Robertson Wine Valley

Voted South Africa’s favourite wine route in 2007*, the Robertson Wine Valley is one of the country's most exciting wine routes. Only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town, on the popular Route 62, lays the Robertson Wine Valley. Nestled between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountain ranges, our wine route offers a landscape of roads fringed by flowers, trees, majestic mountains and a river running through the valley.

Wineries from Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson work closely to bring visitors the most memorable wine tourism experiences. Taste the wine, go on a boat cruise, join a tractor trip, follow a hiking trail or simply relax while lazing over lunch under an old pepper corn tree. From small family-run boutique cellars to large modern wineries - you will find it all in the magnificent Robertson Wine Valley!

Come explore, discover and meet our wines, our people and the place we call home.

*Consumer poll: Wine Magazine, 2007.

A little history

The Robertson Wine Valley Organisation was formed in 1983 by a handful of wineries to promote wine of origin Robertson. Back then most activities were focussed on product development and quite a lot of time and resources were spent on technical projects. This investment has yielded the expected fruit and today our wineries produce quality wines and are continuously among the top achievers at local wine competitions. Especially Chardonnay, Shiraz and Methode Cap Classique wines excel, while Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon is fast winning field.

In 2002 a younger generation of role players stepped forward and took their place in leading the Robertson Wine Valley into a new era. With their guidance the association increased their focus on the development of wine tourism and the hugely successful Wacky Wine Weekend was born, a phenomenally successful wine festival held in the middle of winter.

Our VISION: "To position the RWV amongst the leading wine regions of the world, recognised for its wine, experiences and practices".

Festivals in the Valley in 2010

The Robertson Wine Valley is home to the fabulous Wacky Wine Weekend attracting thousands of fans making the annual wine pilgrimage to the valley. It is also host to the Robertson Wine on the River festival - taking place on the banks of the Breede River. The Robertson Slow slows down time for you. Wineries and Guesthouses from Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson welcome visitors into their homes, to their dining tables and onto their farms for an exquisite food & wine experience.

*Named 'Best Wine Route promotion 2007' by Graham Howe (Wine & Food Editor, Habitat / columnist wine.co.za)




The Towns

Ashton

The little village of Ashton is famous for its fruit, wine and rose nurseries, and is home to two large fruit canneries and five wineries – no surprises that Ashton Cellars, the local co-op, has the symbol of the rose on its wine labels. . Ashton originally served as a residential area for the employees of one of the largest factory co-operatives in the southern hemisphere, which produced canned fruit, jams and vegetables, today this beautiful place is a popular stop for visitors to the Valley.

Bonnievale

Bonnievale is known as The Valley of Cheese and Wine for a good reason. Here are 4 Co-operative Wine Cellars, 4 Estates and 2 private wine producers in the area. The oldest wine cellar in the Bonnievale area is Nordale Wine Cellar. The Robertson Wine Route, which includes all the wine cellars in the Bonnievale area, has in recent years won great acclaim in South Africa and around the world, for the production of outstanding white and red wines. Bonnievale is home to two cheese factories: Parmalat and Mooivallei Suiwel.

McGregor

The charming well preserved mid 19th century village of McGregor with its quaint, thatched cottages at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains, offers outdoor activities, art and crafts, tranquillity and relaxation. Surrounded by mountain trails, fruit orchards, olive groves and the vineyards which supply McGregor winery, the village has maintained a rural peaceful ambience inspirational to its artists. The village was once named Lady Grey. However, as there was another Lady Grey village in the Eastern Cape, The postal authorities became confused and so it was that the name was changed to McGregor, in honour of the Reverend Andrew McGregor, a Scottish minister who was instrumental in establishing the Dutch Reformed Church in the village.

Robertson

Farming is where it began and the area today is still widely known for its fruit farms and vineyards along with its ostrich and dairy farms. The area is also becoming one of the pioneering areas for organic wine production and there are also developing olive farm businesses. The town is well known for its tree-lined streets and colourful gardens, vineyards are banked with beautiful roses, columns of red and yellow cannas as well as bright bougainvilleas. The local farm stalls overflow with fresh produce, dried fruit and freshly made breads, homemade jams and preserves.

Attractions in the Valley

Whether you're here for a weekend or stay for a week, the Robertson Wine Valley offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained, choose from a range of popular attractions:

Arts & Crafts

Each town has a great variety of artists, galleries, and many studios. Paintings, sculptures, wire-work, clothing, linen, pottery – it's all here! Please consult the local tourism bureaus for the complete list of artists in the area.

Bird Park

Bird's Paradise in Robertson is ideal for families with small children! With over 260 exotic birds, monkeys, lamas, crocodiles and ponies, kids will be well entertained while you relax and enjoy something from the coffee shop. Open 7 days a week.

Cheese Shops

Langewater, La Montanara, Parmalat, Mooivallei and Stillerus are just some of the cheeseries we have in the area. Try La Montanara for a tour and amazing views on the slopes of the Langeberg Mountains.

Climbing

New climbing wall opening in Robertson.........on route to Montagu!
Hot Rock Diner with 7m high climbing wall and cool, vibey diner serving good coffee, great food and milkshakes......

Owned and run by a long time user of ClimbUK and now ClimbZA (due to move from UK to live in SA with my saffer wife).

Come and try our routes as a warm up/cool down before/after your Montagu trip or just as training and a focus for like minded souls. Find us at 13 Reitz Street, turn left at tourism office in Voortrekker Street and we're two blocks up Reitz on the right. Ideal for birthday parties and corporate team building.... or just for FUN!

Fishing

A great outdoor activity for the family! Bass is plentiful – try your luck at the following wineries, all bordering the river: Bon Cap, BurCon Wines, Viljoensdrift Wines, Wolvendrift Winery or Weltevrede Estate. If you don't have a fishing rod, visit Outdoor Arena in Bonnievale, where a large variety of fish such as largemouth bass, carp, barbel, blue Tilapia, blue gill and grass carp are kept in their well stocked ponds. Fishing rods can be hired.

4 X 4 Routes

Mountains, rivers and valleys: sceneries simply inviting 4x4 enthusiasts! Along many of our trails you'll be able to stop and cool off in fresh mountain streams. For those not fortunate enough to own a 4x4, we recommend the Leopard Trail Sundowners trip with wine tasting on the slopes of the Langeberg, snacks served in the veld and many interesting stories of the area.

Game Drives

Klaasvoogds Game Reserve nestled in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains offers affordable game drives led by a trained personal guide in open viewing vehicles. We recommend the sunset-game drive with breathtaking views as the sun sets over Rooiberg Mountain.

Golf

Bonnievale and Montagu both have 9-hole courses. (Robertson course is currently being expanded to 18 holes). Also try Outdoor Arena's Kaps ‘n Raps course - played on a 9 hole par 3 course on lovely green lawns between the fish ponds.

Hiking

Robertson Wine Valley is a must for hikers, with plenty trails to choose from: Arangieskop (Robertson-20.9km), Bloupunt (Montagu-15.6km), Cogmans (Montagu-12.1km), Dassieshoek (Robertson-34km), Boesmanskloof (McGregor-Greyton-14km), Rooikat Vrolijkheid (McGregor-19km) and Fish Eagle Trail (Van Loveren-8km) to name but a few. Contact the local tourism bureaus regarding bookings and/or permits.

Historic Tours and Museums

There are various historic tours, walks and museums in every town. Try the Robertson Walkabout, visit the Myrtle Rigg Memorial Church in Bonnievale, join McGregor's Historic Tour or visit Joubert House in Montagu. Contact the local tourism bureaus for more information.

Horse Riding

If you love horses and the outdoors, this is a must. No experience is needed, safety-helmets are provided and, with groups no bigger than 6 (minimum 2), each rider will receive personal attention. Trails vary from 1 hour, half day, full day (which includes wine tasting and lunch at a nearby organic wine farm) to 3 day trails. We love Rene Burger of Nerina Guest Farm for her patience and “never-give-up” attitude!

Hot Springs

Avalon Springs is beautifully situated at the entrance to Bath Kloof, only 3 km outside Montagu. Visitors can enjoy hot pools (said to work miracle cures!) at a constant temperature of 43˚C. A putt-putt course and children's play area are also on site.

Markets

With so much fresh produce it's to be expected that there will be some markets! Products range from fresh fruit and veggies (including organic), breads, croissants, rusks, olive oil, local cheese, freshly cut flowers to arts & crafts. Consult the local tourism bureaus for more information.

Maze / Cactus Gardens

Soekershof Walkabout Maze is different in almost all aspects. Incorporating the world's largest hedge-maze, succulent gardens and a stone-age cinema, the concepts are almost as weird as the hosts. Open your mind for strange stories, legends and quests; a great activity for families. Also visit Sheilam Cactus Garden next door to the maze, Robertson's little Mexico, with over 2000 species of cacti and aloes.
Mountain Biking

Mallowdeen Gardens in Klaasvoogds hire out mountain bikes.

Olive Tours and Tasting

The Robertson area is ideal for olive growing and many farmers have planted olives trees in the last decade. The quality is as good as anywhere in the world and the value is unbeatable! Join an olive tour, learn about the different varieties and styles and sample some products such as smoked olives, olive chutney, olive oil and even … olive chocolate! Two worthwhile stops are Rhebokskraal in McGregor and Olyfberg in the Eilandia area – remember to book in advance though.

Quad Biking

Bonfrutti (Bonnievale) offers guided farm tours, with stops at the ostrich camps, and the trips extend drives half way up the Langeberg Mountain. Personal attention, with a maximum of 4 people per group, no experience needed, makes a great family outing. Views are stunning, so don't forget to bring the camera. Waboom Mountain in Montagu also offers quad biking.

River Cruises and Rafting

The Breede River is the lifeline of the area and there is plenty to do on and around the river! You can choose between 3 different boat cruises: Kolgans River Restaurant, Viljoensdrift's Uncle Ben and the Breede River Goose, which offer cruises lasting between 1 and 2 hours. Or if you want to be more hands-on, join one of Rafting Route 62 trips paddling down the river, something the whole family can do together. Booking is essential and can be done at the local tourism bureaus.

Tractor Trips

Montagu Tractor Trips - a legendary outdoor activity since 1985 and certainly one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. It takes you to the summit of the Langeberg with stunning views of the Koo and Robertson Valleys. Fresh fruit, grown on this working farm, is served on your way up, with local muscadel being served at the summit. Afterwards enjoy traditional South African “Potjiekos”, served under magnificent pine trees. Booking can be made at the Montagu Tourism Bureau. Weltevrede Wine Estate offers informative Terroir Tractor Trips, outlining the Jonker's passion for Chardonnay and the area. Both these trips are great for families!

Rock Climbing

Montagu is one of the top sport climbing areas in South Africa, offering routes for the absolute beginner to the hardest route in the country. Slabs, Cracks, Face steep, Roofs Multi pitcs, they've got it all. Contact Montagu Tourism Bureau for more information.

Wine Tasting

With 48 wineries offering FREE wine tasting, you're bound to discover many new favourites!

WELCOME to the Robertson Wine Valley!