“A seed hidden in the heart of an apple is an orchard invisible”. This Welsh saying caught my eye while scribbling on a notepad at Old Mac Daddy‘s.  I liked it. It also rings true of the unseen valleys and wineries that unfold if you turn off the N2 between Houw Hoek and Grabouw. Only an hour from Cape Town.  Invisible from the road the Elgin magic emerged when you take a #shotleft onto the Valley Road to Old Mac Daddy. Winding past orchards sprouting white and pink blossoms you hit the dirt road for a slow drive to the adventure centre. Synonymous for Airstreams – shiny, retro caravans – Old Mac Daddy’s is helping the region expand its reputation beyond apples and wine. Elgin is becoming increasingly popular for adventure sports. You could be doing an obstacle race in the morning and laze away afternoons sipping wine.  All in a day’s play.  Old Mac Daddy offers zorbing (rolling in an enclosed ball), fat bike cycles, archery, clay pigeon shooting and obstacle course races of which the next one will be 8 April 2017. Where else have you seen a beach bar next to a dam?  I am talking authentic!

Not far from Old Mac Daddy’s is South Hill Vineyards where owners Kevin and Sandra King are hands on.  Starting in 2006 with their first batch they now produce 7 wines.  The dry Rosé is a favourite.  The tasting room links to a restaurant and both areas are filled with good art. Adjacent is a self catering house that sleeps 14 persons with a honeymoon cottage discreetly situated a bit further from these buildings.  Accommodation comes at very reasonable rates.

Need weekend ideas?  Visit the Elgin Open Gardens the last weekend in October or first weekend in November, stay on a wine farm in the area and cycle one of three routes on Old Mac Daddy’s.  End the day with a sundowner at the beach bar or a pizza at Old Mac Daddy’s restaurant. All in a picture book setting. #ElginMagic