The small town of Vredendal, which is located on the southernmost tip of Namaqualand, is named after a peace agreement that established harmony between two feuding parties, as suggested by its name.
The modern town, which is now located on the banks of the Olifants River and was once a part of the original Vreedensdal farm, which dates back to 1748, has evolved into something of a hub for the Matzikama region, which is renowned for its striking sandy plains, rugged mountains, and some of the most varied succulent plant species in the entire world.
The Olifants River, known for its complex irrigation system, enables substantial agricultural and winemaking in the region. The beautiful Gifberg, Maskam, and Koebee peaks surround the fertile and green valley, making it a tranquil sanctuary and enchanted environment for getting away from it all.
In addition to being a great starting point for exploring Namaqualand, the Cape West Coast, and the Cederberg Mountains, Vredendal is also near the Olifants River wine route, which features the expansive vineyards of Westcorp and Lutzville, a number of small boutique cellars making emerging wines, and traditional “Weskus” (west coast) hospitality. One of the best wine-producing regions in the nation in this region, according to experts.
Nature lovers will find wonderful hiking routes, bird hides, botanical and community gardens, a bird aviary, and an eco-centre with a view of the Gifberg Mountain at the Matzikama Eco-Park. Additionally, the yearly “Rittelfees,” which takes place at the end of October, brings together eight villages from the region for entertainment, arts, and crafts, as well as some of the nation’s famous people.
In the spring, when the mountains transform into a tapestry of magnificent colour as a testimony to Matzikama’s vast range of succulent plant species, Vredendal is perhaps most renowned for its wildflowers. It is a sight to behold.
Things To Do In Vredendal
The Lemon Tree Coffee Shop
Situated on the road between Vredendal and Klawer you will find the charming Lemon Tree Restaurant and Coffee Shop. Here, food and beverages are served with love. They are not designer meals but you’ll be well full once you’re done!
There is a lovely enclosed and safe play area for toddlers and young children to enjoy while you enjoy a day with the girls.
Stoumann’s Wines
In the centre of the Olifants River Valley is where you may find Stourmann’s Wines. Their goal is to produce only a small number of premium wines. Their Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Vin de la Tortue wines are aged in little oak barrels.
With just 2800 bottles, the winery launched its initial marketing campaign in 1998. The Stourmann’s cellar was enlarged so that it can now hold 500 tons of grapes when Eric Schlünz joined the team in 2008 as manager and winemaker.
You might be perplexed as to why a tortoise is depicted on the wine’s labels and corks. This is so that the family and Nature Conservation can protect and relocate the “suurpootjie,” a critically endangered geometric tortoise native to Namaqualand. As the tortoise is renowned for moving slowly, so is the cellar’s signature wine, Vin de la Tortue. The wine is produced using techniques that have been around for millennia.
Melkboomsdrift Boutique Wine
An 18-hectare family-run winery is called Melkboomsdrift Boutique Wine. Among the outstanding red wines made on the property are Pinotage, Shiraz, Ruby Cabernet, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The estate produces between three and four tons of grapes annually by hand harvesting. In the tiny cellar just across from her farmhouse, Hilsa, the proprietor, also keeps an eye on the wines’ fermentation. This wine has therefore been prepared with great care and attention, as you can be sure of. The wines are well worth stopping by for a taste (and to buy a couple of bottles to take home) because they are matured in French oak barrels for at least 18 months!
This functioning wine estate offers lodging if you need a place to stay the night. Consider spending the night at Melkboomsdrift Lodge. If you choose, you can even be given a special wine tour when you arrive.