Having spent the odd weekend in spots like Hermanus, Onrus, Kleinmond, and Elgin, I thought I had a fair idea of what the Overberg had to offer. That was until I joined the #discoverOverberg chat on Twitter (every Wednesday at 12pm SAST) and realised that I knew as little about this Western Cape treasure as I do about Electromagnetic Field Theory.

But thanks to tourist-savvy locals dishing advice on the best places to wine and dine, I now have 33 delicious reasons to visit the Overberg!

WINE ESTATES

• Creation, Hemel-en-Aarde

Creation Wines was almost trending as much as #discoverOverberg with the rave reviews and saliva-triggering images that raced through Twitterland. @SAwhalewatching recommends a chilled glass of Sauvignon, @beatnikloves reckons the Pinot Noir is life changing, and @Phillip_Marais shared a tantalising photo of Viognier wine paired with a risotto of smoked tomato, prawns, basil, and curried parmesan. I nearly ate my computer monitor. PLUS, Creation even does tea pairings for non-drinkers!

• Paul Cluver, Elgin

Paul Cluver was a top contender in both wine and food departments. @gomagSA loves kicking off Overberg visits with a stop at Paul Cluver, @foodie_za and @guy_with_camera praised Fresh restaurant, and @SAwhalewatching let us in on the Hope@PaulCluver Summer Festival concerts in the amphitheatre.

• Stanford Hills, Stanford

According to @scarletnguni, Stanford Hills is a great family-friendly place for food and wine tasting. @beatnikloves enjoys their Jackson’s wines, @sharkdiveZA recommends the lamb chops and Mediterranean salad, and @SAwhalewatching insist the Pinotage is the only way to get through the winter chill.

• Black Oystercatcher, Elim

Black Oystercatcher received mentions from local fundis like @Grootbos, @overberginfo, and @DeHoopCollectio. @ed_vicki shared her love of the Cabernet Sauvignon along with photo of a voluptuous cheese platter.

Other recommended wine estates:

• Rivendell Estate, near Bot River – @fabienlaine recommends the Sauvignon Blanc.
• Newton Johnson, Hemel-en-Aarde – @Blackdelilah says you’ll search far to find better wine made by nicer people.
• Bouchard Finlayson, Hemel en Aarde– recommended by @McGrathHotels.
• Luddite, Bot River – @overberginfo enjoys the Shiraz.
• Genevieve MCC, Bot River – @overberginfo loves the quality Méthode Cap Classique.
• Sumaridge Estate, Hemel-en-Aarde – recommended by @McGrathHotels.
• Alheit Vineyards, Hemel-en-Aarde – @foodie_za says it’s great for a quiet visit.

RESTAURANTS

• The Stanford Table, Stanford

When it came to favourite restaurants, @DawnJorgensen responded “find real, beautiful food prepared with love at The Stanford Table. A must visit.” Her approval was seconded by @beanikloves and @DeHoopCollectio – who reckon the scones and coffee are the best.

• Grootbos, Walker Bay

Grootbos has 2 restaurants (Red Indigo and The Garden) as well as other gorgeous venues where, as @VaughanMac puts it, you can “rock the palate” with the finest contemporary cuisine! @dekelders and ‏@GansbaaiExplore celebrated the food and amazing views, whilst ‏@MariettedTH and @DawnJorgensen delved into the special people and community at Grootbos. (Photo: Grootbos)

• Madre’s Kitchen, Stanford

The legendary carrot cake, breakfasts, and “ridic” views at Madre’s Kitchen have Overberg locals swooning! Just ask @DeHoopCollectio, @SAwhalewatching, @StyleGuideCT , and @beatnikloves.

• Graze Café, Stanford

Graze Café is the top breakfast spot for @StyleGuideCT and @DeHoopCollectio. @scarletnguni agrees and adds that their rabbit risotto alone is worth the drive.

Other recommended restaurants:

• Marianas, Stanford – @beatnikloves let us know it won several Eat Out awards, including Best Country Kitchen.
• Ell Eatery, Hemel-en-Aarde – @overberginfo loves their pavlovas.
• Fisherman’s Cottage, Hermanus – @janeske loves the cosy atmosphere and amazing food.
• Hook, Line & Sinker, Pringle Bay – @foodie_za reckons it’s a regional treasure with the best fish and chips in the world!
• The Eatery, Hermanus –‏ @overberginfo and @janeske agree this is the best breakfast spot in Hermanus.

• Dassiesfontein, N2 between Bot River & Caledon – @janeske’s favourite hidden gem!
• Willeen’s, Arniston – @scarletnguni says they have the “best fresh fish ever in a down to earth, local-is-lekker, secret plek”.
• The Fish Lady, Gansbaai –@KazzaMcKee says they have the tastiest fish ‘n chip takeaway EVER!
• Stanford Heroes, Stanford – ‏@MosaicSoAfrica recommends their picnic baskets
• Nourish Café, Hermanus – @DeHoopCollectio enjoys the creative flavour combinations and @scarletnguni raved about the amazing salads, coffees, and real molten chocolate.
• Moggs Country Cookhouse, Hemel-en-Aarde – @RoxanneReidSA loves the consistently good food and relaxed vibe. 
• Hermanus Market –@MariettedTH says it’s a great spot to stock up on some delicious baked goodies.

• Onrus Beach Kiosk – Recommended by @RivendellWine and @HeartOverberg for the best barefoot fish ‘n chips. 
• Tides, Betty’s Bay – @moving_sushi reckons the seafood and steaks are unreal.
• Perigators, Pringle Bay – @TourismSue loves the crispy thin-crust pizza and live music.
• Havercrofts, Stanford – recommended for Sunday lunches by @StyleGuideCT.
• Hemel-en-Aarde Valley farmstall – @loveoverberg says it’s the best low-key weekend lunch spot.
• Don Gelato, Stanford – And for dessert, enjoy real Italian gelato ice-cream and delish coffee, 100% approved by @scarletnguni, @beatnikloves, and ‏@aimee_pluts.

Join the #discoverOverberg chat on Twitter every Wednesday at 12pm (SAST) to find more local tourism gems in South Africa’s beautiful Overberg! Do you have a favourite spot to wine and dine in the Overberg?

Feature image of Willeen’s in Arniston by Scar*let Nguni