The Robertson Wine Valley was formed in 1983 and represents 48 wineries from Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson. The wine route is regarded as one of the most pro-active in the SA Wine Industry, its pioneering wine tourism actions complementing the range of wines and viticultural diversity.Today the Robertson Wine Valley is widely regarded as one of SA’s premium wine destinations and independent studies have shown it to be one of the wine routes of choice for local and international visitors.
In the central part of the valley, alongside the Breede River the landscape is reasonably “flat” and terroir is mainly determined by difference in soil type, as the meso-climate and aspect in this part of the valley are very similar. Towards the foothills of the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountain ranges, the landscape changes to that of rolling hills. In these areas a vast number of different terroirs can be found, which are influenced by differences in soil type, aspect and therefore also difference in meso-climate.With such a diverse terroir, a variety of cultivars do extremely well and the producers can comfortably present a variety of styles.
This diversity in the valley’s terroir was again brought to the fore recently at the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards, the only competition of its kind in South Africa and truly portrays the country’s different wine growing areas.All entries to the competition have to be a certified Wine of Origin from a specific single vineyard, estate, ward or small district not divided into wards – ensuring the discovery of wines that best reflect the terroir in which they are produced.
The Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2011, a wine indicative of the true Bordeaux grape cultivar which has forged a home for itself in this region, took centre stage in this particular category whilst the Kranskop Tannat 2013, the De Wetshof Nature in Concert Pinot Noir 2010 and the Bon Courage Noble Late Harvest 2014, scooped top honours in their respective categories.
Visitors to Cape Wine 2015 will be met by a regional diversity few other wine producing countries can offer. As part of the South African wine landscape, the Robertson Wine Valley looks forward to welcoming delegates to this year’s industry showcase. Visitors to Cape Wine 2015 are invited to join us in a journey of discovery of our wines and terroir - our producers look forward to hosting you.