Snuggled on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge just 8km from our La Vierge Restaurant and Tasting Room, Oak Cottage is part of our working wine farm. With gentle rivers and quiet dams, Oak Cottage has become of the most relaxed family activities in Hermanus, a place where time slows, and loved ones come to unwind and reconnect. Once the oldest building in this part of the Hemel-en-Aarde, it still keeps its thick walls and quiet charm, and is now a gathering place for those looking for an authentic rustic experience.

If you’ve spent the morning whale-watching and are looking for somewhere peaceful to relax and rest, follow the valley road inland. The whales may be the reason visitors come to Hermanus, but the vineyards are often why they stay.

Vineyard Picnics (Booking Essential)

Open lawns and sweeping vineyard views make picnics at Oak Cottage a favourite for families looking for kid-friendly things to do in Hermanus. Children can explore nearby while grown-ups relax with a glass of La Vierge wine or a basket of freshly prepared local food.

Our baskets are filled with all the good things you’d hope for in a country picnic: wedges of local cheese, ribbons of cured meats, and still-warm breads alongside wraps and sandwiches layered with fresh herbs, crisp lettuce and soft cheese.

There’s always something colourful from the garden, a generous salad tossed with roasted vegetables and fruit from the season. And tucked beneath it all, you’ll find rich chocolate brownies and nutty blondies: the kind of sweet ending that makes a picnic in Hermanus memorable!

Basket option

• Adult Basket: R650 (serves two). Includes Still or Sparkling water.
• Kiddies Basket: R165 per child.
• Build Your Own Basket: Pricing on request.

Book an hour-long picnic slot. Times are available from 11:00 to 15:00. Please book at least 48 hours in advance so we can have enough time to prepare everything fresh for you and your loved ones.

Walk the Vines

Our guided stroll through our Hermanus wine farm is a must for families who like to explore. It’s a 45-minute experience that invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and discover how the area shapes what’s in your glass. The walk ends with light snacks and a tasting of selected La Vierge wines.

Booking is essential, with hourly timeslots available from 11:00 to 15:00. The cost is R250 per person. It’s an easy rhythm of a short walk, good conversation, a sip or two, and views that remind you why Hemel-en-Aarde means “Heaven and Earth.”

Tastings and Pairings

Parents can enjoy a relaxed tasting while children play nearby. Oak Cottage offers several pairing experiences built around La Vierge wines and our signature Story Teller Collection. Inspired by the fables and legends of the Indian Ocean islands, each wine carries its own tale of myth and meaning, giving you an unforgettable Hemel-en-Aarde wine tasting experience.

Guests can choose from a selection of pairings: from cheese and charcuterie to delicate macarons and hand-crafted chocolates. Each has been thoughtfully created by our Executive Chef, Rachel van Zyl, to bring the Story Teller wines to life in a new way.

If you’d like to share a taste of the Hemel-en-Aarde with loved ones back home, La Vierge wines are available for purchase by the bottle.

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This…

Between walks and tastings, settle on the terrace with a coffee, a pot of tea or something ice-cold and enjoy something sweet from the deli.

Instead of traditional cakes, Oak Cottage serves a rotating selection of rich chocolate brownies, white chocolate and pecan blondies, and buttery almond and chocolate croissants. Who can resist?

A Day on the Ridge to Remember

Oak Cottage is a place for connection, where simple food, local wine and the quiet beauty of Hemel-en-Aarde come together naturally. It’s less about what you do here and more about how it makes you feel: restored, content and part of something special.

Opening Hours
Wednesday–Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00
Season Hours (16 December – 10 January): Mon–Sun, 10:00 – 18:00
Guided Tours: 11:00 – 15:00