Happy Women's Day to all the mothers, daughters and sisters of the world, including best friends like Mihlali Gqada and Zanele Gray who recently visited the valley! In celebration of all females there will be complimentary tastings at Paul Cluver Wines, Oak Valley, South Hill Vineyards and Elgin Ridge Wines. So gather the girls and get over here - it's a pearla of a day to boot.

Sundays were made for long lazy lunching and you can do just this at the The Hickory Shack. Roll up your sleeves and tuck into the delicious Pulled Pork or smoked Beef Brisket. Sharing is caring! Photo credit @jaznag

Prof Anton Pauw (principal investigator in Biological Interactions laboratory at the University of Stellenbosch) will be giving a fascinating lecture on the Ecology of Plant-Pollinator Interactions at Paul Cluver Wines on Monday, 7 August at 17h00. His vision is to explore three questions about life: ‘How do new species originate?' 'What influences their abundance?' 'How do we conserve them?’ Living in the Cape affords him the inspiration to tackle these questions, and in doing so research answers by studying plant-pollinator interactions. If you are interested in attending this highly captivating (free) talk please email dedrie@cluver.com by 4 August. Refreshments will be included.

Lifestyle blogger Candice Bresler of La Belle Blog spent the past weekend in our valley exploring Old Mac Daddy, South Hill Vineyards, The Hickory Shack and Lothian Vineyards. Here are some awesome highlights from her time away! She'll also be sharing a blog post soon so keep your eyes on www.labelleblog.co.za

Saddle up cause the 7th Elgin Barn Dance is taking place on the 9th of September at The Elgin Grabouw Country Club! You can expect good food, a great DJ, a spot of line dancing and of course the Rodeo Bull! There will also be a silent auction with all proceeds donated to local charities and schools. There are even prizes for the best dressed cowgirl and cowboy so start getting those outfits organised!

Today The Pool Room by Gordon Manuel opened it's doors again after a short winter break. Set in the tranquil gardens of Oak Valley, the restaurant continues to serve it's selection of popular dishes, including their Acorn Fed Pork Belly, with a few new additions to the menu. The large glass space, letting in lots of sunshine, makes for a great place to defrost, and while poolside!

A reminder that Old Mac Daddy will be having a Spit Braai this coming Sunday with all the fixings - perfect for that fun day out with family and friends!

Thanks to Eat Out for listing Houw Hoek Farm Stall and Peregrine Farm Stall as two of their top 5 pie-stops in the Cape Winelands!

Elgin Vintners are back at is this weekend, this time showcasing 5 'Agama' vintages (their red blend) ranging from 2006 to 2011. 'Agama' is the name for the Bloukopkogelmander lizzard, prevalent in the indigenous Fynbos vegetation on the farm, especially in the orange Pin Cushions adjacent to the vineyards. Over the years the team have consistently found that the cool climate in Elgin gives their grapes a natural acidity and low pH levels, allowing them to safely mature their wines to their true potential. Join them this Saturday the 22nd July and Sunday the 23rd July 2017 between 10h00 - 16h00 for a casual vertical tasting fireside. The farm is family-friendly so kids are welcome. Tastings cost R30 per person but this will be waived if wine is purchased.

It's not too late to register for the Spur Cape Winter Trail Series taking place at Paul Cluver Wines this Sunday!

From zip-lining to wine tasting, and mountain biking to a meander through our Apple Museum, there really is so much to do in our magical valley. Here is SA-Venues.com's Top 30...

The kind of luxurious living only Lothian Vineyards knows, replete with collectable artworks and a rim-flow pool. This masterpiece villa has played host to a number of exclusive events and private getaways - to find out more visit www.lothianvineyards.com