Houwhoek Pass is a picturesque mountain pass in South Africa’s Western Cape region, about an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The pass links the towns of Somerset West and Grabouw, and offers a beautiful drive with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The drive up Houwhoek Pass takes you through a lush and diverse landscape, with stunning views of the surrounding Hottentots Holland mountain range, and the fertile Elgin Valley below. As you ascend the pass, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, with deep gorges, rushing streams, and towering peaks all around you. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to stop at various viewpoints and rest areas, where you can stretch your legs and take in the stunning scenery. You might even spot some wildlife, such as baboons, dassies, or eagles, as you make your way up the pass.
At the top of the pass, you’ll be rewarded with even more stunning views, as well as the opportunity to explore the surrounding fynbos vegetation, which is unique to the Western Cape region of South Africa. Overall, the drive up Houwhoek Pass is a must-see for anyone visiting the Western Cape, and is a great way to experience the natural beauty and diversity of this spectacular region.
There are several wine farms located along the pass. Some of the most popular wine farms to visit along the Houwhoek Pass include:
- Waterkloof Wines: This award-winning wine farm is situated at the top of the pass, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the vineyard and cellar.
- Paul Cluver Wines: This family-owned wine farm is located in the cool-climate Elgin Valley, and is known for its world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, and picnics on the lawn.
- Oak Valley Wines: This historic wine farm has been producing wine for over 150 years, and is located in the heart of the Elgin Valley. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, and picnics on the sprawling lawns.
- Wildekrans Wine Estate: This boutique wine farm is located in the Bot River Valley, and is known for its elegant, hand-crafted wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, and picnics on the lush lawns.
- Beaumont Wines: This family-run wine farm is located in the Bot River Valley, and is known for its classic, Old World-style wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, and picnics on the scenic grounds.
Overall, visiting the wine farms along the Houwhoek Pass is a great way to experience the rich history and diversity of South Africa’s wine country, and to sample some of the world-class wines produced in this region.
