Personal wine-tastings, nature-infused adventure and slow-living to the gentle flow of the Breede River.
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 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.
Good to know The Captivated by Chardonnay experience is a two-hour tour and tasting starting at 2pm. Booking essential.
Cost Captivated by Chardonnay: R250
Create Cap Classique: R200
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 023 616 2141, reception@weltevrede.com
Where to find it Weltevrede Wine Estate, R317, Bonnievale
Book Captivated by Chardonnay
Book Create Cap Classiqu
Cap classique and palaeontology at Silverthorn
John Loubser
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.
Good to know Booking essential.
Cost R100 per person
Opening times Monday – Friday, 12pm – 3pm
Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Contact 072 063 3609, karen@silverthornwines.co.za
Where to find it Silverthorn Wines, R317, Bonnievale
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Superb country cuisine at Kapokbos
One of the top-rated restaurants in the valley, Kapokbos (on Weltevrede Estate) is presided over by husband-and-wife chef team Juan Fourie and Samantha Morris-Fourie. Informal country kitchen in ambience, there’s nothing casual about the outstanding flavours they coax from humble local ingredients, including the kapokbos (snow bush or wild rosemary) of their name. Exquisite, creative and generous dishes in a tranquil setting with the personal touch from the two chefs, and a terrace with expansive views over the valley, this is one to plan your itinerary around.
Good to know There is a deli next door run by the same team for breakfasts, casual bites, breads and coffee. And a brand-new picnic offering (in a clever wooden box that folds into a low table) to carry away onto a secluded lawn.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm
Sunday, 12pm – 2pm
Contact 023 100 4182, bookings@kapokbos.co.za
Where to find it Weltevrede Wine Estate, R317, Bonnievale
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A cellar tour at Springfield
Springfield’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.
Good to know During harvest time (January – March), cellar tours are at 11am and 3pm. The rest of the year it’s more flexible, any time up until 4pm, weekdays only.
Cost Wine-tasting: R100
Cellar tour: Free
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 9am – 3pm
Contact 023 626 3661, tastingroom@springfieldestate.com
Where to find it Springfield Estate, R317, Robertson
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A scenic train ride (with pizza)
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.
Good to know Tickets currently include a R40 voucher to spend on wine (at cellar prices) on the train.
Cost R630
R350 (age 3 – 12)
Free (under 3s)
Opening times Every Saturday, 10am
Contact 083 440 7868, info@nccr.co.za
Where to find it Robertson Railway Station
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Cultivar appreciation at Rietvallei
You’re treated like a VIP from the minute you arrive at this historic estate that’s been in the Burger family for six generations. Relax in the sheltered courtyard while enjoying a variety of cultivars (including cinsault and cabernet franc) that showcase the terroir through a different lens. There’s also a muscadel made from the oldest vines in South Africa (planted in 1908), best accompanied by a generous cheese platter.
Good to know If you buy 6 or more bottles your tasting fee is waived.
Cost Premium or Classic wine tasting: R50
Cheese platter for two: R350
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 023 626 3596, info@rietvallei.co.za
Where to find it Rietvallei Wine Estate, R60, Robertson
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Cactus extravaganza at Sheilam
You don’t have to be a gardener to be fascinated by succulents and cacti… Established in 1954, Sheilam Cactus Garden and Nursery is home to almost 2 000 species from all over the world, including the stunning Aloe dichotoma (quivertree) from Namaqualand and a one-metre-tall specimen of the golden barrel cactus from Mexico. They supply plants all over the world and this year are involved in a collaboration for the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show. You’re welcome to drop in and wander the gardens and nursery, but booking ahead for a guided tour guarantees you don’t miss out on any of the fascinating plants and stories.
Good to know A minimum of 4 people and advance booking is required for the 1.5-hour guided tours, which are available Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 1pm (or from 8am in the hot summer months).
Cost Garden entrance: R20 per person; tour: R125 per person
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 023 626 4133, 082 553 3184, info@sheilamnursery.com
Where to find it Klaasvoodgs West Road, R60, Robertson
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Riverside hike at Van Loveren
There are many reasons to visit this popular family-friendly wine estate, but hiking their Fish Eagle biodiversity trail along kilometres of unspoilt river frontage (and perhaps catching a glimpse of the resident pair of African fish eagles that gives this trail its name) has to be one of our favourites. A bird-lovers’ paradise (with as many as 92 species spotted in one morning), the 7.5km route winds along the river, through vineyards, crosses the river on a low bridge and climbs fynbos slopes rich in diverse flora and with stunning views over the valley. It takes around three hours and finishes back at the estate.
Good to know Permits available at the tasting room. In hot weather you’re advised to start early. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Cost R70
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Saturday, 9.30 – 4pm
Sunday, 11am – 3pm
Contact 023 615 1505, info@vanloveren.co.za
Where to find it Van Loveren, R317, Bonnievale
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Scenic river ride
Floating lazily down the smooth waters of the wide Breede River from Viljoensdrift Fine Wines on a flat-bottomed river boat (named Uncle Ben 2) reveals the magic of the valley from a new perspective. Birds darting in the reeds, yellowwood and wild olives backed by mountains, a light river breeze and a picnic basket of goodies that you fill for yourself in the farm deli along with a bottle of wine or two. It’s 50 minutes of laidback, family-friendly delight.
Good to know Advance booking is essential. Check in 60 minutes before departure time. All food and drinks taken on board should be purchased at the farm restaurant or deli.
Cost Cruise: R120; R50 (ages 3 – 12)
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 023 615 1017, rivercruises@viljoensdrift.co.za
Where to find it Viljoensdrift, R317, Robertson
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Personalised tastings at Arendsig
Winemaker and owner Lourens van der Westhuizen has poured endless passion and dedication into the family farm where he grew up as fifth-generation vine grower (and first-generation winemaker). He’s focussed on making site-specific wines from single vineyards that relate to the honesty of the terroir. Stories aplenty are what you get at the personal wine-tasting with him and tastings often segue into sitting out by the river and soaking up the views.
Good to know Tastings are by appointment only. Once settled into the relaxed family atmosphere of the farm, guests often find it hard to leave… when booking ask about the various custom experiences that Lourens and Lizelle can arrange to suit you: a lazy river day with fishing and swimming, exploring the nature trails, or a full-on hosted braai.
Cost R150 per person (approx 2-hour tasting)
Opening times Monday – Sunday (times by appointment)
Contact 023 616 2835, info@arendsig.co.za
Where to find it R317, Robertson
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Olive-tasting and slow-food stories at Marbrin
Tastings are never conventional at Marbrin Olives. Conversations with owners Briony and Clive Heymans are likely to expand beyond the olives to flexitarianism, the slow-food movement and beyond, topics they are passionate about as foodies and farmers. As you soak up the mountain views, you’ll taste their olives, olive pastes, extra-virgin olive oil, infused oils and a homemade balsamic reduction, perhaps with Clive’s homemade bread and creative canapés (even a lemongrass ice cream) according to season, all washed down with homemade limoncello.
Good to know Olive tastings (and bespoke lunches) are by appointment only.
Cost Olive tasting: R100 per person
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 3pm
Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Sunday, (by prior arrangement)
Contact 078 916 3606, marbrinfarm@gmail.com
Where to find it Marbrin Olive Growers, 30-39 Robertson Road, Klaasvoogds River, Robertson
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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.
Good to know Book 24 hours in advance.
Cost R300 – R550 (depending on trail and duration)
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Contact 082 963 8976, robertsonhorseadventures@gmail.com
Where to find it Klipdrift Farm, Robertson
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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 & 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.
Good to know There are several other tasting options to choose from, including a complimentary tasting of one classic and one vintage cap classique.
Cost Sparkle & Pop Cap Classique pairing: R220
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday + Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 023 626 1214, tastingroom@grahambeck.com
Where to find it Graham Beck Estate, R60, Robertson
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Heavenly scents at Owl’s Rest
The scents of lavender and rose geranium welcome you to Owl’s Rest, set in an oasis of olive trees and herbs. Hedley and Patricia Manicom and their small team use a small distiller to extract essential oils, which you’ll find in their natural beauty products. Pop into their shop after a farm tour where you’ll discover the secrets behind the fragrant products and taste olives as you go. Or pop by the picturesque coffee garden for homemade cordials, coffee and muffins.
Good to know Booking ahead for at least 4 people is essential for the farm tour. The shop and coffee garden is open for walk-ins.
Cost 45-minute tour: R95 per person
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 023 626 1284, owlsrestza@gmail.com
Where to find it Owl’s Rest, Klaasvoogds West Road, Klaasvoogds, Robertson
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Charcuterie platters at Kleinhoekkloof
Not content with handcrafting award-winning small-batch wines from the wisps of vineyards on the slopes of the Langeberg Mountains, owner and winemaker Theunis de Jongh makes his own charcuterie from Glen Oakes pigs (Charlie Crowther’s slow-raised, free-range happy pigs). Curing and smoking a smorgasbord of cuts and styles, from coppa and culatello to mountain ham and saucisson sec, he showcases them on phenomenal platters that accompany his by-appointment-only wine-tastings perfectly. It’s an experience well worth winding your way to the top of the long kloof for (take the road from Ashton).
Good to know Tastings are by appointment only. Book at least 24 hours ahead.
Cost Wine-tasting: R70; charcuterie platter: R190
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm
Saturday, by appointment only
Contact 064 678 8804, admin@khk.co.za
Where to find it Kleinhoekkloof Farm, Wildepaardekloof, Ashton
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Wine-blending at Excelsior
Channel your inner winemaker and let your palate loose on blending your own wine. The starting wines (a cabernet sauvignon, merlot and shiraz from the De Wet family wine estate) are so good, you can’t help but get great results. Start off by tasting the individual components from the barrels, guided by the tasting-room staff. Decide on your blend, bottle, cork and seal it, then design and print your own label. After that, you’re free to explore the old manor house and wander the rose garden maze.
Good to know You can take as long as you like over your blending, but the experience usually takes about 15 minutes.
Cost R90 per bottle
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm
Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 023 615 1980, info@excelsior.co.za
Where to find it Excelsior Estate, R317, Ashton
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A new terroir-specific chardonnay
The ancient lime-rich soils of the Robertson Valley, so perfectly suited to chardonnay and cap classique, have inspired a handful of visionary producers to establish a brand-new wine category: Calcrete, a project that began in 2022. Some call it Robertson’s answer to Chablis… in that it’s a terroir-specific style of unwooded chardonnay distinguished by an elegant minerality and crystalline clarity. Only grown in the Bonnievale-Robertson region, aspiring wines are tasted and judged each year by the Calcrete Custodians panel of producers, who bestow the honour of including the Calcrete name on the label. Design your own itinerary to get to know these beautifully crafted wines in person.
Good to know You’ll discover Calcretes at Weltevrede, De Wetshof, Rietvallei, Excelsior and Van Loveren on your tasting journey through the valley.
Where to find it Robertson Wine Valley
Hike and swim at Dassieshoek Nature Reserve
Known as the mother of all trails in the Western Cape, the Arangieskop trail (in the Dassieshoek Nature Reserve north of Robertson) takes you up and down rugged mountain slopes deep into nature with pristine rock pools and mountain streams tempting you to wild swims along the way. You don’t have to commit to the full two-day hike: if a one-day hike with swimming appeals, a steep but exhilarating 4km climb takes you into the Watervalkloof, a ferny gorge where you can spend the heat of the day cooling off in crystal clear swimming spots, before descending along the same trail to the starting point.
Good to know There are ladders and chains at various points along the route. The full Arangieskop trail is a demanding two-day circular hike with a well-equipped mountain hut halfway. Permits are limited to 20 hikers per day so book in advance. No dogs permitted.
Cost R86 (per hike)
R43.46 (under 18s)
Opening times Monday +Tuesday, 7.45am – 4.30pm
Wednesday – Friday, 7.45am – 5.30pm
Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 5.30pm
Contact 023 626 8200, trailbookings@langeberg.gov.za
Where to find it Dassieshoek Nature Reserve, Robertson
Go off-road at Leopard Trail Farm
There’s a wealth of nature to immerse yourself at this unspoilt guest farm adjoining the Marloth Nature Reserve between Swellendam and Bonnievale. If you’ve been itching to take your 4×4 off-road, the farm offers a choice of trails of varying lengths (both to overnight guests and day visitors). Stay for the day and swim in the farm dam, hike, mountain-bike, relax into some bird-watching or enjoy catch-and-release bass-fishing.
Good to know Booking essential. Open to day visitors staying overnight in the Langeberg region.
Cost R350 per vehicle (two 4×4 routes)
R100 per person (day visitor, all activities)
Contact 082 413 4021, leopardtrail@barvallei.co.za
Where to find it Leopard Trail Guest Farm, R60, Bonnievale
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Explore the Karoo hills above Penhill Farm
An oasis of green tucked into the rugged fynbos-clad hills of the Nuy Valley between Worcester and Robertson, Penhill Farm is a country retreat usually the preserve of overnight guests and those visiting The Cellars restaurant. However those keen to explore its trails on mountain-bike or foot can make an arrangement for a day visit and head up into the Karoo hills for views for miles, and stop off for a cooling dip at a gorgeous natural rock pool.
Cost By arrangement
Opening times By arrangement
Contact 078 800 5155 (WhatsApp), info@penhill.co.za
Where to find it Penhill Farm, Nuy Valley, near Robertson
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Feast at Greenlands Farm Table
An eclectically and colourfully furnished farm shed with roller doors opening onto fabulous views over the Langeberg valley is the setting for a relaxed weekend farm feast. Greenlands owners, Sara Webster and Glen James, gather the freshest seasonal ingredients (cheeses, vegetables, pasture-raised meats, as well as wines and wheat) from their neighbours along the valley and put together sparkling fresh platters, mussel pots, rib and steak combos and simple salads. Not to mention 25 flavours of fabulous farm-made ice creams. If interested Sara will show you her distillery, and you can finish off with a hit of homemade limoncello, grappa or gin.
Good to know Friendly dogs are welcome (the resident farm dogs are happy to show them around).
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Contact 082 888 9689
Where to find it Greenlands Farm, R60 (between Swellendam + Ashton)
Crank through Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
A starkly beautiful and rugged nature reserve between Robertson and McGregor, Vrolijkheid lives up to its name (it means happiness) in spring when it’s carpeted with orange botterblom daisies. The rest of the year succulents, dwarf trees, patches of renosterveld and shrubs clothe a typical arid Karoo landscape which you can explore on an easy and scenic 8km mountain-bike trail along footpaths and gravel roads, which takes about an hour.
Good to know The area gets very hot at midday throughout the summer months so early morning is best.
Cost R50 (day access)
R30 (children)
Opening times 7.30am – 4pm
Contact 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Where to find it Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, between Robertson + McGregor
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4 Responses to “The Hidden Gems of the Robertson Wine Valley”
Balbina Huerttlen
Thank you for this great information from Gubas de Hoek meet eat sleep in Robertson.
Johann Steyn
Why travel overseas if you can experience all this!!
Hanneke Van Waalwijk van Doorn
Please keep me informed
Howard Minne
Great review of the Robertson area.