Worcester is a Town in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is located 120 Kilometers North-East of Cape Town. This River has a rich History covering a time when the Region was inhabited by Indigenous Hunter Gathers and Pastorals, followed by Trekker Farmers and later the introduction of Commerce and Industrial change. Owing to its situation in the Breede River Valley, the Worcester Museum is a Cultural History Museum with a strong focus on Agriculture. The collections emphasize the Cape Colonial History with Agricultural Implements, Wagons, Furniture, Glass, Ceramics, Textiles and Metal Goods. The Grounds have been developed with structures forming a Traditional Cape Farmyard. Live demonstrations depict activities of a bygone era such as the baking of bread in an outdoor brick oven and the forging of metal by a Blacksmith. The Museum has a well-developed Educational Function, offering an Annual program with the focus on Traditional Farm and Household Traditions such as: The tramping of grapes for wine making; shearing sheep; milking cows and candle making. The Museum is consistently working at establishing and maintaining networks across the Community. One of the Museum objectives is promoting Social harmony and dialogue. Consultative Workshops are being held in the Worcester Community to gauge the support for new Museum interpretations of the development of Worcester and its People. The Community rich in its diversity, will find a common platform at the Museum, to show case itself! Another attraction is, The Karroo Desert National Botanical Garden, which is a truly unique Garden. It Cultivates and Displays a wide variety of arid and semi-arid plants. The 154 Hectare Garden, lies at the foot of the Hex River Mountain range, 120 km North of Cape Town. Only 11 hectares are cultivated and the remaining 143 hectares, are comprised of natural vegetation. 'The Shale Trail and Grysbokkie Trail'; are the two Hiking Trails in the Natural Area. The most popular time to visit the Garden is during Spring, when the Annuals and 'Vygies', are in flower! The best time to see the Spring Flowers is from late July till late September. The Garden is also home to a large Succulent Collection. (Please contact the office to pre-arrange a guided tour if you wish to see this collection)
Worcester also, forms part of the magnificent Cape Winelands and falls under the Municipality of the Breede River Valley. The Area of Worcester has been producing wines for generations, and is Nationally acclaimed for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc, as well as the lesser known Columbar. In fact, the Worcester Wine Route contributes about one-fifth of the National vineyards and more than a quarter of the Country’s total wine and spirits production, making it a major player in this industry. Well-known Wine Estates along the Worcester Wine Route include the Estates of: 'Slanghoek; De Wet; KWV Brandy; Brandvlei; Du ToitsKloof and Opstal'.
The Worcester Wine & Olive Route; boasts twelve Wine Cellars and one Olive Estate. It offers an unforgettable experience for anyone from novice to the connoisseur. Situated a 110km from Cape Town (depending on which wine cellars you include on your route) all the cellars are open to the public for wine tasting and sales. Some of the cellars also have Bistros and Restaurants on their Vineyards. This Area, has been producing wines for generations and acclaimed for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc, as well as the Columbar. It prides itself on both National and International Awards of distinction, contributing to about one-fifth of the National Vineyards and more than a quarter of the Country’s total wine and spirits production!
The Worcester Area, which includes the Nuy Valley, the De Doorns Area and the R43 area, is known for value-for-money wines and olive products. Make a day trip of the Route and stop in-between wine and olive tasting to enjoy the Bistros and Restaurants on the route, or experience the Worcester Wine & Olive Route on a weekend away and stay over at one of the beautiful, Guest Houses situated on the Route.
For any Cyclist, especially to Mountain Bikers, the Worcester Area is perfect. There are Routes for every type of Cyclist. Short Routes for families with children, Scenic Routes that will keep you cycling all day long, as well as Routes challenging every inch of muscle in your body. The fact that the 'Absa Cape Epic', has visited Worcester as a host Town no less than 4 times in the History of the event, is testimony enough and should already give Riders a good indication of what to expect!
Worcester is surrounded by impressive Mountains (including Elandskloof, Du Toitskloof, Slanghoek and Little Drakenstein). These towering rocky Peaks not only give the entire Area an unmistakable beauty, that remains a little mysterious, but also plays an important role in the climate and, therefore, the crops and wines that result.
The climate here is more extreme, as the Mountains prevent many of the equalising factors from taking effect. Summers are hot and dry, and Winters are cold, wet and can sometimes bring snow on the Mountain Peaks. Spring and Autumn are temperate and pleasant (perfect for wine tastings and outdoor lunches).