Robertson: A Weekend in the Wine Valley.

Anyone who knows me has heard me say the following sentence at least once. If I had my way, I would head out of town for a weekend away at least twice a month. I love Cape Town with all my heart, but I love the Western Cape just as much. This past weekend I experienced Robertson for the first time in years and I must say, it’s most definitely one of the most beautiful places I have been to recently. 

The Robertson Wine Valley (which includes Bonnivale, Mc Gregor and more) has over 50 award winning wineries, but if that’s not your thing, there’s 4X4 trails, hiking routes, restaurants and boat trips. Robertson has just the right amount of activities that can be comfortably coupled with a generous amount of chilling out.

 On Saturday afternoon, I experienced my first 4X4 drive, something I found quite terrifying but oddly exhilarating at the same time. We were taken to the top of the mountain in a Jeep where we set up a braai, drank beer and chatted, while admiring a view that looked over Robertson, McGregor, Bonnivale and beyond. 

Just like any other winelands area, Robertson has a selection of restaurants for any palate and pocket. Anything from a quick meal at the local pub to magnificent culinary experiences at Mo and Rose or Reubens at The Robertson Small Hotel, quick snacks or long lunches are only a short drive away.

For accommodation, your best bet would be to rent a house (I would recommend trying to get as close to the river as possible). Alternatively, Google a few guest houses in the area. They are small, neat, friendly and most have a fantastic view to wake up to. Friends have recommended places such as Pat Busch Orange Grove Farm as well as the Small Hotel and Mo and Rose mentioned above.

And when it comes to wine, you don’t have to settle with a simple tasting. Viljoensdrift wine farm does a wine cruise! Simply pick up a selection of meat, cheese, spreads and breads from their deli, add a bottle of their White, Red or Sparkling and create your own picnic basket. The cruise is just under an hour long, enough time to nibble at your food and enjoy a glass or two, before heading back to dry land. 

I am looking to return to Robertson for one of their upcoming festivals. There are 3 events on the cards between now and the end of October – Wacky Wine (4 – 7 June), Robertson Slow (7-10 August) and Wine on the River (16 – 18 October).

But if you’re not into the busy festival scene, head about 2 hours out of Cape Town for a weekend away and enjoy some down time in Robertson. It’s all about food, wine, and the river that runs through it.