The small Karoo town of Barrydale, in the Western Cape of South Africa, began life at the start of the 18th century. Then it was known as Kannaland. Farmers were looking for somewhere that had both arable land and water and this spot had both. The village grew up around the Dutch Reformed Church which was built in 1878. The small population rises considerably during the tourist season as well as during the annual Barrydale Spring Festival in October and the Joseph Barry Tradouw Pass Half Marathon a 21 km course through the pass that attracts a large number of runners. The name of the Pass comes from a Khoisan word meaning ‘Women’s Path’.

The nearby Warmwaterberg Hot Springs is also a great reason to visit Barrydale.

It seems odd that such a small place would have international renown, but Barrydale does – thanks to the stunning vineyards which grow on the surrounding land. The Barrydale Koöperatiewe Wynkelder and distillery was established in 1940. This birthed the area’s wine industry. The locally produced Joseph Barry Brandy, was voted the world’s best brandy in 2003.

The rugged landscape is home to the delicious fruit orchards, the almost cosmopolitan population, quaint architecture, neat, little shops and the hotel which has an open-air cinema.