ADVENTURE
The Black Oystercatcher isn’ t just a farm; it’ s one of the pioneering vineyards in the Elim Wine Ward established by winemaker Dirk Human and family in 1998, which helped put this cool maritime terroir on the map. The cottages overlook gardens and salt-kissed plains, the sort of landscape that encourages mornings of lingering.
The on-site deli does one dish only: generous antipasto platters made with seasonal farm produce. Laid out with fresh greens, peppers and breads, it fed me dinner, breakfast and lunch the next day, making it one of the best R250 investments I’ ve made in a while. The simplicity is the genius – farm-to-fork without trying too hard.
The following morning began at Strandveld Vineyards, where a trail run brought together runners and locals in the best possible way. Strandveld is known for its windswept vineyards and wines that wear their wild origins proudly – grapes shaped by waves of ocean breeze and sandy soils, producing expressive, coolclimate bottles unique to this edge of Africa.
The trail run starting line featured the cheerful pop of Strandveld MCC, and a glass of bubbles awaited us at the finish. The 16-kilometre route wound through sandy paths and pine forests, past a dam and back along dirt roads. My calves had opinions. A small market afterwards proved impossible to resist, and I left with crocheted sea creatures and a handmade magnet. Elim knows how to host something simple and beautiful.
Travelling solo means stopping often. There’ s a lot of thinking, observing and chatting to oneself.
24 | AUTUMN 2026 • rovesa. co. za