Grabouw is the commercial centre for what is the largest single export fruit producing area in Southern Africa. The town was created on the farm Grietjiesgat acquired on 22 November 1856 by Willem Langschmidt, who named the place after Grabau, the village of his birth in Germany. His wife opened a little trading store and he was the bookkeeper. Later he sold parts of his farm and so began the farming community of Grabouw as it was later spelt. Langschmidt was the father of 23 children, including 3 sets of twins. The population of Grabouw has since risen to 15 993.

The district of which Grabouw is the centre is better known as the Elgin Valley, internationally known as the place in South Africa 'where the apples come from'. At present, the Elgin Valley produces 65 % of South Africa's export apples. On Applethwaite farm genius Edmond Lombardi created and introduced to the market in 1966 a drink, free of additives and preservatives, a pure apple-juice beverage known as 'Appletiser'.

The Elgin Valley borders the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a protected area of magnificent fynbos. More than 1600 plant species occur here, of which 150 are endemic. Also known as a forest town with its pine plantations, the pristine environment of Grabouw offers a rich and varied experience to visitors. The area is well-liked by nature-lovers who come to explore its hiking and mountain bike trails. The annual Elgin Festival draws thousands of visitors to its displays of flowers, fruit, wines and great variety of local products. These products are also available throughout the year at local farm stalls, some of which have become well-known land marks along the N2 highway.

The visitor to Grabouw and the Elgin Valley region will enjoy a picturesque countryside with fertile valleys, overlooking orchards and rambling roses, pine plantations, open pastures, scenic passes through majestic pine covered mountains.

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