Wolseley Tourism Stories

Life has a funny way of turning setbacks into stepping stones. At the heart of this resilient spirit is Peppi Stanford, whose guiding philosophy is beautifully simple: do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Operating from The Creative Hub,  a charming padstal (farm stall) nestled between Wolseley and Ceres; she actively looks out for her community. Whether she is throwing a lifeline to someone facing hardship, safeguarding local jobs, or simply spotting a neighbor in need of a warm meal, Peppi's daily life is a testament to active compassion. When destructive floods struck the Western Cape, damaging the R43 and virtually cutting off her padstal, Peppi and her husband Paul faced a major crisis. With customers struggling to reach them, both their business and local jobs were suddenly hanging in the balance. True to her core philosophy, Peppi didn't sit back and wait. Their initial creative fix, a "Pie-Cycle" designed to pedal past roadworks and deliver ord...

At Oakhurst Olives , true quality is a quiet, continuous pursuit. From the careful tending of the groves on Lemoendrif Farm in Tulbagh to the precise pressing and curing of each harvest, every step in the journey requires patience, dedication, and heart.  Wolseley Tourism celebrates along side our award winning members. Their ongoing commitment was recently celebrated at the  2026 SA Olive Awards , held at Grande Roche in Paarl, where Oakhurst Olives proudly brought home two Silver Awards: 🥈Silver Medal – Oakhurst Delicate (Delicate Category) 🥈Silver Medal – Oakhurst Special Reserve (Medium Category) For a family-run farm, standing alongside South Africa's finest producers is both an honor and a welcome moment of reflection. Beyond the Medals: A Heartfelt Reflection While receiving accolades is always a highlight, the recognition serves as a reminder of the passion and hard work that go into every bottle and jar. Following the announcement, the team shared their gratitude: "...

This Heritage Day (National Braai Day), Wolseley Tourism joined local members, residents, and visitors at Monks Gin Distillery for an unforgettable day in the outdoors celebrating South African heritage, fresh air, and community spirit! ⛰️Outdoor Adventure Meets Local Hospitality 🔥 The highlight of the morning was the Bakkrans 5km Waterfall - Hike , which drew a great turnout of outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore the scenic landscapes around Breërivier. Hikers were treated to stunning trail views, including a refreshing waterfall stop, with sweet treats and Gin along the route. Following the trek, participants gathered at the distillery grounds where traditional Heritage Day festivities were in full swing: Traditional Braai & Refreshments: Guests enjoyed classic boerewors rolls with homemade tomato & onion relish, organic chicken sosaties, and craft gin serves from MONKS GIN . Entertainment & Games: Live tent music set a lively backdrop, while attendees lazed under t...

On 23 September 2026, tourism businesses and local entrepreneurs from across the picturesque Witzenberg region gathered at Cafe on the Hill along the R43 in Wolseley for an empowering, sold-out Social Media & AI Workshop . Brought together through the collaborative efforts of Wolseley Tourism , Ceres Tourism Bureau, and Tulbagh Wine and Tourism , the event provided local business owners with cutting-edge digital tools and strategies designed to boost business growth across the valley . Expert Insights and Practical Application The session featured two industry specialists who delivered actionable advice, modern strategies, and practical demonstrations tailored for small-to-medium tourism enterprises: Sean Aucamp - van Noordwyk : Actor, Producer, Director, Presenter, and founder of iBROWSE ( Digital Marketing & Social Media Management) : Shared modern strategies, content best practices, and actionable hacks to refine social media presence and connect with digital audiences....

What a day it was in our beautiful valley! On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the local community and visitors from near and far came together for the Wolseley Tourism Waddle & Dakkie Markie . It was an incredible celebration of fitness, local flavors, regional craftsmanship, and the stunning scenery that makes Wolseley so special. 👟 Lacing Up for the Wolseley Tourism Waddle The morning kicked off with high energy as around 100 enthusiastic walkers and runners took on the Wolseley Tourism Waddle . Participants hit the trails to soak in the crisp spring air and panoramic mountain views, making it a memorable outing for active families, trail lovers, and local fitness enthusiasts alike. 🍇 Local Flavors and Community Spirit at the Dakkie Markie Following the run and walk, the festivities moved to  Rietdakkie Farmstall & Kitchen , host venue for the bustling Dakkie Markie. Around 200 visitors gathered to explore and support our fantastic local vendors. The market atmosphere was ...

There is something special about stepping out from behind our desks and experiencing our neighboring towns through the eyes of a visitor. On 11 September 2026 , the Wolseley Tourism team did just that, embarking on a joint Member Excursion with our friends at the Ceres Tourism Office. It was a day designed not just to talk about regional tourism, but to live it—fostering community, discovering shared stories, and strengthening the ties across the Witzenberg region. 🗺️A Morning Spent Exploring Our journey began at 09:00 for 09:30 at the Ceres Tourism Office, where the morning air was crisp and the excitement palpable. The day kicked off on foot with a guided hike up to the historical Ox Wagon statue—a powerful monument capturing the deep history of travel, trade, and resilience in the valley. Standing beside it, looking out over the landscape, was a wonderful reminder of the long history of welcoming travelers to this corner of the Western Cape. From historical footsteps, we moved to m...

The award-winning streak in our region shows no signs of slowing down, and we couldn't be prouder! Hot on the heels of their stellar success at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, Botha Kelder has clinched another major honor: their Botha Perlé 2026 was awarded a coveted Gold Medal at the 2026 Rosé Wine & Spirits Awards ! The award-winning streak in our region shows no signs of slowing down, and we couldn't be prouder! Hot on the heels of their stellar success at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, Botha Kelder has clinched another major honor: their Botha Perlé 2026 was awarded a coveted Gold Medal at the 2026 Rosé Wine & Spirits Awards ! A Tradition of Excellence This recognition is a huge milestone for the dedicated team at Botha Kelder, validating the passion, skill, and deep-rooted respect for local terroir that goes into crafting every single bottle. This latest Gold joins an already impressive lineup of recent acc...

The results of the prestigious Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards (MAIWSA) are in, and our local terroir has taken center stage! As Africa’s largest wine and spirits competition—adjudicated by an international panel of wine experts—a Michelangelo award is a true mark of distinction. This year, our valley’s winemakers proved once again that passion, patience, and exceptional soil yield world-class results. From rich single-varietals to iconic blends and a rare Platinum accolade, here is a round-up of our local wineries and their award-winning gems from the 2026 competition. 🏆 Arbeidsgenot Wines: A Golden Harvest  Arbeidsgenot Wines delivered a standout performance, bringing home an impressive collection of medals that showcase the versatility and depth of their portfolio.  🥇 Gold Medals Kleinbegin Chenin Blanc Tannie Dona Premium Rosé Pinotage Premium Shiraz Shiraz/Grenache Malbec Tannie Esther Grenache Noir Het Goud 🥈 Silver Medal Lifestyle Shiraz A huge ...