Rawsonville, Breede River Valley

To reach the little, largely undiscovered, village of Rawsonville does mean taking something of a detour off the N1 near Worcester, about 120 kilometres from Cape Town. Up until now the quiet town that lies in the beautiful winding Slanghoek Valley has been almost indistinguishable from Worcester, belonging as it does to the greater Worcester district. But its rugged beauty is fast becoming a draw card to visitors for whom this gorgeous scenery, surrounding winelands, and family-run cellars are rather appealing.

Rawsonville might be little, but it lies in a prime spot to explore surrounding vineyards - there are thirteen wine and brandy cellars within a radius of ten kilometres, and as part of the popular Route 62, Rawsonville is in good company. Along its western flank runs the Klein Drakenstein that wends its way through the Slanghoek Valley where various cellars litter the R43 towards Ceres. On its eastern side several wineries line the banks of the Breede River, and the R60 to Robertson even more so.

And you’re by no means limited to wine tasting when staying in Rawsonville. Scenic cycling routes pass through vineyards; there are wonderful drives through Du Toitskloof, Slanghoek Valley and the Louwshoek area, as well as hiking and horse trails. The mountain streams of the valley are ideal for trout, bass and carp fishing, and for the less sedate, white-water rafting, canoeing or abseiling in the mountains should provide the required adrenaline rush.