No road trip to the winelands is complete without pulling over for a pitstop at one of the characterful farm stalls en-route.
‘Padstal’ is actually the Afrikaans word that many locals use, and roughly translated it fittingly means “shop next to the road”.
There are so many interesting and authentic farm stalls in South Africa – from tiny tin roof structures selling the farm’s own produce to mega sheds with anything from handmade decor to berry beer, wooden toys and of course, wine selections.
Here’s a list of 15 of our favourite and quirkiest farm stalls in the winelands that you should add to your itinerary.
Klein Karoo Wine Route
1. Ronnie’s Sex Shop
What was initially intended to be a regular fresh produce stall with the name “Ronnie’s Shop”, quickly changed when Ronnie’s friends added the word “Sex” in the sign as a prank. Well, it worked wonderfully and today Ronnie’s Sex Shop is a world-renowned attraction on the iconic Route 62.
To see and do: A bar with a ceiling draped with underwear and memorabilia with graffiti, pub lunches, braai facilities (with braai packs available) and accommodation.
Find it here: Between Barrydale and Ladysmith on Route 62.
2. Doornkraal Farm Stall
This homey family run farm stall is the shop front’of the historic Doornkraal farm that has been making wine since the late 1800s, and now operate as mixed farmers with quality produce.
To see and do: A wine tasting venue stocking 20 local wineries; a shop selling handmade sweets, fresh pastries, olive products, cheese from the region, various jams, and chutneys; accommodation and horse-riding activities.
Find it here: Between Oudtshoorn and De Rust on Route 62.
Agulhas Wine Route
3. Moerse Farmstall
After a banker went on early pension to lead a quieter life, he started selling ‘moerse’ pies next to the road in Napier. (“Moerse” being an Afrikaans slang word meaning “very big”). It quickly turned into a larger venture and today Moerse Farmstall has a moerse shop, a moerse restaurant, a catering business and a moerse nursery.
To see and do: A sit-down restaurant, a shop with freshly baked goods and unique products like berry beer, granadilla beer and a variety of baby clothes, plants and gifts.
Find it here: Sarel Cilliers Street, Napier.
Bot River Wine Route
4. Dassiesfontein
Fondly referred to as “Dassies”, locals and visitors love lingering and shopping for their homes at this chock-a-block stall. They have perfected old school farm charm with their thatch roof, coal stoves, fires in winter, a clutter of second hand and new items, and unpretentious meals served in enamel ware.
To see and do: A restaurant, jungle gym, dairy, and a multi-roomed shop with artisanal produce, antiques, plants, décor, furniture, toys, leather products, kitchenware and gifts.
Find it here: Between Caledon and Bot River on the N2.
Namaqua West Coast Wine Route
5. Hebron Farm Stall
With beautiful views on top of the Piekenierskloof Pass, Hebron is a great stop for true country style hospitality. The restaurant is known for their wood-fired pizzas and they also have an everchanging bistro-style menu depending on the seasonal ingredients available.
To see and do: West Coast wine and Rooibos tea tasting room, relaxed restaurant, guest house, flower farm and shop with a variety of local produce.
Find it here: On top of Piekenierskloof Pass before Citrusdal on the N7.
6. Vygevallei Farmstall
Experience West Coast charm at Vygevallei Farmstall by indulging in their homemade vetkoeke (deep fried dough), sandwiches, pies and a variety of pickled goods, biltong and other snacks. They also have a separate wine house to sample some of the regions finest bottles.
To see and do: A cosy shop stocked with a variety of local goods, bakery and takeaway meals, a restaurant with hearty meals, a petting farm for the kids and a wine house.
Find it here: Between Melkbosstrand and Yzerfontein on the R27.
Stellenbosch Wine Route
7. Mooiberge
You will spot them a mile away. The colourful scarecrows and massive strawberry entrance that acts a warm welcome to the popular Mooiberge farm stall. A highlight is the backroom that features a large variety of affordable wines and spirits.
To see and do: a big shop filled with strawberries (when in season), fresh produce from the area, wine and liquor selection, The Thirsty Scarecrow restaurant and the opportunity to pick strawberries in season.
Find it here: On the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West.
Elgin Valley Wine Route
8. Peregrine Farmstall
Once you’ve pulled over at Peregrine, you’ll know why it’s one of the busiest farm stalls around. People from all over the world just love this trendy eco-friendly stall with their quality coffee, variety of quality pastries, fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade goodies and holiday vibe.
To see and do: A shop with delicious eats and wine, a restaurant, outside quick take-away spot, outdoor play area, a library bus, apple cider tasting and a variety of containers with décor and gifts.
Find it here: On the N2 between Grabouw and Bot River.
Swartland Wine & Olive Route
9. Nuweplaas Farm Stall
A new pitstop addition in the Swartland is Nuweplaas Farmstall. It’s a heaven for car-tired kids to let loose and play whilst parents can enjoy hearty dishes, regional wine or shop for road trip snacks.
To see and do: A restaurant, wine tasting, play area, farm animals, indoor play area for toddlers, shop with preserves and other local products.
Find it here: Between Malmesbury and Riebeek-Kasteel on the R64.
Robertson Wine Valley
10. Spanspek se Plek
A scenic place to pull over for a break is Spanspek se Plek. They have beautiful views of the mountains with a restaurant to prepare a light meal for you before you continue on your journey, or a shop to stock up on local fare.
To see and do: A shop with fresh fruit and vegetables, olives, preserves, dry fruit and other snacks, a restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating, a jungle gym and accommodation.
Find it here: Between Swellendam and Ashton near Bonnievale on the R60.
11. Affieplaas
Although Affieplaas is an expansive farm stall with a shelves filled with lovely items, they are most famous for two products: their delicious milk tart and freshly baked farm breads. Also don’t miss their selection of craft beer from over the world and the waterblommetjies they grow themselves.
To see and do: A big farm shop with crafts, food items, old school sweets, breads, pies and pastries, wines, interesting gifts and pastries.
Find it here: Just outside Robertson on the R60.
Worcester Wine Route
12. Die Pampoen Padstal
What a dreamy little place – literally thousands of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes scattered outside, inside and even on top of the Pampoen Padstal. Along with their famous veggies, they also sell preserves and confectioneries made by the farmworkers as an extra form of income.
To see and do: Many, many pumpkins to photograph and buy for eating or decorating purposes, a shop filled with local produce, sweets, preserves and handmade goods.
Find it here: Between Worcester and Robertson on the R60.
Hemel en Aarde Wine Route
13. Die Plaaskombuis
Just as you enter the majestic Hemel en Aarde Valley, the windmill at Die Plaaskombuis entices you in for a rustic farm stop. Browse and buy down-to-earth décor, delicacies, toys and fruit and vegetables at their shop, or enjoy a meal at their restaurant that overlooks the mountains and greenery below.
To see and do: A Farm shop with a variety of produce and products, a restaurant, indoor and outdoor play areas for kids and a small nursery.
Find it here: Between Hermanus and Caledon on the R320 Hemel en Aarde road.
Wellington Wine Route
14. Ou Kaya Padstal & Nursery
With a variety of unique products sourced from the region, Ou Kaya should be added as a stop on your itinerary when traveling through Wellington. Their nursery has massive variety of unique succulents and cacti – the perfect gift to yourself or a loved one.
To see and do: A shop with delicious local fare, freshly baked pies, regional products and a nursery.
Find it here: Stokery Way 12b, Wellington.
Paarl Wine Route
15. Family Farmstall
Let Family Farmstall take you back in time with their arrangement of beautiful vintage and antique items. Set some time aside to appreciate the store’s unique décor, furniture, ceramics and toy selection. Make sure to take some of their delicious cakes or other baked goods home with you.
To see and do: A vintage inspired shop with a large variety of gifts, collectables and confectioneries.
Where: 507 Main Road, Groenvlei, Paarl.
