May 2025
Tucked in the heart of the Dwarsrivier Valley, where mountains cradle fertile land and the air hums with promise, there’s a place that adds more than just heat to a meal—it adds heart to a whole community. Welcome to Banhoek Chilli Oil (BCO), a shining example of how one small idea, nurtured with care and purpose, can ignite not just flavour, but transformation.
What began as a simple search for the perfect chilli oil turned into something much bigger: a mission to create exceptional products with integrity and impact. Handcrafted in small batches, using only the finest local ingredients and non-GMO canola oil from the Overberg, Banhoek Chilli Oil has found its way into kitchens around the world. But its roots remain proudly planted right here in Banhoek.
This is not just a chilli oil. It’s a story of resilience and regeneration.
From the outset, BCO’s founders were clear: they wanted to build something that made a difference—starting with job creation for the local community. Today, each bottle sold helps support livelihoods in the Dwarsrivier, where previously unemployed locals have been trained and upskilled in everything from chilli cultivation to bottling and logistics. The farm’s ever-growing team forms the backbone of its success, and there’s a deep sense of pride and purpose that infuses every part of the process. When you taste BCO, you’re tasting more than flavour—you’re tasting empowerment.
But this valley haven offers more than what’s inside a bottle.
Step into the BCO Taste Kitchen, and you’ll find a welcoming, family-friendly spot where locals and travellers gather around wood-fired pizzas, indulgent pasta bakes (the Chilli Cheese Gnocchi is legendary), and winter favourites that soothe the soul. For those craving a bit more adventure, there’s Scootours, with gravity scooters, archery and e-bikes inviting you to explore the mountainous wonderland just beyond the olive groves.
If it’s a slow weekend you’re after—one filled with laughter, long lunches, and panoramic views – this is the place. Sink into a chair in the Leopard Lounge, BCO’s safari-inspired wine bar and deli. Order a cocktail and let the last golden light of day spill across the Groot Drakenstein peaks as you sip and savour the good life.
BCO is also home to the Banhoek Wine Club, which brings together wines from the Banghoek ward – arguably one of the coolest (in both temperature and vibe) in Stellenbosch. Whether you’re discovering new favourites or simply picking up a bottle to pair with dinner at your cottage or guesthouse, you’ll find yourself drawn into a deeper appreciation for the local landscape, the people who shape it, and the slow, satisfying pace of life here.
This is the essence of Slow Travel – not ticking off checklists, but sinking into the moment. It’s about trading urgency for joy, rushing for richness, and discovering that the best journeys are the ones seasoned with stories and shared with others.
So this winter, stay and play a little longer in Stellenbosch’s Banhoek Valley. Let BCO be your home base for mountain adventures, taste experiences, and warm connections. Come for the chilli oil, stay for the heart—and leave with a little spice in your soul.