Where Legacy Meets Lunch: Burgundy’s Hermanus Journey 🍔

👋 Good morning, Hermanus and surrounds. Welcome back to Hermanus Scoop! 

We’re not here to give you the usual headlines - we’re here for the stories that make our town tick. From heritage gems and inspiring locals to what’s happening in the streets, this is your one-stop read for all things Hermanus.

This week, we take a step back in time with a look at the history behind Burgundy Restaurant, one of the town’s most iconic eateries. Then, we shift from wine lists to school lists with an exclusive sit-down in the headmaster’s office - Mr JG Giliomee reflects on his first year leading Hermanus Primary and what lies ahead.

And of course, it’s the final stretch of FynArts Festival - soak up those last concerts, wander the sculpture trails, and maybe even find the perfect ceramic you didn’t know you needed.

• Get your FynArts Festival tickets for the last days here 🎟️

• Your event map 🗺️

Lastly a shoutout to all the fathers in Hermanus - we hope you have a memorable Fathers Day with your loved ones on Sunday!

👊 It’s all happening, and we’re here for it.

Let’s get stuck in.

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Congratulations to Mieke Willems on winning the 10 coffees at Mikro Coffee as one of our early subscribers - we’ll be in touch!

🏡 Property of the Week - Presented by Greeff Properties

Looking for ocean views or a mountainside retreat?

Each week, we spotlight a standout listing that captures the unique charm and lifestyle of the Overberg. From ocean-view escapes to tucked-away treasures, these are the homes that inspire imagination - and maybe even your next move. Brought to you by Greeff Properties, trusted specialists in exceptional real estate across the Overberg.

Nestled Between Nature's Beauty

Discover the perfect blend of style and natural beauty with this stunning contemporary home located in the serene neighbourhood of Vermont, Hermanus. Set amidst the calming presence of the ocean and majestic mountains, offering a harmonious living experience in a modern setting.

As you step into the spacious and inviting hall, you are led into a world where every detail complements the tranquil environment outside. The kitchen, dressed in serene white, features granite countertops that echo the undulating waves of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. This space is not just about aesthetic harmony but also functionality, with ample storage, room for all appliances, ready to cater to any culinary activity. power, and a full alarm system. All this just a short walk from town in a prime location!

View the property in full here.

🍔 Local Business Spotlight: Rooted in Hermanus: The Story Behind Burgundy Restaurant

This week’s local business spotlight is on Burgundy Restaurant.

This week’s business feature shines a light on a true Hermanus local - someone whose warm smile is recognised by just about everyone in town. Rudolf, the owner of Burgundy Restaurant, isn’t just the man behind one of Hermanus’ most beloved eateries, he’s a passionate chef, a hands-on leader, and a community man through and through.

But to understand what Burgundy has become today, you have to go back to the beginning. In 1976, wine pioneer Tim Hamilton Russell planted among the earliest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. He believed - long before it became widely accepted - that this was the best region in South Africa for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. When he was refused to certify his wines, Tim took matters into his own hands and bought a restaurant called Cypress Wine Tavern. He transformed it into a restaurant and named it Burgundy, after the iconic French region where his favourite grape varietals originate.

Fast forward to 2003, when a young chef named Rudolf stepped into Burgundy’s kitchen. (It wasn’t his first job in hospitality - he had worked at a few other places too - but it was still early days in his career.) After a few years away, he returned to Hermanus in 2009 and began consulting at the very restaurant where his culinary journey had started.

The dream to one day own Burgundy never left him. He partnered with two investors and bought into the business. In time, he worked at another well-known Hermanus establishment, Savannah, but in 2014, he returned to Burgundy and secured a larger stake. When COVID hit, the business, like many others, faced huge challenges. One of the co-owners sadly passed away, and Rudolf stepped in to acquire those shares. By 2022, he officially became the sole owner of Burgundy. A dream realised.

These days, Rudolf is involved in every part of the business. He runs the kitchen, creates the menu, handles marketing and social media, manages HR, and ensures every guest receives a warm welcome. His approach is grounded in humility: it’s not about being a flashy chef: it’s about great food, great service, and a great team. And what a team it is. Burgundy’s six longest-standing employees have racked up a combined 93 years of service - with Debbie leading the way at 36 years and counting. Low staff turnover and high morale aren’t just impressive - they’re rare in the hospitality world. It's a testament to the culture Rudolf has cultivated. Burgundy’s clientele, many of whom return year after year, are mostly visitors from the UK and Germany, especially during the summer. Most are aged between 60 and 80, and Rudolf has a deep appreciation for their loyalty. His secret? Consistency, familiarity, and genuine hospitality - no gimmicks needed.

That doesn’t mean Burgundy stands still. Every year brings something new - from the addition of a pergola to the revamped tapas bistro next door, which has become a popular endpoint for walkers completing the Hermanus Camino, who arrive three times a week. This separate space has also become a hub for the local community, hosting bridge groups, knitting clubs, kitchen teas, and other special occasions. Looking ahead to 2025, there are exciting new plans on the horizon - including further renovations that promise to enhance the space even more (pending a hopeful nod from the heritage committee). Rudolf’s wife, Lezan, plays an equally important role behind the scenes, managing group bookings, invoicing, and keeping the business running smoothly day to day. Burgundy is more than just a restaurant - it’s a cornerstone of Hermanus life. Built on passion, resilience, and heart, it's a place where food tells a story and community always comes first. And at the centre of it all is Rudolf - a friendly face, a dedicated chef, and a proud Hermanus local.

A Few Quick-Fire Questions with Rudolf 🔥

1. What’s your favourite thing to do in Hermanus?

   After a busy day at the restaurant - to braai, enjoy good wine, and cook with my family.

2. If you had just one day in Hermanus, what would you recommend someone do? 

   An early run on the Cliff Path, coffee at Mikro, breakfast at Oskars, the 11:00 tour at Heart of Abalone, hake and chips at Burgundy with a bottle of Hermanuspietersfontein Kaalvoet Meisie, a sunset cruise from the New Harbour, and dinner at Char’d.

3. Your favourite dish to make at home?

   Fresh pasta with olive oil and parmesan, and a really good Caprese salad - served with a bottle of Escape Sauvignon Blanc.

4. What are the must-try dishes at Burgundy?

   • Lamb soutribbetjies

   • Abalone with sage cream and coconut jasmine rice

   • Seafood pasta

   • Old Harbour beer-battered hake and chips

   • Wild LM prawns

🎓 Catching up with Mr JG Giliomee after one year - looking back and looking ahead!

We spent some time with Mr JG Giliomee, Headmaster at Hermanus Primary School in the last week to pick his brain in English and Afrikaans on his first year in the role and the road ahead.

We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we enjoyed talking with him!

📆 What’s On in Hermanus

Apart from the FynArts Festival wrapping on 16 June, there’s a lot to keep you entertained, well-fed and informed in the Overberg - here’s what’s happening:

Friday | State of the World Business Breakfast with Alec Hogg 📆
🗓 Friday , 13 June · 08:00 for 8:30 📍 Bossa Restaurant, Hermanus Sports Club
State of the world - and what it means for you. R250 per person. Booking essential. RSVP with Ruth on Whatsapp at 082 886 2818 or email at [email protected]

Thursday-Monday | Hermanus FynArts Festival Wraps 🎭
🗓 12-16 June 📍 Various venues in Hermanus Expect world-class exhibitions, performances, masterclasses and installations as this beloved cultural festival draws to a close. Full programme available at hermanusfynarts.co.za

Saturday | Hermanus Country Market 🌿 
🗓 Saturday, 14 June · 09:00 - 14:00 📍 Hermanus Cricket Club - Artisan stalls, live music, food, fresh produce and a family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday outing for locals and visitors alike.

Saturday | Cultured Butter & Cheese Making Workshop 🧀
🗓 Saturday, 14 June · 08:30 - 15:00 📍 Goodluck Farmhouse - Guest cheese maker Maria Van Zyl from Cream of the Crop will guide us through a morning of butter and cheesemaking culminating in a lunch made with fresh cheese and delicious farm produce.

Saturday | Winter Fireside Wine tasting 🍷
🗓 Saturday, 14 June · 16:00 - 19:00 📍 Benguela Cove Wine Estate - Escape the winter chill and embrace an evening of sensory delight.

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday, 14 June · 08:00 📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

Saturday 21 June | Jakkie Louw Akoesties 🎶
🗓 Saturday, 21 June · 18:00 📍 Burgundy Restaurant - selection of Afrikaans music by Jakkie Louw. Tickets available at R250 per person.

🌞🌦️ Hermanus Weather Update: 12 - 18 June

Looking ahead in Hermanus? Expect a glorious run of sunny, mild days through the weekend before cooler temps and showers roll in early next week.

• Thursday 12 June: Sunny and fresh. High of 17°C, low of 7°C. Light winds, dry all day.

• Friday 13 June: Warm and clear. High of 21°C, low of 9°C. Ideal outdoor day.

• Saturday 14 June: Sunny with light cloud. High of 22°C, low of 10°C. Calm and dry.

• Sunday 15 June: Warmest day this stretch. High of 23°C, low of 13°C. Partly cloudy but dry.

• Monday 16 June: More cloud about. High of 18°C, low of 12°C. Slight chance of drizzle.

• Tuesday 17 June: Rainy and windier. High of 17°C, low of 11°C. Up to 5.2 mm rain.

• Wednesday 18 June: Showers continue. Cooler at 15°C max, 11°C min. Windy with 1.7 mm expected.

Sunny vibes dominate until Sunday - then it’s wise to have a brolly handy. Tuesday looks like the biggest washout, so plan around that if you can!

🏉 🏫 Sports & Schools:

📚 Schools Update Exam Season: School activities are quieter this week as most learners are busy with exams as we head towards the end of the second term:

🎂 Cake & Support: Hermanus Primary School will be hosting a PTA Cake Sale on 20 June to raise funds. Pop by and support if you can.

❄️ Term Break: Schools will close on 27 June, marking the end of the second term and the start of the Winter School Holidays.

Best of luck to all the learners in preparing and writing your exams - we are rooting for you!

🍕 Restaurant Specials:

Here are some of the best deals from all over town for you to enjoy during the coming week:

Spotted in the Overberg: Photo of the Week

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach - we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

That’s all from us this week!

Whether you’re strolling down memory lane at Burgundy, catching the last notes of FynArts, or waving to a headmaster on your school run - here’s to the stories that make Hermanus home.

Until next time…

Stay warm, stay local, and stay curious.

- The Hermanus Scoop team 🐋