcomes you to our tasting lounge. Stop for awhile outside and breathe deeply. Fill your soul with the views over the surrounding Schaapenberg Hills and the waters of False Bay down below. Now enter the main area, designed to hold you in awe, showcasing the sincere, clean essence of our Old World-style wines. Tall glass walls allow views of both the working cellar and the farm below, while raw concrete columns frame artworks from well-known South African artists.

We offer wine tastings of all 3 our wine brands Flagstone, Kumala and Fish Hoek. We are situated in a old dynamite factory next to the Cheetah Outreach project. Come visit this beautiful historical site and savour some of the best wines that South Africa has to offer.

The gallery at Cavalli (Winner of the regional 2015 Best of Wine Tourism Award for Art and Culture) aims to encourage the local arts through its platforms of public sculpture spaces and a public art gallery. Themed contemporary exhibitions are presented at regular intervals in the 600sq/​m main gallery space allocated on the below ground level. An innovative stretched translucent ceiling backlit with LEDs illuminate the impressive space to simulate daylight. All art is available to purchase.​ The Cavalli Private Collection of South African Masters is frequently rotated in the portico situated within the main gallery and two memorabilia rooms allocated in close proximity showcase a remarkable collection of rugby and sports Memorabilia. The gallery is open 5 days a week​, Wednesday to Sunday ​10am to 6pm​.​

** CLOSED for Winter | Reopening Sunday 1 September '19** Situated on the stunningly scenic and historic Lourensford Wine Estate, we didn’t have to add much to appeal to all the senses. When visiting, you are spoiled with sprawling lawns, majestic trees and newly landscaped, award-winning gardens with an interactive fountain. A rare and special space to soak up all of nature’s beauty! Add to that our vibrant market, boasting with more than 70 permanent stalls, as well as a number of Pop-ups to ensure an interesting mix. Housed in a permanent u-shaped structure with both a modern and rustic feel – it is unlike any other market space around. Quality products are our first priority and when strolling from vendor to vendor, you will find everything from delectable food, uniquely handmade wares and original art, to organic, locally sourced, artisanal produce. The Estate’s superb wine collection alongside ABRU craft beer, complement the inevitable festive atmosphere.