Hermanus in bid to become Africa’s first Unesco City of Gastronomy

Forget the City Bowl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch – Hermanus might soon be a Unesco City of Gastronomy. If it happens the Western Cape region will be the first in Africa to receive the distinction.

As a City of Gastronomy Hermanus will be linked to a global network that celebrates deep cultural or creative heritage, and this area of the winelands makes absolute sense. The pristine environment of greater Hermanus attracts tourists, both local and international, with whale watching and the bounty of the ocean proving popular thanks to sustainable fishing from Kleimond to Gansbaai, while the valleys and the farms produce food and fruit of exceptional quality and freshness.

Locals and tourists alike visit the numerous food markets and festivals in the town and surrounding areas where local produce is at its finest.

But the area’s exceptional wine are part of the push for the recognition.

“In combining the dedication of our local farmers to the highest quality standards with the imaginative foraging of ingredients indigenous to our area we believe that Hermanus offers the finest, most varied and creative gastronomic experiences in the country. This is the basis upon which we are bidding to become South Africa’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy,” says Carolyn Martin from Creation Wines.

Here’s some of the reasons Hermanus deserves to be in the bidding process:

Bread and Butter

En route to Hermanus from Cape Town sits Bot River. The indigenous Khoisan people used to produce rich butter from their livestock in pastures along the banks of the Couga River. Merchants travelled from Cape Town to trade their wares for the butter produced here and named the river “Botter Rivier” in around 1672. Today the rustic old watermill in the town has been fully restored and is used to grind flour to make farm bread in the community.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

An example of responsible tourism, Grootbos actively drives conservation and community upliftment through its non-profit arm, the Grootbos Foundation. It blends innovative menus based on fresh, locally sourced produce with a curated local wine collection.

Beach Walker

Walker Bay is known for its pristine beaches as well as fishing in the area (with produce used at local eating spots). Even farmed Perlemoen can be found, that is ethically and legally sourced.

Hemel-and-Aarde Valley

Creation Wines was this year rated this year as one of the Top 50 Wine Estates in the World and receives acclaim for its excellence locally and internationally for its blend of ethical winemaking, fine dining and art. Visitors have a choice of eight pairing menus with their award-winning wines artfully matched with dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Examples are indigenous Cape Abalone served with Capers, Red Onion, Lemon, Spring Onion, Garlic, Kelp and Samphire which is paired with the Creation Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon or the Coconut Poached Line-fish, Banana Leaf and Apricot Masala Salsa served with the single-vineyard Creation Reserve Chardonnay.

Glamtrails

Glamtrails offers walking tours amongst the fabulous vineyards of the verdant Hemel-Aarde-Valley next to Hermanus. Hike trails are interwoven with historical narratives, fabulous food and wine tastings and incredible vistas that equally inspire excellent conversation or quiet contemplation.

All of the guided routes can be completed in a matter of hours, some a short stroll, others an uphill hike, each offering a unique experience.

Take a meander through valleys and vineyards, up hills and mountain tracks, along farm roads and through incredible fauna and flora unique to the Western Cape. Picnic in vineyards, have a post-hike meal at a world-class restaurant, or just sit back and relax with a glass of award-winning wine.

Glamtrails also offers tailored walking experiences, so if you would prefer a route explicitly designed for your group, contact them directly.
Group sizes are limited to between 6 to 16 people.

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