Flanked by majestic mountains, the Breede River meandering lazily through it, the Robertson Wine Valley feels a world away from the city…
It’s a busy, fertile farming valley, patchworked with vineyards, fruit farms and racehorse stud farms, and inhabited by locals who always have time to talk and share their passions and enthusiasms. It’s a place of artisan producers, of family wine estates going back generations (and more recently-established boutique farms), the calcium-rich soil making it a natural fit for superb Chardonnays and Cap Classiques (as well as horses and fruit trees).
Farm cottages, guesthouses within the dorpie itself, rustic mountain chalets and luxurious eco-lodges are just a few of the places to base yourself for a week or weekend in the valley. Some lead onto a private network of mountain trails, others have riverfrontage enticing you to canoe-borne misty morning paddles and bird-watching immersion.
It’s tempting to stay put in nature-infused bliss, but there are things to do and people to meet… “small” gems of experiences to explore. By small we mean intimate; shining gems of experiences, where it’s all in the detail. Many are by appointment only, hosted by the owners themselves, so you immediately get on first-name terms with the big heart and generous hospitality of this welcoming rural community.
A sparkling adventure at Weltevrede
Deciding where to start at Philip Jonker’s family estate, Weltevrede Wine Estate, is a challenge. The immersive Captivated by Chardonnay journey into the history of winemaking (and wandering through candle-lit caves) has been described as “life-changing, leaving you with goosebumps”. Or there’s the hands-on experience of creating your own bottle of Cap Classique to take home, learning about disgorging, dosage and corkage all the way to labelling. Emerge blinking into the sunlight to wander the immaculate formal gardens and soak up wide, vine-clad valley views.
Cap Classique and palaeontology at Silverthorn
A tasting with Silverthorn owners John and Karen Loubser at this small family estate on the banks of the Breede River is like visiting friends for a delightful chat. Two decades into their now award-winning Cap Classique journey, they pour you one delicious glass of bubbles after another, including their limited Prestige Cuvée Jewel Box (always highly rated by Tim Atkin). Stories weave from geology to mythology, history and palaeontology (ask John to show you his fossil collection), helped along occasionally by essential team members: puppy Mae and rescue Harry, the friendly rottweilers.
A cellar tour at Springfield
Springfield Estate’s reputation for beautifully crafted minimal intervention wines is far-reaching, Life from a Stone and Miss Lucy just two that beguile wine-lovers near and far. The Bruwer family keeps things simple and informal with wine-tastings on the lawns overlooking the farm dam, where guests are welcome to linger over their tasting glasses. Don’t miss the tours of the working cellars (which take around one hour) for further insight into their wine philosophy.
A scenic train ride (with pizza and wine)
Puffing away through the vineyards and hills of the Langeberg valley, the New Cape Central Railway is a steam-train ride with a difference. Each of the four restored carriages is home to a different wine-tasting experience, with one coach devoted to wood-fired pizzas, platters and craft beers. Over the course of the three- to four-hour journey, taste your way through the Bonnievale Wines, Robertson Winery and La Verne Wine Boutique coaches. There are stops to take photographs and stretch your legs at Graham Beck and at Nuy station, where a collection of old vintage tractors keeps up with the old-world theme.
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Explore the valley on horseback
The beautiful and well-schooled Boerperd horses at Robertson Horse Adventures are among the best guides in the valley. Horse whisperer Wilke Volschenk chooses your route according to your preferred terrain (vineyards, almond orchards, riverside or mountain), distance and experience, sharing stories along the way. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, add in a romantic picnic at a suitably idyllic spot.
A bubbly-and-popcorn pairing at Graham Beck
There’s nothing small about the experience at Graham Beck, its luxurious tasting room home to some of South Africa’s best known Cap Classiques. But the Sparkle and Pop popcorn pairing might come as a surprise. It sounds bizarre but the incredible flavours conjured up freshly for each tasting take you on a journey of quintessentially South African tastes and set off the four Cap Classiques to perfection. Book ahead so that your popcorn is popping as you walk through the door and take time to admire the eclectic fine-art collection.
To see the full list, click HERE.