Bonnievale was founded by Christopher Forrest Rigg early in the 1900’s. Situated halfway between Robertson and Swellendam, Bonnievale is also known as the ‘beautiful valley’. With the Langeberg Mountain Range as backdrop, the district is best known for it’s superb muscadel wines, sherries, brandy, yellow clingstone, peaches, apricot orchards and excellent cheeses.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Situated on the R60 between Robertson and Swellendam, Cape Town 190 km. Altitude: 117 m above sea level. Average Temperatures: Summer 15°c – 28°c, Winter 6°c – 20°c. Rainfall: Winter. Banks: Absa (ATM).

HISTORICAL VIEW

Myrtle Rigg Memorial Church

Built in the Gothic style, the church was restored in 1977 and now serves as a museum.

NATURE

Kobus Steyn Nature Reserve

Namaqualand comes to Bonnievale in spring.

ATTRACTIONS

Artists Alma van Zyl

Textile painting and printing / silk Painting

Anna-marie Jonker – Paintings

Dalene Nel – Handmade greeting cards

Diana Gagiono - Paintings

Irene Coetzee – Paintings

Evaline Rossouw – Paintings

Glenys Eden Art Studio

Hannie du Plessis – Pottery

Piet van Wyk – Handmade whips

Stiaan van Zyl – Candles

Bonnita

The largest cheese factory in South Africa. Hosts a cheese and Wine Festival annually during November.

Parmalet / KFM fun Ducle Ride

First Saturday of November

Other

Grapes – January – March.

Navels and Cementines June – July

Valencias – September

Rose show

ACTIVITIES

4 x 4 trails

Kobus Oosthuizen.

Leopard Trail Guest House

Angling

Trout fishing in dams – Van Zylrust Country House

Breede River Motorbike Club

Canoeing / boat trips Breede Escape

Overnight guest only

The Breede River Goose

Offers idyllic Breede River trips for fishing, swimming or bird watching. Bookings essential.

Sport

Bonnievale Golf Club

Sporting Events

Breede River Canoe Marathon. Parmalat Half Marathon. Bowls Tournament – October.

Golf

Parmalat Golf Day. Breede River Skins – November.

Tours Morwestein

Tours of farm activities by appointment

Parmalat Factory Tours

Weekdays only

Q-Koi Fish Farm

On appointment only

Accommodation in and around Western Cape