Bonnievale was founded by Christopher Forest Rigg, who saw the potential of irrigation in this part of the Breede River. He bought the land known as Bosjesmansdrift and started to build irrigation canals. The fertile land was divided and sold, thus forming Bonnievale.
The railway station nearby was built in 1902 and named Vale, which was also the initial name of the town. In 1917 the town changed its name to Bonnievale.
Today it is renowned for the production of superior cheese and Muscadel wines.