2021 proved to be a trying year on so many levels for many of us – myself included. However, I was fortunate enough to travel more – and safely – during 2021 so there is still much to be thankful for! In this post, I share my best adventures for 2021.
Looking Back on 2021: My 16 Best Adventures
Here, in chronological order, are my best adventures of 2021:
1) Picking Flowers at Jamestown Flower Farm (Stellenbosch)
One of my best discoveries of 2021 was undoubtedly Jamestown Flower Farm. I first saw this gem on an acquaintance’s Instagram feed and I knew I had to visit. Once I did, I think I actually put this new flower farm on the map a bit because my post took off straight away.
During the summer of 2021, guests were able to visit Jamestown Flower Farm and pick their own flowers. This was a fun, affordable and unforgettable experience. Especially during COVID times when we are so restricted.
I hope this is something they will resume in 2022 when the flowers are right for picking. But if not, they offer so much more than just the picking experience! (Although that is quite novel and unique in South Africa, it must be said.)
The farm also sells incredible cut flowers, seeds and prints. Their brand and socials have definitely come on in leaps and bounds since I visited. I cannot wait to see how this lovely local business continues to bloom and grow from strength to strength – puns intended! 🙂
Related Post(s): Photo Essay: Pick Your Own Flowers at Jamestown Flower Farm
2) A Fun Autumnal Visit to Babylonstoren (Franschhoek)
Another wonderful solo adventure for me in 2021 was my second visit to Babylonstoren. Of course, by now, Babylonstoren is the place on everyone’s hot list. If you haven’t been, then you are probably keen to go because everyone is.
This is understandable, given how excellent this working farm and wine estate is. Best of all, it is well-suited to everyone from families to couples and even solo travellers like myself.
There are two restaurants, wine tasting facilities, a selection of great farm shops and boutique stores, accommodation, spa facilities and of course, incredible gardens made for exploring. And let’s not forget the adorable farm animals that reside on the farm – everything from sweet donkeys to quacking duckies and fowls. (You may even see a tortoise or two, if you’re really lucky!)
If that isn’t enough to tempt you, then perhaps the fact that this Franschhoek favourite is always adding something new to their offering, will be. They always seem to have a new workshop or outdoor attraction (like the Old Bullfrog, an addition since my March 2021 visit).
I also love how their incredible ‘Die Pofadder’ (a garden structure/sheltered display venue that is creatively shaped like a puff adder snake) always has a new display on. It might be countless pumpkins in autumn, like when I visited; rocks during another month or breathtaking clivias in spring.
Either way, there is always something new to discover at Babylonstoren and the quality of your visit remains a constant.
 Related Post(s): Bountiful Babylonstoren Wine Farm: An Autumnal VisitÂ
3) A Day Trip to Adene’s Farm Flowers and Beautiful BOSJES (Witzenberg Municipality)
Another major highlight for 2021 was finally checking Adene’s Farm Flowers and BOSJES off my travel list. I have been dying to visit both farms for sometime now – so it was amazing to experience them both in one day!
Both impressed from start to finish and reminded me again of just how beautiful and diverse the Western Cape is, with its rural and luxury farms and peaceful small towns, edged by breathtaking mountains and rolling farmlands or fynbos.
Adene’s Farm Flowers is a perfect summer attraction and one I can definitely recommend for 2022.
While you cannot pick your own flowers at Adene’s Farm Flowers, you can buy beautiful bunches, floral prints and so much more on-site.
They also have the most delightful coffee shop that offers delicious cakes and beverages for visitors to enjoy.
As for BOSJES, well, this family-friendly farm has it all: food and drink offerings, a beautiful farm shop, accommodation and spa facilities, kid-friendly playgrounds and of course, one of the most stunning wedding venues in the entirety of South Africa.
Both farms make for a great outing for friends and family alike, especially as they are both child-friendly and welcome visitors of all ages to enjoy their beauty.
 Related Post(s):
– Adene’s Farm Flowers Incredible Open Days
– Dreamy Gardens to Explore Year-Round Near the Cape Winelands
– My Best Child-Friendly Restaurants and Wine Farms Near Cape Town
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4) Savouring Hazendal’s Excellent Picnic Experience (Stellenbosch)
Hazendal was another estate I had the pleasure of revisiting in 2021. A few years previously, pre-COVID, I visited this Stellenbosch stunner for their unique Russian tea ceremony and fell in love – but since then, Hazendal has really grown in stature and beauty.
Now, I consider them one of the most well-rounded, family-friendly estates anywhere in South Africa – and with everything from Russian tea and treats to the interactive, educational Wonderdal and a plethora of on-site attractions, from vintage cars to breathtaking wedding venues, accommodation and even a golf course now – there is very little you will not find at Hazendal.
We visited them in 2021 to experience Wonderdal – a children’s state-of-the-art wonderland – and their fabulous picnics first-hand and both wowed!
Food and drink is of the highest quality at Hazendal and with so much space – both indoors and outdoors – for kiddies to enjoy, this farm is a dream for families in particular.
Definitely one to add to your winelands’ bucket list for the new year!
Related Post(s):
– Hazendal Wine Estate: A Sensory Feast in the Stellenbosch Winelands
– Hazendal Experiences: From Russia with Love
– Picnic Review: Blown Away by Hazendal’s Babushka Picnics
5) Stellar Lunch at Steenberg’s Bistro Sixteen82 (Constantia)
In 2021, I also finally got to experience the award-winning Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg Estate in the charming Constantia winelands.
This popular bistro had been on my must-try list for a few years now, so it was wonderful to finally see why they get so much praise – and deservedly so!
If you are looking for a classy, yet still affordable eatery, where everything from the drinks to the desserts amaze, then look no further than Bistro Sixteen82.
While you are visiting the estate, why not make use of their other attractions? After all, they offer everything from luxurious accommodation to incredible wines and golf- and spa-facilities to boot! Aside from their bistro, they also offer Tryn, an equally well-loved restaurant.
Oh and their gardens are also beautiful and well worth exploring – and keep an eye out for the artworks! 🙂
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– Bistro Sixteen82, Steenberg Vineyards: Deliciously Satisfying Lunches
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6) Autumn Trip to Old Nectar Gardens (Stellenbosch)
2021 was definitely the year of gardens for me – and I managed to unearth some real gems in and around the Cape Winelands. One of the best was certainly the gardens at Old Nectar.
This beautiful, historic place has gardens that are of key significance in South African horticultural history – especially as they are living testament to the handiwork of the legendary Una van der Spuy.
There is a small entry fee to visit these quaint Cape gardens but it is so worth it. There are a number of different garden sections to explore here, each as beautiful as the next and surrounding the immaculate Cape Dutch manor house.
Highlights include the 200-metre walkway beneath the pergola; the round rose garden; the incredible Redwood tree and much more.
I visited Old Nectar during autumn (fall) and it was beyond beautiful! Although they also usually have a special Open Day during springtime.
I am sure the garden is a sight in spring – but even during autumn, it was breathtaking!
In addition to the gardens, Old Nectar also has long-term accommodation on offer. You can contact them directly for more insight into their cottages.
Related Post(s):
– Photo Essay: Exploring Old Nectar Estate and Its Magical Gardens
– Safe Activities for Festive Season 2021 Western Cape
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– Dreamy Gardens to Explore Year-Round Near the Cape Winelands
7) Captivating Visit to Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden (Stellenbosch)
Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden was undoubtedly one of my best experiences of 2021. This garden is a work of art – much like the amazing artworks created by the talented Dylan Lewis himself.
Every inch of this garden is spellbinding – and the fact that they have a lovely little coffeeshop on-site makes it all the more rewarding to spend a full day (or at least half a day) exploring this hidden Stellenbosch gem.
Tucked away just outside the leafy suburbs of Stellenbosch, on a beautiful farm, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden can be visited on a pre-booked basis only. And although there is a quite a considerable entry fee, I feel it is utterly worth every cent!
Make a day of it and explore every corner of this garden. If the artwork doesn’t blow your mind – then the setting most certainly will, as even the parking lot affords the most incredible views of the surrounding Stellenbosch valley and mountains – and beyond, if you visit on a clear day!
I visited close to the start of winter and it was incredibly beautiful – but I believe springtime could be especially lovely with all the flowers in full bloom.
Related Post(s):
– Safe Activities for Festive Season 2021 Western Cape
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8) Delicious Lunch at Constantia Glen Restaurant (Constantia)
I was fortunate to explore two beautiful Constantia wine farms in 2021. As it has been several years since I last explored South Africa’s oldest, most historic wine region, it was a pleasure to do so again.
Constantia Glen, like Steenberg, proved to be another incredible Constantia offering – with a quality restaurant, wine tasting facility and views for days.
Add to that the most amazing food (I will have to try their famous charcuterie boards sometime!) and wine and you have a real gem on your hands.
The farm itself is also absolutely beautiful and I was really impressed by their COVID-19 protocols, especially as we visited at a time when tighter restrictions were literally days away from being implemented nationally!
If you are looking for a beautiful Constantia wine farm, with a prime location and excellent offerings, then Constantia Glen is a winner on all fronts.
In particular, it is ideal for couples and groups of friends to enjoy together, as it lends itself well to social occasions and fun day trips around the Mother City.
Related Post(s): Eat at Constantia Glen and Enjoy a Host of Winter Specials
9) Tulbagh Outing and Church Street Exploration (Witzenberg Municipality)
Ever since my work enjoyed a staff breakaway to the outskirts of Tulbagh a few years ago now, I have been keen to return and explore this quaint Cape town and its charming winelands in greater detail.
Happily, I was fortunate to enjoy a lovely road trip to historic Tulbagh in late July and it remains one of my highlights of 2021.
Although I regret not booking a weekend away in this charming town – which has the most delightful accommodation, including some gorgeous pet-friendly options – I am glad I spent an afternoon walking and driving around it.
One of the best parts of Tulbagh is Church Street. This famous street has the most national monuments littered along it than anywhere else in South Africa. And although the town was devastated by an earthquake in 1969, it was rebuilt and now continues to prosper.
Tulbagh is a really beautiful little town to explore – and although I did pass through its farmlands and surroundings, I am eager to return in the new year for an extended visit and maybe even a little getaway.
If you haven’t visited Tulbagh yet, I can really recommend it as far as Western Cape towns go.
Related Post(s):
– A Travel Insider’s Guide to Cape Town: A 3-Day Itinerary
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10) An Insightful Visit to Le Poirier Franschhoek (Franschhoek)
Le Poirier Franschhoek was one of my most special outings in 2021. After spending the morning chasing canola in the Durbanville Wine Valley, my friend and I made a late afternoon visit to this fabulous Franschhoek farm.
Here, owner Paula and her team have created a natural, eco-friendly haven for plants, animals and visitors to enjoy.
With their slew of celebrity-named pets (everything from bunnies to elegant show hens), organic, seasonal produce boxes and sustainable, largely self-taught farming practices, Paula and the Le Poirier Franschhoek team ensure that at least one corner of the world is a bit kinder towards our desperate planet and its creatures.
The work that they do is incredible – and beyond inspirational and what initially started as a quick visit soon turned into a fully fledged review because I had to share more about this amazing place and all the good it is doing for the local Franschhoek community and our earth.
You can arrange a visit to Le Poirier Franschhoek by contacting Paula directly (they are extremely accommodating and happy to show guests around their stunning farm and property). Or, you can support them by purchasing their excellent seasonal produce. Either way, Le Poirier Franschhoek deserves to be on the map – for all the right reasons!
Related Post(s): Le Poirier Franschhoek: A Little Farm in Franschhoek Doing Big Things
11) Stunning Afternoon Lunch at Groot Phesantekraal (Durbanville Wine Valley)
As a Durbanville resident, since September 2017, I have made it my mission to explore almost all of the wonderful Durbanville wine farms.
Although I still have several to check off my list – I am happy to say that I have explored most of the local estates (some more than once, too!) and found so many excellent farms, with incredible outdoor facilities (like MTB trails and playgrounds) to unique wine pairings and more.
But one of the best I have visited to date is Groot Phesantekraal. This Durbanville gem is one of the most scenic estates and I really love their facilities.
Plus, their food is exceptional – and I have no doubt their wine is the same.
When I visited, they were busy building an exciting new wine tasting facility so I will have to visit them again in the new year to see the finished product. It looks to be a great addition to the farm!
Groot Phesantekraal is not the biggest estate around – but that only makes it more appealing. And if you are looking for a stunning, yet affordable meal, I would definitely pay them a visit.
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– Durbanville Wine Valley’s Best Estate Picks
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12) The Kraal at Joostenberg and Fabulous Fynbos – Floral Workshop (Stellenbosch)
Another personal highlight of 2021 was photographing an exciting event for two incredible local businesses in Fabulous Fynbos and The Kraal at Joostenberg.
I could wax lyrical about Susan and The Kraal team – having visited them just after their opening a few years’ previously, I have been in love with this stunning country eatery ever since!
The fact that Joostenberg also offers the most amazing organic wines and beautiful farm setting doesn’t hurt either!
So I was delighted to be approached by Susan to cover this special collaborative floral workshop between the restaurant and Fabulous Fynbos.
As one of the Cape’s top local fynbos and protea suppliers, Fabulous Fynbos needs little introduction. Nicky Michell is a floral and protea genius – and it is fascinating watching her at work and indeed, partaking in one of her wonderful workshops.
With amazing food and drink and the loveliest setting, this workshop was a truly special event and one they will no doubt continue to host, as the event was met with high praise from all participants afterwards.
We all had a blast and although I spent much of the day playing photographer – even I got in on the fun and made my own little floral bouquet to take home!
More to the point, it was an honour covering this event for them – and I am excited to officially add event photography to my services going forwards! 🙂
Related Post(s):
– Fabulous Fynbos: A Fynbos and Protea Workshop at The Kraal
– Nostalgic, Country-style Dining at Joostenberg Wine Estate’s The Kraal
– A Travel Insider’s Guide to Cape Town: A 3-Day Itinerary
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13) Terrific Tokara Tasting, Luncheon and Open Gardens (Stellenbosch)
Having first visited Tokara almost six years to the day, it was a delight to revisit this Stellenbosch estate in 2021. Especially as it meant discovering all its wonders anew!
Over the years, Tokara has definitely bolstered its offerings. It is now one of the best estates that you will encounter anywhere.
With two excellent eateries, breathtaking gardens (much of which are only open to the public if and when there is an annual Open Garden event), wedding venues, art, wine and olive pairings and much more, Tokara is a well-rounded charmer.
I spent a full day exploring Tokara – enjoying a wine tasting, olive tasting, lunch and even a special tour of the exquisite private gardens (which were open for the new Garden Week Stellenbosch) and it was amazing from start to finish.
I am so glad I got to return to Tokara and discover all this family-friendly farm’s offerings first-hand.
Related Post(s):
–Â Tantalising Tokara Wine and Olive Estate, Stellenbosch
– A Travel Insider’s Guide to Cape Town: A 3-Day Itinerary
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– My Best Child-Friendly Restaurants and Wine Farms Near Cape Town
14) Rainy Days Made Better by BAARD and CO (Durbanville)
On a particularly trying weekend for me personally in late October, I was able to lift my spirits with a rainy, yet glorious visit to Durbanville’s hottest new coffeeshop: BAARD and CO.
This family-owned and run-business is one of the best to hit the Northern Suburbs. They offer everything from (seriously!) addictive coffee to artisan sourdough bread!
Best of all, since my visit (which I think helped spread the good news about this hidden gem) – the coffeeshop has added even more in-store offerings and purchasable gifts to its repertoire.
The passion and warmth present within its walls speaks volumes. It is no doubt half the reason behind their incredible success since opening their doors in late 2021.
I foresee even better things to come for BAARD and CO in the new year. If you haven’t visited them yet – honestly, this place is worth driving from miles around to enjoy!
Oh and don’t leave without buying some coffee grounds/filter coffee and fresh sourdough, if you can get your hands on some… you won’t regret it! 🙂
Related Post(s): Blown Away by BAARD & Co Coffee Roasters
15) Delightful Waterford and Kleinood Tasting Experiences (Stellenbosch)
My second to last adventure for 2021 was certainly one for the memory banks. With gorgeous spring weather and two amazing Stellenbosch wine farms, it was hard to go wrong!
Add to that, amazing chocolate and wine pairings and the most amazing platter you will find, along with some secret gardens, and we had a truly memorable day on our hands.
I have been keen to visit Waterford Estate for some time now so it was great to finally check this Stellenbosch stunner off the list.
While they have a restaurant, wine tasting facilities and unique wine safaris for guests to enjoy, we joined for a brief but amazing chocolate and wine pairing.
Afterwards, we took a slow saunter down their driveway to another Stellenbosch estate – and indeed, hidden gem – in Kleinood. These two farms are literally across the road from each other so if you visit one, I would definitely pop into the other!
Kleinood offers a host of farm goodies (purchasable on-site and through their online shop), beautiful gardens and the most incredible, organic honey and wine and platter, brimming with seasonal farm fare.
We feasted like queens and then enjoyed a special walk around the farm and its incredible gardens, which have been revived and revitalised by the present-day owners in the most wonderful way.
Suffice to safe, both Waterford and Kleinood ensured that we had a stellar spring outing in the Stellenbosch Winelands! 🙂 2021 was definitely my year for exploring Stellenbosch and its surrounds – and it showed me just how lovely this region truly is.
Related Post(s):
– A Travel Insider’s Guide to Cape Town: A 3-Day Itinerary
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16) A Golden Afternoon in Delaire Graff’s Glorious Gardens (Stellenbosch)
Finally, I ended 2021 off with a truly special golden evening at Delaire Graff Estate. I have been dying to visit this Stellenbosch marvel for sometime now. Fortunately, a personal blog mission allowed me to do just that.
As one of South Africa’s most luxurious, high-end wine farms and estates, Delaire Graff needs little to no introduction.
While I am still excited to unveil the full reason for my visit in 2022 – for now, it is enough to say that I was able to explore every inch of this special estate in one magical afternoon/evening.
I was lucky enough to enjoy a guided tour thanks to one of their excellent staff members. It really opened my eyes to the beauty and luxury this Stellenbosch estate offers visitors.
With everything from two award-winning restaurants to accommodation- and spa-facilities, a wine tasting lounge and of course, amazing gardens and artwork to name just some of its on-site offerings – Delaire Graff is an experience from start to finish.
I only sampled a small tasting of their wine but it was lovely. I definitely need to return for a full winetasting… if only because the setting is positively exquisite!
Delaire Graff was a fitting end to a year wherein I really explored the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands.
Related Post(s):
– A Travel Insider’s Guide to Cape Town: A 3-Day Itinerary
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2021: The Year in Review
While 2021 was a challenging year – it was also one wherein my solo travels and sense of adventure really flourished.
I visited Stellenbosch most of all – nearly every month of the year, in fact – and while I have only listed sixteen highlights here, there were many other travel adventures besides.
Including outings to Spier (for the Light Art), the West Coast to see the seasonal wildflowers in full bloom and other Durbanville wine farm meals – but I think these sixteen were definitely the standout experiences and that is why I chose to focus primarily on them.
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it will inspire new adventures for you in 2022!
Here’s to another year of adventures and local travel. 🙂 May it be a good one.
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