Heritage Orchard to open on March 4, 2023 for free tour

The Tru-Cape Heritage Orchard at Oak Valley Estate in Elgin will host a free guided tour of its grounds Saturday, March 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The tour will highlight the conservation of heritage apple and pear varieties that are no longer in commercial production.

Tru-Cape, the largest exporter of South African apples and pears, sees the protection of nearly-lost genetics as crucial to preserving the heritage of these fruits for future generations. The tour offers visitors the chance to pick, taste, and learn about historic apple varieties, such as Northern Spy, Pomme de Neige, and Pippen.

Tru-Cape co-authors Buks Nel and Henk Griessel, who wrote “People, Pears, and the Stories They Share”, “Apples in the Early Days at the Cape” and “The Newcomers and Their Friends”, will lead the tours. Books by the authors will be available for purchase at R250 each.

In April 2019, Tru-Cape and Hortgro replanted the Witte Wijnappel, the first apple picked at the Cape, in its original home at The Company’s Gardens and at the Tru-Cape Heritage Orchard and at Babylonstoren. On entering Oak Valley visitors can look for the Tru-Cape flags to find the Heritage Orchard. Please note that seating, shade, and toilet facilities are not available on site. There is no charge for this event.

Contact Brian Berkman at brianb@Tru-Cape.co.za for further information.