Sarah Kingdom visits the town of Robertson, not far from Cape Town, and discovers why the area is known as the valley of wine, horses and roses.
Set in the Breede River Valley in the Western Cape, a leisurely 1 ½ hour drive from Cape Town, Robertson is one of South Africa’s most attractive and historically rich wine towns. Established in 1853 and named after Scottish Dutch Reformed minister, Dr William Robertson, the town began as an agricultural hub serving surrounding farms. In its early years it was known first for wagon building and then for ostrich farming, before turning its focus towards viticulture.
Today, Robertson is recognised as a leading wine-producing region, defined by the limestone-rich soils, warm days and cool evenings that create ideal conditions for both robust reds and elegant sparkling wines. More than 50 wineries operate in the valley, contributing to the area’s reputation as an integral part of the famous Route 62, an 850km road trip stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, which is often called the world’s longest wine route.
The surrounding mountains, including the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountains, form a dramatic backdrop to the vineyards and orchards, while the Breede River, the lifeblood of the valley, supports the vines and fruit trees.
The town’s architecture reflects its 19th-century prosperity. Its wide streets are lined with Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, including the well-known “Pink Church,” and many of the town’s original homes have been carefully and beautifully preserved. The town feels orderly and spacious, with a relaxed pace that suits long weekends and a mind-set for slow exploration.
Food and wine are central to life here. Visitors can spend days moving between wine estates for tastings and cellar tours, often paired with generous lunches overlooking vines. Restaurants in town and on nearby farms offer everything from refined contemporary plates to hearty comfort food. Restaurants sit alongside relaxed bistros, traditional bakeries and cafés that serve excellent breakfasts and strong coffee.
Several wine estates operate their own restaurants, where menus are designed specifically to complement estate bottlings. The dining scene reflects the region’s agricultural wealth: fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, seasonal ingredients and great wines feature prominently.
Local Food and Wine Highlights
Owls Rest Olive and Lavender Farm: You can’t help but be charmed by Hedley and Patricia Manicom. They’ll show you how they harvest their lavender by hand, followed by the steam distillery process, which produces lavender water and essential oil. Then get ready to taste olives, olive oil and many other products made from the farm’s produce. Finally, explore the shop, which offers a variety of organic skin products and foodstuffs.
Kranskop Wines: Go on a vineyard safari, South African style, on the back of a bakkie (pickup). See the farm, learn about the vineyards, take in some gorgeous views, and do some casual bird watching. At the farm’s highest point, a picnic spread will be laid out for you, along with a selection of Kranskop wines. In rainy weather you can instead explore the charming boutique cellar and taste wines straight from the barrels, followed by a full wine tasting on the deck.
Kleinhoekkloof Wines: Theunis de Jongh and his daughter Danielle will great you in the small tasting room attached to their family home. Taste the boutique range of wines: sauvignon blanc, rosé, shiraz, merlot, pinot noir, and petit verdot. After a visit to the charcuterie fridge they’ll guide you to a table with a view of the mountains. Relax over a sharing board heaped with the farm’s produce, all paired generously with their wines. (A must try is the homemade apricot suurtjies with their wonderful sweet-and-sour almond flavour).
Saggy Stone Brewery: You’ll travel deep into Robertson’s Langeberg Mountains to find this riverside brewery. Brewer Adrian Robertson will meet you on the riverbank, and cook you dinner over hot coals while you tuck into his beers. Expect a delicious, unfussy South African style braai (BBQ), paired with the craft brews made from granite-filtered spring water, adding a mineral note to the profile of the beers.
Rietvallei Wine Estate: Bring an appetite. Welcome to the novelty that is the ‘fondue braai’. First find your place at a table on the lawn, with gorgeous vineyard and mountain views. Then braai. The concept of the fondue braai is simple: in the centre of a round table there’s a BBQ unit filled with hot coals. It’s up to you to cook your own food – meat, veges and sides are all supplied. The feast is paired with an informal tasting of Rietvallei wines.
Viljoensdrift Winery: You’ll be greeted with a warm hello and a cold glass of the estate’s cap classique. With bubbles in hand, you’ll stroll around the estate and head to a wine tasting on the banks of the Breede River. Make sure to choose your favourite wines from the range while you’re at it, it’s your pick for the one-hour river cruise. Hop aboard the flat-bottomed riverboat and enjoy a picnic with goodies from the deli, as you cruise along the river.
Graham Beck Wines: Head over to Graham Beck’s Robertson estate, Madeba. The cellar cuts a contemporary silhouette in the semi-arid, fynbos fill landscape. You’ll be welcomed in the hush of the luxurious tasting room, where you will sample to estate’s cap classique – everyting is better with bubbles after all.
Arendsig Single Vineyard Wines: Winemaker Lourens van der Westhuizen will invite you into his cool cellar. With wine glasses in hand he’ll take you from tank to tank to taste all his latest wines for an exclusive preview. The farm’s name means Eagle’s View and you’ll quickly see why as you walk through the vineyards to the tasting deck. With dramatic views for a backdrop you’ll enjoy a wine tasting with the charismatic Lourens and his exceptional wines.
Recommended Stay in Robertson
In the centre of town is The Robertson Small Hotel, perfectly positioned as your base for exploring the area. With just 11 rooms, the hotel is a gorgeous boutique property, with a great combination of historical architecture and modern design.
The hotel occupies a restored 1909 Victorian manor house (that’s been declared a national monument), along with newer buildings, arranged around landscaped gardens and two swimming pools. Service is attentive, and staff are knowledgeable about the surrounding wine estates and happy to help with reservations and recommendations.
If you are still hungry after all your explorations, the hotel’s restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients sourced locally. Menus change regularly and typically reflect contemporary South African cuisine with an international influence.
There’s a strong local wine list highlighting Robertson producers as well as broader Cape selections. Breakfast is served in a light-filled dining space, or out on the terrace in good weather – a buffet, with hot dishes prepared to order. In the evening, the bar offers cocktails, an ample list of local wines, and digestifs.
Art is integral to the hotel, with works by South African artists in guest rooms and public areas, alongside sculptural pieces and ceramics that add personality to otherwise minimalist interiors. The bar area features a striking porcelain tile installation, created in collaboration with a local artist, highlighting the hotel’s commitment to supporting homegrown creative talent.
Robertson offers a great mix of wine heritage, mountain scenery and a growing culinary reputation. It is large enough to provide variety, yet small enough to explore with ease, and The Robertson Small Hotel is the perfect, ‘polished but comfortable’ base for exploring the area. For those wanting a wine-focused escape with style, this one of the best addresses in the Robertson valley.
Tell Me More About the town of Robertson
Robertson Tourism Bureau Corner of Reitz and Voortrekker Street, Robertson P.O. Box 871 | Robertson | 6705
T: (+27) 023 626 4437 or 071 584 7198 E: info@robertson.org.za
The Robertson Small Hotel 58 Van Reenen St, Robertson, 6705, South Africa
T: +27 23 880 0611 E: manager@therobertsonsmallhotel.co.za
Central Reservations T: :(+27) 214380054 Email: reservations@thelivingjourneycollection.co.za
Room category options include: Manor House Rooms, Stable Suites, and Pool Suites. With rates starting from $275/ £205 per night.
