Wildflowers
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve (tel. 028/313-8100), which overlooks the town, offers more than 50km (31 miles) of hiking trails and great views of Walker Bay. If you're around on a Saturday, pop by the weekly farmers' market (8am-noon) for live music, pancakes, jaffles (a toasted sandwich), preserves, olives, and other treats.
Wine Tasting
The wineries that comprise the Hermanus/Walker Bay Wine Route are almost all located on the R320, known as Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. (The exceptions are Mauroma and Erica, both near the picturesque village of Stanford.) The oldest and most respected of the Walker Bay wines are Bouchard Finlayson (tel. 028/312-3515; tastings Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9:30am-12:30pm) and Hamilton Russell (tel. 028/312-3595). The latter had for many years the dubious distinction of producing South Africa's most expensive wines -- a chardonnay and a pinot noir -- but, admittedly, they are absolutely delicious. Even a committed sauvignon blanc drinker like myself can understand why it was voted as one of the top 20 in the world. You can sample them for free, but you will be hard-pressed to walk away without a purchase. Tastings are held in a beautiful setting, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. You can settle for just a tasting (daily 10am-3pm) or a picnic (Tues-Sun), arranged by calling ahead (tel. 028/312-1706) -- though you'll find a wonderful restaurant, Mogg's Country Cookhouse, nearby . For an expert introduction to the Valley's wines, contact Percy Tours.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
