Barrydale, Western Cape

Barrydale
Skyline of Barrydale
Barrydale Show map of Western Cape Barrydale Show map of South Africa Barrydale Show map of Africa  Barrydale shown within Western Cape
Coordinates: 33°54′S 20°44′E / 33.900°S 20.733°E / -33.900; 20.733Coordinates: 33°54′S 20°44′E / 33.900°S 20.733°E / -33.900; 20.733
Country	South Africa
Province	Western Cape
District	Overberg
Municipality	Swellendam
Established	1882
Area
• Total	25.77 km2 (9.95 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• Total	4,156
• Density	160/km2 (420/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	3.6%
• Coloured	83.3%
• Indian/Asian	0.4%
• White	11.9%
• Other	0.8%
First languages (2011)
• Afrikaans	90.6%
• English	6.6%
• Xhosa	1.1%
• Other	1.7%
Postal code (street)	6750
PO box	6750
Area code	028

Barrydale is a village located on the border of the Overberg and Klein Karoo regions of the Western Cape Province in South Africa. Named after James Barry, it is situated at the northern end of the Tradouw's pass which winds its way through the mountains to Swellendam.

Barrydale's history dates back to the early 18th century when farmers moved into the area looking for fertile arable land with water. The community built their church on a spot where the R62 and R324 roads meet. In the days before the church was built there were a number of nagmaal houses (houses where Holy Communion could be celebrated) and a school, but not much else. The Dutch Reformed Community of Barrydale came into being in 1878 when land was purchased to build the church.

As the farmers in the area were encouraged to plant vineyards and orchards, it was natural that a winery and distillery would eventually be built. In 1940 the Barrydale Koöperatiewe Wynkelder was formed and a distillery established giving rise to the wine industry in the area. Joseph Barry Brandy, produced locally, was voted best brandy in the world in 2003.

Over the years the village grew and eventually a municipality was established in 1921. Today there is an estimated population of ~4100 permanent residents. The population increases dramatically in the tourist season, with visitors drawn by arts and crafts displays including textiles, jewellery and African souvenirs.

Barrydale has a temperate climate of warm, dry summers with averages of 25°C occasionally up to 35°C, and mild, wet winters when the temperature occasionally dips to around -1°C accompanied by light frosts.

The warm temperate climate is perfect for the growth of various fruit trees with numerous orchards on the fertile soils of the Tradouw Valley. Apples, pears and oranges are harvested in the winter and crops of apricots, figs, cling peaches and grapes in the summer.