There is nothing quite like the smell of coffee and the rumble of a VW air-cooled engine on a crisp morning! Our Winelands Breakfast Run on October 13th was a 170km scenic masterpiece through the heart of the Cape’s most beautiful vineyards. We took the long way round, enjoying winding roads and the sight of our colourful convoy reflecting in the morning sun.
Starting Engines: The Road to Potbelly Coffee Shop

We kicked things off at the Engen Winelands 1 Stop with an impressive turnout of 21 Beach buggies. After a quick briefing from Chris and Sandra on convoy etiquette—and a bit of a laugh over the “follow the leader” rules—we hit the road.
The grand entrance into Potbelly was a show-stopper. Onlookers were snapping photos as our fleet of VW air-cooled vehicles, including some very tidy Baja Bugs, T-Bug and Veeps, rolled into the parking lot. Breakfast was pre-ordered and seamless, giving us plenty of time to catch up and welcome Wiehann to the club with his new t-shirt. Shoutout to Sam, Clive, and Linda for snagging their new club caps too—looking sharp!
Helshoogte Pass and Beyond: Scenic Bliss
After breakfast, we tackled the best part of the day: Helshoogte Pass. Navigating those winding roads in VW air-cooled vehicles is pure joy. We stopped at the summit for a quick viewpoint break, soaking in the mountain views and snapping photos of the vygiebos in full purple bloom.
The drive continued through Pniel and Franschhoek, though it wasn’t without a few technical “surprises.” Merinda noticed her steering wheel was literally falling apart mid-drive! Luckily, the club spirit kicked in, and we had her sorted and back on the road in no time. It’s a classic reminder: in this club, we leave no beach buggy behind.
Grabouw Treats and a Final Stretch to the Dam
Our next stop was Peregrine Farm Stall in Grabouw. If our club has one weakness, it’s a sweet tooth—ice cream, melktert, and muffins were the order of the day. We even had a bit of drama when Brent “lost” his keys, only to find them hiding inside his own buggy!
We wrapped up the day by a stunning dam, with Shrek, Emoji, and Hugg Bugg all lined up against the water. Whether you’re driving a 1600 Beetle motor or a water-cooled conversion, the “lekker gees” of this run was unbeatable. If you missed out on this 170km adventure, make sure your ride is ready for the next one!
Relive the Winelands Run and Join the Convoy!
The photos from this run capture the pure joy of the open road.
- Check the Gallery: See the full 170km journey in the Winelands Breakfast Run Photo Album.
- Join the Next Adventure: Want to get your VW air-cooled vehicles out of the garage? Visit our Next Event page and book your spot!
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