About

McGregor • Breede River Valley, Western Cape

Fossil Hills offers farm-style accommodation, a wedding and private function venue, and one- to three-day guided trail wine walks set in the heart of the Breede River Valley.

Tucked into the heart of the Breede River Valley, Fossil Hills is a place where time slows, landscapes open wide, and stories are written into the land itself. Offering farm-style accommodation, a wedding and private function venue, and one- to three-day guided trail wine walks, Fossil Hills invites guests to experience the quiet magic of the countryside.

Set between Robertson and McGregor, Fossil Hills forms part of the historic Thornvilla Farm, owned by the Naudé family since 1950. Beneath the vineyards and mountain slopes lie ancient fossils dating back more than 355 million years, lending a sense of deep history and quiet wonder to every step taken on the farm.

Surrounded by sweeping mountain vistas, working vineyards, and the gentle rhythm of farm life, Fossil Hills is more than a destination – it is a retreat. A place to breathe deeply, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the simple pleasures of slow living.

FARM-STYLE COTTAGES & ACCOMMODATION

Unplug and unwind in our charming farm cottages, each offering vineyard views and a private KolKol hot tub. Accommodation ranges from intimate retreats for couples to spacious farmhouses for families and groups, making Fossil Hills the ideal setting to relax, reconnect, and recharge.

WINE WALK DETAILS

Duration: 3 Days (Optional 4th & 5th day available)
Start & End Location: Pinotage House
Fitness Level: Moderate
Guests should be comfortable walking approximately 10–13 km per day (shorter distances can be arranged on request). Pace is adjusted according to group fitness.

Operating Days:
• 3-Day Wine Walks: Mondays to Thursdays
• Day Walks: Mondays to Saturdays

Due to weddings and private functions hosted at several participating wine farms (including Fossil Hills), weekend availability for the 3-day walk is limited. Special requests for Thursday–Sunday departures can be checked, but midweek walks are preferred.

A detailed list of inclusions for the 3-day wine walk is available on request.

THE FOSSIL HILLS 3-DAY GUIDED WINE WALK

Discover the hidden charm of McGregor, a jewel of the Western Cape winelands. This guided wine walk blends moderate hiking with exceptional wine experiences, scenic landscapes, and relaxed country hospitality.

Wander through rolling vineyards, explore fossil-rich terrain, visit boutique wine farms, and savour the flavours of the valley. It’s a walk, a tasting, and a journey – perfectly balanced.

Trail

DAY 1 – MONDAY

Moderate Trail | ±10 km

Meals Included: Welcome drink & canapés, 3-course dinner

• Arrival & check-in from 14:00 at Pinotage or Tango House
  • Optional: Wine tasting at Wonderfontein (Paul René) – 15:30 (from Pinotage House)
  • 18:00 – Meet your guide, welcome drink & canapés
  • Briefing, short introduction & scenic slideshow
  • 3-course dinner paired with wines from local cellars

“We hike not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

DAY 2 – TUESDAY

Rocky Single Track | 10 km or 13 km (optional)

Meals Included: Breakfast, light lunch, dinner

• Farm-style breakfast from 07:00
  • 07:45 – Transfer to hike starting point
  • Guided hike with vineyard views and cellar visits
  • Lunch & wine tasting at Lord’s Cellar
  • Return to Fossil Hills for leisure time
  • 17:45 – Briefing & gin tasting at Pinotage House
  • 18:30 – 3-course dinner in McGregor (optional transport)

“At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling.”

DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY

Moderate Single Track with Uphill Sections | ±10 km

Meals Included: Breakfast, light lunch, dinner

• Breakfast from 07:00
  • 07:45 – Begin final day of hiking
  • Wine & ice-cream pairing with light lunch at McGregor Wines
  • Afternoon at leisure – explore McGregor’s shops, art galleries, cafés, or book a massage (advance booking recommended)
  • 17:00 – Briefing at Pinotage House
  • 17:30 – Wine tasting at Bemind Cellar (optional transport)
  • 18:30 – 3-course dinner in McGregor

“The best view comes after the hardest climb.”

OPTIONAL EXTENSION

DAY 4 – THURSDAY (Lite Trail)

Easy Terrain | 8–10 km

Meals Included: Breakfast & light lunch

• Breakfast from 07:00
  • Pack bags and vacate rooms before departure
  • 07:45 – Final walk and tastings
  • Wine & grappa tasting at Tanagra Cellar
  • Light lunch & guided donkey tour at Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary
  • Return to Fossil Hills from 13:30 (showers available)
  • 14:00 – Farewell & departure

“Jobs fill your pocket, adventures fill your soul.”

OPTIONAL 4TH NIGHT / DAY 5 – FRIDAY

(Meals & transport not included)

• Additional night’s stay (subject to availability)
  • Explore hiking trails on Thornvilla Farm or Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
  • Relax in your private KolKol hot tub
  • Departure by 10:00

ACCOMMODATION:

10 Cottages to choose from, sleeping from 2 pax to 10 pax. More details are available regarding the cottages on request.

Farmhouses:

TANGO FARMHOUSE (Pet Friendly)

A peaceful self-catering farmhouse nestled among the vineyards.

Main House
• 2 bedrooms (double / king or twin)
• Bathroom with bath & shower
• Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher
• 2 fridges
• Dining room (12-seater) with indoor braai
• Lounge
• Covered outdoor braai & seating area

Annex (10 m from main house)
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 en-suite bathrooms

PINOTAGE FARMHOUSE & OPEN VENUE

A spacious farmhouse forming part of the Fossil Hills function venue, ideal for group stays, weddings, reunions, and celebrations. Sleeps up to 16 guests.

Main House
• KolKol hot tub
• Large garden & lawn
• 5 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms
• Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher
• Large lounge & indoor braai
• Outdoor braai
• Portable swimming pool (summer)
• Private kids’ playground

Annex (20 m from main house)
• 2 en-suite bedrooms
• Open-plan kitchen & living area
• Additional single bed

Price is available on request. Eco Trails SA charges what Fossil Hills charges.

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