Saturday Food and Wine Market at Hermanuspietersfontein

Homemade food, homegrown wine and homespun family fun

Rain, shine – or volcano – the Hermanuspietersfontein Food and Wine Market is a kid-friendly, canine-friendly Saturday staple that both Overberg locals and those from farther afield have come to count on as ground zero for the start of a great weekend. 

Running since 2006 and situated just short of Hermanus and just prior to the mouth of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (roughly one hour from Cape Town), the slice of space between the award-winning Hermanuspietersfontein winery’s state-of-the-art cellar and their handsome tasting room is as much a place to kuier (as they say in this part of the world) with friends and family as it is a quick fix for those looking for a glass of wine, a bite to eat or simply some top-notch ingredients for a mid-afternoon meal.

Started by the wine farm as a throwback to the days of old, the market’s raison d’etre is rooted in the same pride in place that the winery honoured when it revived the original name of the town – Hermanus was relieved of the “pietersfontein” caboose in the early 1900s.

Thus, on any given Saturday, roughly 13 vendors – all local – sell a selection of homemade goods that even seasoned artisans would be hard-pressed to rival. The stall holders consistently offer market-goers the chance to sample delicious new creations, as well as tried-and-trusted favourites: There’s Jan and Marie – the world’s fastest and most dexterous pancake producers; Giuseppe - the Italian Stallion selling everything, well, Italian; Kim, the red-headed German baker; and many more.

Think mouth-watering vetkoek, high-quality cured meats and cheeses, Baklava, brownies, award-winning yoghurt, cannelloni and even dim sum and sushi. Needless to say, there’s something to suit every palate and, with free Hermanuspietersfontein wine tasting also available, to quench every thirst. The sip and swirl sessions are conducted at the market from 9am to 1pm, and thereafter, they move to the Hermanuspietersfontein tasting room until close, at 4pm.

And with plenty of space in which children can run amuck while being easily watched, and with picnic tables prime for unpacking both the work week and whatever delicious country fare you’ve purchased, the market has – as its inaugurators intended – become a reliable, relaxing spot for social gathering. 

Not to mention, it’s large enough to lose a friend for a few minutes, but a far cry from the crowded milieu into which so many city centre markets have degenerated. 

So, whether you’re just passing through, or whether you’re simply in the mood for one of the estate’s esteemed Sauvignon Blancs or Bordeaux blends under a canopy of sunshine and in the good company of others, if it’s Saturday, there’s no better place to kick-start the weekend. 

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Looking for a place to escape to? The Hermanuspietersfontein winery also has a cluster of charming cottages on its wine farm just outside of Stanford. 

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