5 Reasons to Visit The Helderberg This Spring
As September rolls in and the Winelands wake up in full bloom, there’s no better time to shake off the winter routine and venture slightly beyond Cape Town’s city bowl. Just a short scenic drive away lies the Helderberg: a stunning pocket where dramatic mountain amphitheatres meet rolling vineyards, coastal breezes, and a surprisingly thriving coffee and food culture.
Whether you’re escaping for a sun-soaked weekend or seeking a change of scenery that balances deep focus with outdoor living, discovering the top things to do in Somerset West makes it easy to see why this area is quickly proving to be the Western Cape’s newest lifestyle hotspot.
Here is our curated guide to spending an ideal spring day exploring the region.
Pajamas & Jam Eatery
Don't let the industrial surroundings fool you, Pajamas & Jam, just down the road in Strand, is hands-down one of our absolute favourite breakfast spots in the Helderberg. The moment you step through the door, you are hit with the smell of freshly baked bread and the hum of a buzzing dining room. Order a table load of their legendary freshly baked pastries, grab a flat white, and browse the vintage treasures hanging from the ceiling while you wait. It is warm, chaotic in the best way, and impossible not to love.
Country Craft Market
If you love finding items with a real story behind them, spend a Saturday morning under the shade of Southey’s Vines at the Country Craft Market. Reopening in September, this market has a strict rule: every single item must be sold by the actual artisan who made it. Chatting with local makers while hunting for hand-carved woodwork, ceramics, or art feels wonderfully personal. Bring your dog, grab a coffee, and take your time browsing.
Duck Parade at Vergenoegd Löw
Trust us on this one: watching 1,000 Indian Runner Ducks charge out into the vineyards at Vergenoegd Löw is one of the most delightful experiences in the area. These working ducks are the estate's natural pest controllers, keeping the vines healthy without a single chemical. The ducks parade out at 09h00 and again at 12h00, so time your visit, grab a seat on the terrace, order a chilled glass of wine, and enjoy the show. Grab a seat on the terrace, order a chilled glass of wine, and enjoy the show. It is quirky, memorable, and pure joy to watch.
Image source: @vergenoegd_low_wine_estate
Helderberg Nature Reserve
Resting on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, the Helderberg Nature Reserve is the ultimate spot for a quick morning trail run or a relaxed weekend hike through pristine fynbos. The views over False Bay from the top trails are unmatched, but if you are looking for something low key, pack a basket and claim a shady patch on the lawns near the oak trees. There is also a great little coffee shop on-site to grab a brew before hitting the paths.
Lourensford Wine Estate
If you only visit one spot in Somerset West to get a feel for the area, make it Lourensford Wine Estate. It is the kind of place where you arrive for a quick morning coffee and end up staying until sunset. Spanning manicured lawns and massive oak trees, the estate packs a whole day’s worth of experiences into one beautiful location:
The Lourensford Market (Reopening from 4 September): Located right on the estate, the Friday night and weekend Lourensford Market is pure magic when the weather warms up. Grab a spot on the grass, listen to live music, and eat your way through the food stalls. Just make sure to pop over to the estate’s artisanal coffee roastery near the market entrance for one of the best pour-overs in the Winelands.
Adene’s Flowers at Lourensford: Also hosted right here on the estate grounds, you have to pop into Adene’s Flowers during spring. Walking through fields of towering dahlias and heirloom blooms planted on the farm feels like stepping directly into a Pinterest board.
Whether you're planning a weekend out or thinking ahead to where you'll be working from in October, Helderberg is worth getting to know. Our new workspace at Lourensford opens soon, complete with everything you'd expect from a Neighbourgood space. If you'd like to find out more about leasing an office, get in touch at work@neighbourgood.co.
