Discover Bonnievale: Church, Canals and Wine

Bonnievale can be discovered through three distinct experiences: the story of a small church, canals that still supply parts of the town with water, and personal wine tastings at Doornbosch Farm. Architectural history, water engineering and wine therefore stand alongside one another as separate interests. As you plan your stay, you can consider which of these aspects makes you especially curious—or whether you would like to include several of them.

A Church with a Personal History

The Mary Myrtle Rigg Church was built at the request of Mary Myrtle Rigg, the daughter of Christopher Forrest Rigg. She asked her father to build a small church; he had it built in her memory. The story of the building therefore begins not only with its architectural style, but also with the wish to preserve a personal memory.

The church is designed in the Norman style. Its foundation stone bears the year 1921, but the first Anglican service was not held until 1924. The two dates mark different milestones: the first service followed the date on the foundation stone three years later. The design above the main entrance also commemorates Mary Myrtle. There is a statuette modelled on her likeness, with a rose bush depicted behind it bearing seven roses, which symbolise the seven years of her life.

Details like these give the church’s history several layers: the daughter’s request, her father’s tribute, the distinctive architectural style and the dates from the early history of services. Visitors interested in buildings can also get to know Bonnievale through the connection between family history and architecture. The statuette and the seven roses add a clearly defined symbol to the exterior architectural details, while the foundation stone and first service mark the sequence of events.

Canals that Still Carry Water

The canals built by Rigg are also part of Bonnievale’s history. More than 100 years after their completion, they still supply water to the entire eastern side and large parts of the western side of Bonnievale. At the same time, they remain largely as Rigg built them. Their significance lies both in their continuing function and in their largely preserved condition. For travellers interested in how a place has developed, the canals offer a different perspective from the church: here, the focus is on infrastructure that continues to serve as a water supply.

Wine Tastings at Doornbosch Farm

Personal wine tastings are offered in a peaceful farm setting at Doornbosch Farm on Gelukshoop Road in Bonnievale. This is a distinct way to get to know Bonnievale through its wine and to include a tasting in your travel plans alongside the historical sights. If you plan a visit, it is best to check availability in advance. This allows you to include the tasting as a specific activity without conflating it with the history of the church or the canals.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Bonnievale, the focus of your trip can be a useful guide. If you are primarily interested in local and architectural history, the Mary Myrtle Rigg Church and the canals can be at the heart of your plans. If wine also interests you, you can include a tasting at Doornbosch Farm as an additional activity.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ashton, Ceres, Tulbagh Road, Mcgregor, Saron, Robertson, Nuy, Wolseley.

Return to the main travel overview: Cape Winelands.