The Helderberg has once again proven itself a powerhouse of local enterprise, with 16 businesses claiming podium finishes at the 2026 edition of the KFM Best of the Cape Awards.
Hundreds of thousands of votes were cast across 30 categories with over 150 finalists, and when results were announced last Friday (21 August), the region walked away with five gold, seven silver and four bronze medals across 12 categories.
Gold winners
The Butcher & Son won the award for Best Biltong. Owner Danie Rossouw, a trained fleischmeister, has built a loyal following at his Audas Estate butchery in Somerset West. The Butcher & Son sources free-range meat from local farms and won a two-star Great Taste Award for its traditional biltong earlier this year, and was named AfriForum Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023.
Vergelegen Wine Estate won the award for Best Wine Farm Experience. The 326-year-old Somerset West estate is a Provincial Heritage Site with 18 restored gardens. The award follows Vergelegen winning Best Merlot at the 2026 Fine Wine Awards.
Elgin Railway Market was named Best Market. Housed in a 1940s apple warehouse, the market is a steampunk-meets-art-deco marvel in Elgin.
The Best Hairdresser award went to 178 on Mane. Founder Sinead Cuthill’s upmarket salon at 178 Main Road, Somerset West, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.
Chanice & Chicks Beauty Parlour was named the Best Beautician.
Founded by Chanice Linnen in March 2020, the Caledon Street parlour has grown from a small salon into a full-service spa.
Silver winners
Seven silver medals rounded out a strong showing. Four Gents Barbershop on Somerset West’s Main Road took silver for Best Barber. Houw Hoek Farm Stall, a family institution on the Elgin Valley pass since 1980, claimed silver for Best Farm Stall. Lourensford Market on the historic Lourensford Wine Estate earned silver for Best Market, making the Helderberg the only region with two markets on the podium.
BounceBack Bungee Fitness in Gants Centre took silver for Best Place to Sweat. Sage & Thyme on Caledon Street earned silver for Best Breakfast Spot. Gordon’s Bay favourite Grille Shack added silver for Best Pet Friendly Restaurant, a three-time gold winner. Weirdough, the Argentine-inspired bakery in Lion’s Square took silver for Best Bakery.
Bronze winners
Four bronze medals completed the Helderberg’s podium. Fabiano Hair, operating from the Imibala Centre on Bright Street, Audas Estate, took bronze for Best Hairdresser – meaning all three medals in that category went to Somerset West salons.
96 Winery Road Restaurant, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, earned bronze for Best Date Night Restaurant. The Zandberg Farm restaurant remains a winelands stalwart.
Triggerfish Brewing, based in Paardevlei since April 2011, took bronze for Best Local Craft Beer. The taproom serves staples like Sweetlips Blonde Ale alongside seasonal specials.
Bäckerei, the German artisan sourdough bakery in Somerset West, claimed bronze for Best Bakery. It specialises in sourdough breads, pretzels and pastries. Its bronze, alongside Weirdough’s silver, gives Somerset West two of the top three bakeries.
