THE OUTENIQUA COUNTRY HOP
The Outeniqua Hop Route was inspired by the abundance of hops grown in the nearby mountains near George on the Garden Route in the Western Cape. Waboomskraal and Herold, as well as parts of Blanco are home to hops growing. They are a unique attraction to the route, being the only area to grow these strange cones growing on vines up trellises.
The creeper grows at a phenomenal rate of approximately 100mm a per day, making it one of the fastest growing plants in the world. The cones are harvested in February and March, the cones of the female plants being used for pollination. During season, the rows of old variety vines can be seen lit up by overhead lights which supports the growing phase, delaying the flowering phase. New varieties do not need lights and are unique to mild winter temperatures and short days.
Driving up and over the Montagu or Outeniqua passes, one is confronted by hectares of trellises and in season, these are a sea of green with hop pickers and tractors hard at work to harvest this intensive crop. The first hops appeared in South Africa when Jan van Riebeeck had them planted in his hop garden in Cape Town in 1652. After an initial brewing of beer, no evidence is shown that hops continued to be grown and harvested.
Hop growing only really started to take place again at the beginning of the 20th century around the village of Herold. In 1924, Cape Town breweries held a nationwide competition to see which area was suitable for growing hops. Hop cuttings were supplied to a number of areas. The area around George produced the best hops and the first hop farm “Agfunst” was bought by Union Hop Growers. Interestingly, part of the Agfunst farm is now under a different kind of vine – grapes, which are grown for Herold Winery.
The Outeniqua Country Hop is situated in George, the gateway to the 'Garden Route', one of the most scenic parts of our beautiful country. This sixth oldest town in South Africa is the ideal location from which to explore all that this peaceful tourist route has to offer along with the natural attractions found in the magnificent Southern Cape area.
The Hop route starts at Herold's Bay in the south moving along to pastoral Geelhoutboom on the agricultural outskirts of town, then winds it's way over the Outeniqua Mountains and the historic Montagu Pass to Herold and Waboomskraal in the north, home to abundant hops growing which inspired this route.
Enjoy delicious farm fresh country produce, from tasty cheeses to juicy strawberries. Experience scenic splendours and outdoor activities while mountain biking, hiking, golfing, horse riding, or just lazing on the beach. Spend a morning or afternoon at a Gallery and studio viewing the art and interesting artifacts on exhibition, then relax at a tea garden, pub or restaurant along the route. Sleep over at one of our many welcoming, comfortable guesthouses, B & B's or self-catering cottages and hotels. Come and visit the Outeniqua Hop route and one of the hop farms – a unique experience only found in this area.
Start the day at THREE CHAMELEONS SHORT GOLF COURSE
Arrive 09h00 – enjoy a refreshing cup of tea/coffee & cake on the deck of the elevated clubhouse with a wonderful view of the Outeniqua Mountains before or after a fun round of putt-putt (duration of this activity - approx. 1 hour 15 minutes).
Move onto this beautiful farm situated in pastoral Geelhoutboom. Arrive 10h30 – be met by a Redberry Farm representative who will take you on a tour of the farm where you can pick your own juicy strawberries in the fields followed by their delicious tea & scones at the Tea Garden (duration of this activity - approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)
Arrive 12h00 – watch the interesting process of cheese making before a delicious cheese platter lunch is served in tranquil surroundings accompanied by a glass of wine or fruit juice (pizza for the children) -(duration of this activity - approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)
The last stop is at Utopia. Arrive 14h00 – enjoy an informative talk from Gerrie Booysen on his Emus at the farm whilst watching these large, flightless birds interact followed by a game talk and the feeding of his Eland (the largest of the antelope family) End this great day in George with tea/coffee & biscuits. (duration of this activity - approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)
The tour is done on a self-drive basis and operates from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Bookings can be made 24 hours in advance with Nadine
044 877 1478 / 082 926 5928.
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