A Soulful Journey: Our Montagu Foodie Escape
There are some places that leave you with more than just photographs. They gift you with memories, laughter, and a sense of belonging. For me, Montagu in the Klein Karoo is one of those places, a town that greets you with beauty, fills your soul with stories, and spoils you with flavours.
There’s something magnetic about Montagu. Maybe it’s the way the Langeberg mountains embrace the valley, maybe it’s the orchards and vineyards that whisper of seasons past – or maybe it’s simply the way this small town breathes life into you the moment you arrive.
Our Montagu Foodie Escape was four days filled with flavour, laughter, and sisterhood. Each day unfolded like a love letter to slow living, deep connection, and the magic of travel.
This is the story of our 4-Day Montagu Flavours & Flora Foodie Escape, where strangers became sisters and this charming Klein Karoo town worked its magic on us all.
Day 1: Road-tripping into Magic
An early start saw us road-tripping from Malmesbury to Montagu, and oh, what a feast for the eyes! The veld was bursting with colour: yellow, orange, pink, purple and even flashes of red from blooming fynbos Ericas. Spring truly is the most magical time of year to drive the roads of the Western Cape.
Cogmans Kloof Pass welcomed us with dramatic cliffs and ancient rock formations. Just 5 minutes outside Montagu, we paused to breathe it all in and feel the anticipation of what was to come.
At InAbundance Guesthouse, we were spoiled with bubbly and the most divine cheesecake before heading off on a historic walking tour with Marchelle from Flying Feet – Montagu’s own storyteller and unofficial “secondary mayor.” With passion and humour, she brought the town’s stories to life, weaving history into every street corner.
That evening, our foodie journey truly began. Around a long wooden table, with the amazing Elmarie Berry, we rolled up our sleeves to prepare a vibrant Mezze Platter dinner together. There’s something powerful about women cooking side by side, laughter bubbling, stories flowing, a splash of wine, and the joy of tasting food we’d created with our own hands.
And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, it ended with a quirky French art film, Romantics Anonymous, subtitles and all, inside the charming KWV Gallery. My heart was already overflowing, inspired by food, friendship, and the spirit of Montagu.
Day 2: Wine, Water & “Mooi Kos”
Our morning began gently with mindful breathing and stretching at InAbundance Guesthouse, followed by a hearty breakfast to fuel the day ahead.
Then came the highlight: climbing aboard the Wine Valley Safari vehicle for an unforgettable wine adventure through the Robertson Wine Valley.
Our first surprise? A refreshing mimosa in the heart of Cogmans Kloof, a joyful toast against the dramatic mountain backdrop.
From there, the day unfolded like a dream:
- A peek into the heritage of Excelsior Wines
- A five-wine tasting at Viljoensdrift, followed by a tranquil river cruise on the Breede River, laughter echoing over the water, stories shared, even an impromptu ice cream moment that filled our hearts with joy
- Zandvliet Wine Estate, home of Shiraz, where bold reds met platters of warm homemade bread, savoury bites, and more sisterhood moments. A few bottles of Shiraz left with us too, treasures for later.
But the evening stole the show. Back with Elmarie Berry, we gathered for her My Mediterranean Table feast. She calls it mooi kos, and it truly was:
- Filled flatbreads with sundried tomato & olive oil dip
- Moroccan meatballs, Pomegranate & Sumac chicken with yellow rice & mint yoghurt
- Basil whipped feta with roasted veg, roasted tomato & broccoli salad
- Dessert: Orange Milk Tart Roses – unforgettable!
Paired with Weltevrede Wines, it was a banquet for body and soul. Somewhere between passing platters and clinking glasses, strangers became friends. I went to bed with a grateful heart, already excited for what the Montagu Herb Festival would bring.
Day 3: A Festival of Herbs & Heart
The morning was chilly, but a warm, soul-hugging breakfast at InAbundance prepared us for the day ahead: a deep dive into the Montagu Herb Festival.
We began at Cape Dried Fruit Packers, stocking up on dried apricots, peaches, and nuts, with boxes packed to be couriered home. From there, we wandered into The Quarter, admired the treasures at Mooi @Maggie, and indulged in coffee and pastries at The Pastry Place.
The Old Mission Church Museum, Rambling Rose, Joubert House, and the peaceful Montagu Medicinal Herb Garden gave us pause for reflection. And at Strawberry Fair, we delighted in vintage finds, the perfect stop for thrifters.
Montagu reminded us of the beauty of stillness, of moving slowly, and of savouring life one moment at a time.
Day 4: Crowns, Gnomes & Goodbyes
Our final day was a whirlwind of colour and joy. After breakfast, we wandered to the Montagu Village Market, where the quirky Gnomes awaited us! With a donation to the Friends of Montagu Museum, we snapped photos with these whimsical festival icons, laughter echoing through the stalls.
Some of us hopped aboard the free tractor ride with Cape Dried Fruit Packers, surrounded by blossoming orchards and fynbos in bloom. Others joined the Flower Crown Workshop, creating majestic handmade headpieces that turned heads all day.
The grand finale came with High (G) & Tea at Montagu Vines, sipping on Tahlia Gin, indulging in sweet and savoury delicacies, and celebrating not just the Herb Festival, but the sisterhood we had found.
As the sun began to set, we knew it was time for goodbyes. From Namibia to Mpumalanga, Gauteng to Malmesbury, and Cape Town to beyond – each of us returned home carrying more than just souvenirs. We carried memories, laughter, connection, and the reminder of what happens when women come together in a place as soulful as Montagu.
A Sisterhood of Journeys
What began with strangers soon became a circle of sisters. Together, we explored, tasted, learned, and laughed. We found joy in the small moments: sharing pastries, wandering gardens, sipping gin, and crafting flower crowns.
Montagu gave us more than just a foodie escape. It gave us space to connect, breathe, and live slowly. It reminded us of the beauty of the Klein Karoo, the warmth of its people, and the flavours of its food and wine.
As the sun set over Montagu, my heart brimmed with gratitude.
And as for me, my journey continues, with Bali on the horizon. With love, gratitude, and a soul full of wanderlust, I’ll be checking in from there soon.
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