Wine Tasting
The valley's biggest pull is their eclectic mix of wineries, the majority
of them having been family-run for generations. History abounds and for
authentic and personal wine tasting, Robertson is a top spot.
If you love your bubbly then Graham Beck is your spirit animal. Pieter Ferreira is not called Mr Bubbles for nothing and last year, their Blanc de Blanc 09 won gold at the 2014 International Wine & Spirit Competition. Seven MCCs can be found in their range as well as stellar red and white wines. Their conservation range of wines is a unique partnership between themselves and the Wilderness Foundation - by buying the wines in this range, you are supporting South Africa’s rare ecology.
During the Wacky Wine Festival, Weltevrede offers a
"Make your own bubbly" activity with marketing manager Steyn Fullard
and owner and cellar master Philip Jonker but throughout the year you
can take a tour of their underground wine cellar and have a tasting by candle
light.
For all Chardonnay lovers, Danie de Wet of De Wetshof Estate
is the King of Chardonnay and with his two sons Johann and Peter, they offer
seven unique and varied styles of Chardonnay as well as beautiful red wines and
three very special MCCs. Their Bateleur Chardonnay 2012 is glorious and has exceptional
aging ability...but there's no shame in drinking it now.
Arendsig is a fairly new winery in the valley but they are
making waves amongst wine lovers. Winemaker Lourens van der Westhuizen is
dedicated to making wines that are true representatives of their climate, soil
and location. Tasting is by appointment but worth it for that personal
one-on-one experience.
Lakeside views and sterling wines can be found at Springfield Estate.
Their Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon is a beauty that sells out very quickly
and their newest addition, Miss Lucy, is a white blend of Sauvignon Blanc,
Semillon and Pinot Gris - quite an unusual blend and brimming with citrus
notes.
For something fun that's great for groups and those with kids, Van
Loveren offers a range of wine and food pairings - grape juice for the
little ones - designed to allow you to interact with the different flavours in
the Van Loveren range.
A taste-the-difference experience that places Riedel wine glasses up against
the average glass can be found at Esona and their tasting
balcony offers beautiful views over the Breede River and the winery's
vineyards.
Where to eat
Christina's at Van Loveren has the perfect thin-crust food-fired pizzas that
you've been craving and with generous opening times and plenty of space for
families, it's a relaxing restaurant with plenty to offer.
Mo & Roses' wine bistro offers country classics with a European twist.
It's all about fresh, local produce and enjoying yourself with good food and
wine in their converted barn with its stunning glass front.
Viljoensdrift Riverside Deli offers make-your-own picnic options along with
the opportunity to take a lazy cruise down the Breede River. Freshly baked
breads, local cheeses and preserves are just some of their deli options.
Where to stay
With so much to see, staying for the weekend is a must and whether you
want a B&B, self catering or a luxury guest house, Robertson has enough
choice for everyone.
"Just a little lux" can be found at the Robertson
Small Hotel which has 8 stunningly decorated rooms and two swimming pools
for cooling off in those hot summer months.
On Huises is just one of Weltevrede's
self-catering cottages, winner of Country Comfort in last year's Klink
Awards which was voted for by the people. Prices start from R500 a night and
its rustic charm and proximity to their winery makes it a great location.
Beausoleil is a picturesque guest house surrounded by
vineyards and a beautifully manicured terrace garden. Its Cape Dutch design has
lovely history to it.
Don't leave without stopping into Strictly Coffee and the wine shop on
Voortrekker road for some great deals before you leave.