McGregor

McGregor is a charming village at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains, where beautifully maintained historic buildings and the way of life seem to echo the 19th century.

The village lies at the end of the road from Robertson – yes, the road ends at McGregor.

The old stone irrigation channels feed rambling gardens around white washed cottages and life is slow, tranquil and gentle.

McGregor is the perfect place for a retreat or wedding, where the clear night skies are perfect for stargazing.

Relaxation is an art form here, and that means pottering around the top class art studios, where the local community of artists will not disappoint.

The area offers a variety of wine tasting, both in McGregor and on the Robertson Wine Route.

Then, when your have worked up an appetite, enjoy eating good food at several fine restaurants.

If you want to explore, scenic McGregor and surrounds is well worth discovering on foot or by bicycle. There are many walking and hiking trails in and around the town, and in the nature reserves where bird watching is a favourite pastime. McGregor is also close to the beautiful Vrolikheid Nature Reserve, offering a range of eco-activities. Permits for all hikes, including the hike from McGregor to Greyton, are available from the McGregor tourism office in Voortrekker Street. Phone: +27 (0)23 625 1954: Email.

Take a wonderful cycle trail: Take the 20km gravel road from McGregor to Bonniedale for a ride with beautiful views and scenery – 40km return.

Hire bikes from the McGregor tourism office, if required.

The village boasts a Saturday Morning Market where you may purchase a wide variety of homemade jams, chutneys, freshly baked breads and muffins and organic vegetables as well as many other products.

McGregor Food & Wine Fest has been described as the most fun, the most affordable and the least pretentious of any food and wine fest. Held in August, when the winemakers of local cellars present their valley wines and village restaurateurs, chefs and caterers tempt with fare that ranges from rustic to top notch, from traditional to trendy.

Wacky Wine Weekend – June. Now taking place for the 8th year, the festival still brings you fantastic offers at fantastic value. ‘WWW = wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! I have never experienced such an event before and had an incredibly exciting weekend – the wineries did a marvellous job of extending a warm welcome to all the visitors, the food was great, the music great, the whole spirit was beautiful – and oh yes, the wines were excellent! AND a huge thank you to whoever arranged such stunning weather! Keep up the good work – looking forward to next year\’s event ….’ Ann Ledgerwood

Visit Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary. Here you will find a tranquil haven, a place of healing for the broken-spirited, both donkey and human.

If you’re starting from Cape Town, take the N1 north as far as Worcester. Turn right, following the signs to Robertson (take the R60). When you reach Robertson, turn right again, following the sign to McGregor. After 15 minutes or so you’ll be in the village. If you’re coming from the Johannesburg direction, it’s much the same except you take the N1 south, and turn left at Worcester…

For more information on this area see ShowMe Breede River Valley.